Department of Petroleum Engineering

4015 Engineering Building, (307) 766‑4258
Web site: www.uwyo.edu/petroleum
Department Head: Dennis Coon, Ph.D., Interim

Professors:

HERTANTO ADIDHARMA, B.Sc. Institute of Technology, Surabaya 1987; Ph.D. Louisiana State University 1999; Professor of Chemical Engineering 2018, 2005.

MAOHONG FAN, B.S. Wuhan University of Science and Engineering 1984; M.S. Beijing University of Science and Tech., 1992; Ph.D. Chinese Academy of Sciences 1997; Ph.D. Iowa State University 2000; Ph.D. Osaka University 2003; Professor of Chemical Engineering 2015, 2008.

KHALED A.M. GASEM, B.Sc. University of California at Berkley 1976; M.Sc. Colorado School of Mines 1979; Ph.D. Oklahoma State University 1986; Professor of Chemical Engineering 2014.

MOHAMMAD PIRI, B.Sc. Azad University, Arak 1995; M.Sc. Azad University, Tehran 1998; M.Sc. Imperial College, London 2000; Ph.D. 2004; Professor of Petroleum Engineering 2017, 2005.

Associate Professor:

LAMIA GOUAL, B.Sc. Ecole Nationale Polytechnique 1993; M.Sc. Imperial College London 1998; Ph.D. 2003; Associate Professor of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering 2014, 2007.

Assistant Professors:

MORTEZA DEJAM, B.Sc. Petroleum University of Technology 2007; M.Sc. Sharif University of Technology 2009; Ph.D. University of Calgary 2016; Assistant Professor of Petroleum Engineering 2017.

PEJMAN TAHMASEBI, B.S. Sahand University of Technology 2007; M.Sc. Amirkabir University 2009; Ph.D. University of Southern California/Amirkabir University 2012; Assistant Professor of Petroleum Engineering 2016.

SOHEIL SARAJI, B.S. Petroleum University of Technology 2004; M.S. Sharif University of Technology 2007; Ph.D. University of Wyoming 2013; Assistant Professor of Petroleum Engineering 2016.

Professors of Practice:

DOUGLAS N. CUTHBERTSON, B.S. University of Wyoming 1985; Professor of Practice in Petroleum Engineering 2016

BRIAN TOELLE, B.S. Texas A&M University 1978; M.S. Austin State University 1981; Ph.D. West Virginia University 2013; Professor of Practice in Petroleum Engineering 2015.

Associate Lecturer:

TAWFIK ELSHEHABI, B.Sc. Suez Canal University 2003; M.Sc. 2008; Ph.D. West Virginia University 2017; Associate Lecturer 2017.

Professors Emeriti:

Jack Evers
H. Gordon Harris
Norman R. Morrow
Mrityunjai P. Sharma
Brian Towler

Petroleum Engineering trains students for Wyoming’s largest industries, the production of crude oil and gas. With the recognition of the state’s and nation’s vast reserves of natural gas, the curriculum emphasizes the production and processing of this important resource. Because of American predominance in petroleum technology, career opportunities are available throughout most of the world.

The curriculum in petroleum engineering is based upon sound preparation in fundamental sciences, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and geology. The essentials of engineering are added to this foundation: computer programming, statics, dynamics, materials science, hydraulics, and thermodynamics. To aid in developing individuals’ social potential and broaden their educational background, an integrated program in humanities and social sciences is included in the curriculum. Petroleum engineering courses, which are primarily concerned with application of previously acquired knowledge to problems of the oil and gas industry, are concentrated in the junior and senior years.

Petroleum Engineering degree candidates must meet the academic requirements of the college and must have a GPA of 2.000 in Petroleum Engineering (PETE) courses attempted at UW that are applied toward graduation for the B.S. degree from the department. For approved electives, students must have prior approval of their advisor and department head. Courses must be chosen from a list provided by the department. Students must complete a minimum of 48 upper division (junior/senior) or graduate-level semester credit hours for this program.

Petroleum Engineering Program Educational Objectives

Three to six years after graduation, graduates who choose to practice in Petroleum Engineering should:

Successfully practice the profession/field of Petroleum Engineering or related discipline; and
Demonstrate civic engagement and successful career growth.

Petroleum Engineering Program Outcomes

During the course of study in Petroleum Engineering, the student should develop:

an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data;
an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability;
an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams;
an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
an ability to communicate effectively;
the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context;
a recognition of the need for, and ability to engage in life-long learning;
a knowledge of contemporary issues; and
an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Undergraduate “Major Only” Courses

Upper division PETE core courses are restricted to petroleum engineering majors only.

Curriculum Emphasis

The Department of Petroleum Engineering has established curriculum emphases that could shape your interest further or acquire some useful transferable skills. A curriculum emphasis is not a minor or concentration and will not be stated on your diploma. If you choose to follow a curriculum emphasis option, you should discuss it with your academic advisor so they can assist you in planning your courses.

Petroleum Engineering offers the following curriculum emphasis options:

Unconventional Reservoirs
Chemical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Graduate School Preparation

Academic Suspension

Students who have been academically suspended from UW twice are no longer eligible to enroll in PETE courses.

Repeating a Course

Students who fail a PETE class three times can no longer enroll in that class.

Transfer Credit Limit

To graduate with a degree in Petroleum Engineering from UW, students must successfully complete at least 20 credit hours of required PETE courses at UW.

Once a student has transferred to UW’s Department of Petroleum Engineering from another institution, they may transfer no more than 9 additional credits from other institutions.
Non-transfer students may transfer up to 18 credits from other institutions.

Graduate Study

The Department of Petroleum Engineering offers graduate programs leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in petroleum engineering. The M.S. degree is offered with Plan A and Plan B options.

In addition, the Department offers an M.B.A./M.S. in Petroleum Engineering Dual Degree Program, in conjunction with the College of Business M.B.A. Program. Students pursuing this option must apply to and be offered admission from both programs.

Program Specific Admission Requirements

Admission Process and Requirements
Standard Admission
Admission is open to students with at least a B.S. degree in petroleum engineering who meet the minimum requirements:
1. A GPA of 3.000, or equivalent;
2. A GRE score;
3. A TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based),250 (computer-based), or 80 (Internet based) or an IELTS score of 6.5 in each category for international applicants.

Complete official transcripts of all prior college-level coursework, current resume or curriculum vitae, recommendations from three references, and a statement of purpose must be uploaded as parts of the application.

The deadline to submit applications is February 1 each year (to be considered for Fall semester), and September 15 each year (to be considered for Spring semester).

Applications will not be processed until all required documents have been submitted.

Graduate Courses of Study
Incoming graduate students, not preselected by a faculty member, must meet with Petroleum faculty members to obtain information regarding research areas and current availability. The students must formally request a Petroleum faculty member of their choosing to oversee their degree study program.