Exploration and Reservoir Geology Course
Website: https://master-stpe.edu.umontpellier.fr/accueil/ger/
By training top-tier exploration geologists, the Master’s program in Exploration and Reservoir Geology (GER) addresses society’s current and future needs regarding the evolving demand for energy and mineral resources.
The key competencies targeted are as follows:
- Exploration and procurement of energy, mineral, and drinking water resources.
- Safe disposal or temporary storage of fluids in underground tanks
- Characterization, modeling, and prediction of reservoir architecture and dynamics.
- Optimization, recovery, and sustainability of resources, while ensuring environmental safety.
Graduates incorporate environmental requirements from the earliest stages of exploration and throughout the entire production process.
Program Description
The program lasts two years and is divided into four semesters. It begins in September with an “integration field internship”
The first two semesters focus on fundamental skills in geology.This provides students with a solid foundation in earth sciences, with a particular emphasis on basin analysis, sedimentology, tectonics, geodynamics, stratigraphy, and metal concentration processes. This part of the program relies heavily on fieldwork conducted primarily in the Montpellier area and in Spain. Fieldwork accounts for more than a quarter of the program.
The third semester involves applying these fundamental skills to hydrocarbon, mineral/metallic ore, and geothermal deposits using exploration tools: drilling geophysics, 2D-3D seismic interpretation, permeability modeling of reservoir units and faults, structural and petrophysical modeling, and modeling and evaluation of mineral and fluid resources. Courses are primarily taught by professionals from companies and agencies: Schlumberger, Total, and BRGM for the “fluid” component, and Areva, Eramet, Imerys, Coralis, and Etex for the “mining” component. Students have privileged access to the most advanced and specialized software, as well as to real geological datasets provided through industry partnerships.
The fourth semester consists primarily of a long-term internship (5 to 6 months) ina company or research laboratory, which strengthens students’ professional profiles and provides them with invaluable experience in the job market.
In addition to the graduate degree, a partnership with IMT Mines Alès (80 km from Montpellier) offers the opportunity to earn an engineering degree through an optional third year.
Download the brochure for this route
Educational Contact:
Administrative contact:
ANTERRIEU KARINE