Energy Engineering and Geoscience - PhD

Energy Engineering and Geoscience is a subfield within the doctoral programme in Science and Technology at UiS. The subfield has specialisations in reservoir engineering, drilling and well engineering, natural gas technology, and petroleum geology. The doctoral programme is linked to the research within each of these specialisations.

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Our research fields

Within the field of reservoir engineering, research includes modelling and measuring physicochemical processes from pore-scale and upwards with a view to increase the amount of extraction from rocks containing oil. Research is also being carried out into modelling the connection between the flow of fluid and rock mechanics for the same purpose.
Research in the field of drilling and wells includes automated drilling processes, well design, completion, and drilling operations. Key research topic areas include drill string dynamics, borehole integrity, current and friction in wells and sand control.
The natural gas specialisation is intended to include research in all topics related to the production, flow, processing and transport of natural gas. There is also ongoing research on hydrate formations.
The main aim of petroleum geology research is concentrated in understanding the processes and mechanisms that form reservoirs and petroleum systems. This includes describing the properties of reservoirs and the formation, migration and accumulation of hydrocarbons.

Courses

The training component should contain the professional and methodological training required for working on and completing the thesis. The programme is structured with a training component (coursework) of 30 credits and a research component of 150 credits. The learning outcomes are partly covered by courses which in turn are divided into three types: programme courses, study courses and project courses, all worth 10 credits each.

These are mandatory for all PhD candidates at the Faculty of Science and Technology.

Students select one of these topics depending on their chosen specialisation. Study courses from other universities can also be selected as long as the course covers the learning outcomes for the programme.

Project courses are supervisor-led and tailored according to the needs of the PhD project. The following project courses are offered:

Learning outcomes will also be covered through completion of research documented by the doctoral thesis, disputation, participation in conferences with presentations, research/study abroad and preparation of scientific papers.

Learning outcomes

The candidate

  • is at the forefront of knowledge within petroleum engineering and has mastered the scientific theory, research questions and methods relating to the subject area
  • is at the forefront of knowledge within at least one of the following subject areas: reservoir engineering, drilling and wells, natural gas technology or petroleum geology
  • can evaluate the suitability and application of different methods and processes in research and development projects in the field
  • can contribute to the development of new knowledge and theories, methods, interpretations and forms of documentation in the field

The candidate

  • can formulate problems, plan and carry out research and development work in the field
  • can carry out research and development work in the field of high international standard
  • can handle complex academic issues and challenge established knowledge and practices in the field of petroleum engineering

The candidate

  • can identify new relevant ethical issues and practice their research with scholarly integrity
  • can manage complex interdisciplinary assignments and projects
  • can communicate research and development work through recognized Norwegian and international channels
  • can participate in debates in the field in international forums
  • can assess the need for, initiate and practice innovation

Admissions requirements

To be admitted to the doctoral programme in Science and Technology – Energy Engineering and Geoscience, the applicant must normally have minimum a five-year master's degree in technology or mathematical-scientific subjects (the degree specifics are stated in the individual vacancy ads in JobbNorge). The applicant must have a strong academic background with both the master’s thesis grade and the weighted grade average of the master’s degree courses being individually equivalent to or better than a grade B.
As the language of instruction is English, applicants must document that they fulfil the listed English language requirements specified in the ad.

All available PhD vacancies are published here.

Academic contacts:

Øystein Arild
Instituttleder
Faculty of Science and Technology
Department of Energy and Petroleum Engineering
Alejandro Escalona Varela
Instituttleder
51832259
Faculty of Science and Technology
Department of Energy Resources