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CHM311Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Petroleum Chemistry

This course introduces the fundamental principles of petroleum chemistry. It explores the origin, composition, and properties of crude oil and natural gas. Key topics include the fate of organic matter in sedimentary basins, gas transportation, and the distribution of petroleum resources. Students will learn about basic petroleum refining processes, natural gas treatment, and the role of petrochemicals. The course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of petroleum chemistry and its significance in the energy sector.

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90h
Study Time
13
Weeks
7h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Petroleum ChemistryCrude OilNatural GasRefiningPetrochemicals

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Origin of Crude Oil

2

Fate of Organic Matter

3

Gas Transportation

4

Crude Oil Composition

5

Petroleum Refining

6

Natural Gas Treatment

7

Petrochemicals

Total Topics7 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Petroleum Chemist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Refinery Operator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Petrochemical Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Energy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Oil and GasPetrochemicalsEnergyEnvironmental ManagementChemical Manufacturing

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Basic Concepts in Petroleum Chemistry

2h

Unit 1: Origin of Crude Oil

2 study hours
  • •Define crude oil and petroleum chemistry.
  • •Describe the biogenic origin theory and its supporting evidence.
  • •Explain the role of photosynthesis in crude oil production.
Week
2

Module 1: Basic Concepts in Petroleum Chemistry

2h

Unit 2: Fate of Organic Matter in Sedimentary Basins

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the processes of diagenesis, catagenesis, and metagenesis.
  • •Explain the transformation of organic matter into kerogen.
  • •Describe the different types of kerogen and their hydrocarbon generation potential.
Week
3

Module 1: Basic Concepts in Petroleum Chemistry

2h

Unit 3: Gas Origin, Transportation and Uses

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the origin and accumulation of natural gas.
  • •Differentiate between conventional and unconventional gas accumulations.
  • •List the various uses of natural gas and their environmental impacts.
Week
4

Module 1: Basic Concepts in Petroleum Chemistry

2h

Unit 4: Oil Well, Oil Field and Reservoir

2 study hours
  • •Describe the components of an oil well and the processes of completion, production, and abandonment.
  • •Explain the concept of an oil reservoir and the different types of traps.
  • •Discuss methods for estimating oil reserves and reservoir engineering principles.
Week
5

Module 2: Composition of Crude and Natural Gas

2h

Unit 1: Composition, Properties and Classification of Crude oil

2 study hours
  • •Describe the different hydrocarbon compounds found in crude oil.
  • •Explain the properties of crude oil, including density, specific gravity, and sulphur content.
  • •Discuss the various classifications of crude oil based on composition.
Week
6

Module 2: Composition of Crude and Natural Gas

2h

Unit 2: Natural Gas Origin, Transportation and Uses

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the origin and accumulation of natural gas.
  • •Explain the accumulation of natural gas.
  • •Differentiate between natural gas and other gases.
Week
7

Module 2: Composition of Crude and Natural Gas

2h

Unit 3: Basic Petroleum Refining

2 study hours
  • •Describe the process of fractional distillation and vacuum distillation.
  • •Explain the processes of thermal cracking, hydrocracking, and catalytic cracking.
  • •Discuss the fluid catalytic cracking process and its components.
Week
8

Module 2: Composition of Crude and Natural Gas

2h

Unit 4: Natural Gas Treatment Processes

2 study hours
  • •Explain acid gas treatment methods, including physical absorption, physical adsorption, and chemical absorption.
  • •Describe the process of water removal from natural gas.
  • •Discuss the recovery of condensable hydrocarbons and the treatment of liquefied natural gas.
Week
9

Module 3: Distribution of Petroleum and Natural Gases Resources

2h

Unit 1: Distribution of Natural Gases

2 study hours
  • •Differentiate between upstream and downstream sectors.
  • •Explain the world natural gas distribution and production.
  • •Discuss political activity and civil unrest.
Week
10

Module 3: Distribution of Petroleum and Natural Gases Resources

2h

Unit 2: Nigeria Natural Gas Potential

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the potential of Nigeria gas.
  • •Explain the cost of production of natural gas.
  • •Enumerate the potential market for natural gas.
Week
11

Module 3: Distribution of Petroleum and Natural Gases Resources

2h

Unit 3: Petrochemicals from Natural Gas

2 study hours
  • •List the chemicals that can be obtained from natural gas.
  • •Explain the following methods methanation, oxidation of paraffins, and shift conversion.
  • •State the uses of carbon disulphide.
Week
12

Module 3: Distribution of Petroleum and Natural Gases Resources

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours
  • •Review all modules
  • •Work on assignments
  • •Prepare for final examination
Week
13

Module 3: Distribution of Petroleum and Natural Gases Resources

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours
  • •Complete any outstanding assignments
  • •Review all modules
  • •Prepare for final examination

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Focus on understanding the different stages of petroleum generation and refining.

2

Create diagrams illustrating the key processes in natural gas treatment.

3

Practice solving problems related to crude oil classification and properties.

4

Review the environmental impacts associated with petroleum and natural gas production.

5

Study the economic aspects of natural gas distribution and trade.

6

Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 database concepts

7

Practice SQL queries from Units 7-9 weekly

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