Program Overview

Energy Geophysics Certificate Program

The Energy Geophysics Certificate Program is a 12-credit online certificate designed for individuals seeking to expand their understanding of energy geophysics. The program allows students to choose four three-credit, eight-week online courses to complete the certificate. Each course runs concurrently with an on-campus, in-person course, enabling students to collaborate on discussions, projects, and group activities. Course credits can be applied towards a graduate degree, and individual courses can be taken without applying for the complete certificate.

Program Overview

The Energy Geophysics Certificate Program takes advantage of the Colorado School of Mines' world-renowned faculty and expertise in resource and energy evaluation. With guidance from industry-leading experts, students will expand their knowledge base to better address current exploration and production challenges within the energy industry. The program enables students to develop a solid foundation and proficiency in geophysical methods utilizing the most up-to-date workflow practices in the industry.

Course Descriptions

The following courses are offered as part of the Energy Geophysics Certificate Program:

• GPGN519 - Advanced Formation Evaluation: A detailed review of well logging and other formation evaluation methods, with an emphasis on the imaging and characterization of hydrocarbon reservoirs.
• CCUS521 - Geological Carbon Capture Utilization and Sequestration: This course covers sub-surface aspects of sustainable CCUS projects, including geology, physics, and engineering.
• GPGN545 - Introduction to Distributed Fiber-optic Sensing and its Applications: An introduction to the fundamentals of Distributed Fiber-optic Sensing (DFOS) technologies and their applications in geophysics, petroleum engineering, and other fields.
• GPGN547 - Physics, Mechanics and Petrophysics of Rocks: A discussion of topics in rock physics, rock mechanics, and petrophysics, including stress, strain, stiffness, modulus, attenuation, and dispersion.
• GPGN558 - Seismic Data Interpretation and Quantitative Analysis: A course that provides participants with an understanding of how to model, understand, interpret, and analyze seismic data in a quantitative manner.
• SYGN598 - Introduction to Geothermal Resources: A course that covers the geology, geophysics, engineering, and economics of geothermal reservoirs.
• GPGN651 - Advanced Seismology: An in-depth discussion of wave propagation and seismic processing for anisotropic, heterogeneous media.

Why Choose Energy Geophysics at Mines?

The Energy Geophysics Certificate Program at the Colorado School of Mines offers several benefits, including:

• World-renowned expertise in resource and energy evaluation
• Access to unique facilities and a long history of involvement in resource and energy industry studies
• Courses taught by industry-leading experts in seismic interpretation, quantitative analysis, and formation evaluation methods
• Collaborative opportunities with on-site and remote students
• The option to earn a post-baccalaureate certificate fully online

Faculty

The Energy Geophysics Certificate Program is led by a team of experienced faculty members, including:

• Dr. Brandon Dugan, Professor and Baker Hughes Chair in Petrophysics & Borehole Geophysics
• Dr. Manika Prasad, Professor and Director, Mines CCUS Innovation Center
• Dr. Ilya Tsvankin, University Distinguished Professor
• Dr. Ge Jin, Assistant Professor and Co-director, Reservoir Characterization Project (RCP)