Program Overview

Course Overview

The course "Petroleum Cybernetics for Engineers and Managers" (PG6210) is a part of NTNU's Continuing Education courses. It aims to fill the gap in traditional petroleum engineering education by providing sufficient background in digitalization and automation technologies.

Course Details

• Credits: 7.5
• Level: Further education, higher degree level
• Course Start: Autumn 2025
• Duration: 1 semester
• Language of Instruction: English
• Location: Trondheim
• Examination Arrangement: Oral exam

Course Content

The course covers the following topics with a focus on digital/automation technologies in the oil and gas industry:

• Automation and digitalization in the oil and gas industry
• Elements of digital/automation technologies
• Hierarchy of automation systems
• Models in well construction and hydrocarbons production
• Design and tuning of automatic control systems
• Principles of advanced process control
• Introduction to data analytics/decision support systems
• Systems engineering for digital and automation systems
• Risk evaluation and mitigation
• Safety systems
• Business case evaluation

Learning Outcome

The objective of the course is to educate petroleum engineers and decision makers to become efficient users of digital and automation technologies, understanding their foundations, benefits, and limitations. After completing the course, participants should be able to:

• Identify areas for potential applications of automation and digital technologies in the upstream oil and gas industry
• Suggest an appropriate type of digital/automation technology
• Critically review its implementation and operation plans
• Identify risks and risk mitigating actions
• Evaluate its business impact

Learning Methods and Activities

The course is session-based, with two sessions per semester, each lasting 3 days, including self-study, exercises, and a project between sessions. It will be given in English.

Compulsory Assignments

• Exercises

Specific Conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required, specifically Continuing Education, Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology (EVUIVC0).

Recommended Previous Knowledge

Experience in upstream petroleum technology is recommended.

Required Previous Knowledge

An Engineer/Bachelor's/Master's degree in a technical discipline is required.

Course Materials

Lecture notes, selected papers, and publications will be used.

Subject Areas

The course covers the following subject areas:

• Petroleum Engineering - Production Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering - Reservoir Engineering
• Applied Information and Communication Technology
• Petroleum Production/Well Technology
• Engineering Subjects

Examination Details

• Examination Arrangement: Oral exam
• Grade: Passed / Not Passed
• Ordinary Examination - Autumn 2025: Oral exam, weighting 100/100, examination aids Code D, duration 1 hour.