Petroleum Geology for Non-Geologists (OG-040) Training Course

Petroleum Geology for Non-Geologists

Many professionals in the oil and gas industry work closely with geologists without a geoscience background: engineers, commercial staff, finance professionals, lawyers…

5 daysClassroom or online

13Upcoming dates

7Cities

£2,750Fees from

Course overview

Why Attend

Many professionals in the oil and gas industry work closely with geologists without a geoscience background: engineers, commercial staff, finance professionals, lawyers and managers. Understanding the basic concepts of petroleum geology helps them communicate effectively and make better decisions.

This LLMI course explains how petroleum systems form, how hydrocarbons are generated, migrate and are trapped, how exploration is carried out, and how geologists and geophysicists describe reservoirs and estimate volumes. Technical concepts are presented in clear, non-mathematical language with many real examples.

Participants leave with the vocabulary and understanding needed to engage confidently with technical teams.

Course Objectives

Explain basic geological concepts and time scales

Describe petroleum systems: source, reservoir, seal and trap

Understand exploration methods including seismic

Interpret basic maps and well logs

Understand how volumes and risks are estimated

Communicate effectively with geoscience teams

Target Audience

Engineers without geoscience background

Commercial and business development staff

Finance and legal professionals in oil and gas

Managers and administrators

Government officials

New entrants to the industry

Course Methodology

Non-technical explanations with visuals

Map and log interpretation exercises

Case studies of discoveries

Group discussions

Daily recap

Course outline

1Day 1: Basic Geology

Earth structure and plate tectonics
Rock types and the rock cycle
Geological time
Sedimentary environments
Structural geology basics
Exercise: Identifying rock types

2Day 2: Petroleum Systems

Source rocks and generation
Migration
Reservoir rocks
Seals and traps
Petroleum system elements
Case study: A petroleum system

3Day 3: Exploration Methods

Exploration workflow
Seismic acquisition and interpretation
Gravity and magnetics
Exploration wells
Risk and chance of success
Exercise: Interpreting a seismic section

4Day 4: Reservoir Description

Well logs basics
Core and fluid samples
Maps and cross-sections
Reservoir heterogeneity
Volumetric estimation
Exercise: Simple volume estimate

5Day 5: Geology in Business Decisions

Prospect evaluation
Appraisal and development
Uncertainty communication
Working with geoscience teams
Geology and energy transition
Capstone: Prospect review presentation

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Petroleum Geology for Non-Geologists course?

The course runs over 5 days of classroom training, usually Monday to Friday.

When is the next Petroleum Geology for Non-Geologists course?

The next public date is 21 - 25 Dec 2026 in Istanbul. There are 13 upcoming dates in total.

Where is this course held?

Upcoming sessions run in Istanbul, Cape Town, Barcelona, Rome, Munich, Amsterdam, London.

Can I take Petroleum Geology for Non-Geologists online?

Yes. Every date can also be joined live online in a virtual classroom with the trainer, for £1,280 per participant. Choose "Live online" in the dates table when you register.

How much does the course cost?

Fees start from £2,750 per delegate, depending on the city. Fees include tuition and course materials.

Do participants receive a certificate?

Yes. Delegates who complete the course receive a London Leadership Management Innovation certificate of completion.

Can this course be delivered in-house for our team?

Yes. LLMI can tailor and deliver this course privately for your organisation at your premises or in one of our training cities.

Course information last updated 14 November 2026.

Petroleum Geology for Non-Geologists

Course overview

Course outline

Dates and fees

Frequently asked questions

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