The world demand for energy is growing and the oil and gas industry will supply much of this energy for decades to come. The sustained discoveries of oil and gas along the East Coast coupled with continued oil and gas discoveries on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and Labrador, and in the Arctic Regions, renews Canada’s commitment to become self-sufficient in its fossil energy needs. As a result, the industry continues to demand highly skilled engineering technologists to fulfill many roles. The three-year TAC Accredited Petroleum Engineering Technology (Co-op) program is designed to train technologists for lucrative careers in the oil and gas industry, which is supported by the increased interest in sustainable methods of further enhancing science and technology to develop these reservoirs.
ACCREDITATION
This program is accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board under the mandate of the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists.
The academic credentials of graduates of accredited technology programs are recognized internationally by the signatories of the Sydney Accord.
Graduates completing this program are automatically eligible for membership in the Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists of Newfoundland and Labrador (AETTNL), as well as any similar association in Canada.
Upon completion of this program graduates may choose to further their education by completing a bachelor degree in technology or engineering at one of several institutions that have articulation agreements with College of the North Atlantic.
OBJECTIVES
As a petroleum engineering technologist, the graduate will have the knowledge and skill that will allow him/her to:
1. Demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to participate in finding solutions to sustainable Oil and Gas development.
2. Construct and interpret maps and sections using surface geology, subsurface (drill hole) geology and geophysical data.
3. Interpret topographic maps & profiles, geologic maps & sections, and seismic data to assist in land-based and offshore resource exploration and development.
4. Analyze drill cuttings, drill core, and data from open-hole & cased-hole logging tools to evaluate reservoir formations in terms of porosity, permeability, fluid saturation and net pay.
5. Assist in planning, designing, inspecting, supervising, and constructing oil and gas wells.
6. Assist in estimating petroleum reserves and optimizing productivity using petroleum engineering principles.
7. Select, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain the equipment associated with the separation of the produced gas/oil/water fluids.
CURRICULUM
General education consisting of Project Management Skills (theoretical and applied), Communication Skills (oral and written), Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Electrotechnology, Computers, Engineering Graphics, Technology Awareness, and Student Success.
Specific education consisting of technical courses covering Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Materials and Processes, Instrumentation and Capstone Project.
Practical education employing labs and shops focused on Drilling, Production, Facilities, Reservoir and Geology.
Work exposure consisting of field experience, gained from a minimum 12 week work term which provides students the opportunity to gain valuable related work experience.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of this program may obtain employment in all aspects of the petroleum industry. These opportunities include but are not limited to oil and natural gas exploration, production and processing, refining, oil and gas pipeline construction, gas utilities, as well as a variety of related activities associated with refining and transportation.
Graduates with two years of progressive work experience may be eligible to receive the designation of Professional Technologist (P. Tech) upon completion of a Professional Practice and Ethics Exam.
CERTIFICATIONS
Students in Petroleum Engineering Technology (Co-op) program will be required to complete the following safety certifications throughout their three-years of study:
- H2S Awareness
- WHMIS
- Standard First Aid/Heart Start
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) - during the second year of studies.
*Students should be aware that additional fees may apply for external certifications.
Note:
Students will also be required to complete a number of non-credit co-op education seminars throughout the program (resume writing, job search skills and interview preparation).
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for admission to an Engineering Technology program requires the applicant to meet one of the following four academic criteria:
1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English (2 credits) (minimum 60%) from: 3201
ii. Mathematics (4 credits) chosen from:
Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
Note: Students who received a combined average of 70% in high school Academic Mathematics 2201 and 3201, or a pass in both high school
Advanced Mathematics 2200 and 3200 can be exempted from Math 1700. Students must apply for the exemption.
iii. Science (4 credits) two of which must be selected from:
Biology: 3201
Physics: 3204
Chemistry: 3202
Earth Systems: 3209
Note: The remaining two Science credits to be chosen from the highest Science mark in level 1, 2 or 3.
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science (Transition) Certificate with the following courses:
i. Math (60% MINIMUM)
MA1040,
MA1041
ii. Two Science courses chosen from one of the following three combinations:
Note: It is strongly recommended that CAS students who intend to enroll in Engineering Technology programs complete both of the Chemistry courses and both of the Physics courses.
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile including the following courses (or equivalent):
i. English (60% minimum) 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
ii. Mathematics (60% minimum) 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
iii. Science from one of the following sections:
a. Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
b. Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
c. Physics 1104, 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, 3104C
Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, are 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to
Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
International Applicants – English Proficiency
All international applicants must meet the College’s English language proficiency requirements for acceptance into regular programs. The College will accept these recognized tests of English language proficiency (TOEFL paper based 550, TOEFL Internet based 79, TOEFL computer based 213 or equivalent, IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 6.0, or Pearson PTE 53 or greater, etc.).
If a language proficiency test other than those referenced above was used, applicants can forward for assessment.
If an international applicant has attended an educational institution (high school or post-secondary) for a period of three years or more where the official language of instruction was English, the English language proficiency test will not be required.
Note: Some programs may require specific English language requirements and proficiency scores that differ from those stated above; therefore international applicants are advised to please refer to the specific program admission requirements as identified in the College Calendar.