Petroleum engineers extract oil and gas from deposits below the Earth’s surface. They collaborate with other professionals to understand the geological and geophysical characteristics of particular reservoirs, before designing, testing and implementing the most effective and profitable extraction method.

Because reservoirs yield up to 30% of their oil, petroleum engineers are needed to develop methods that optimise oil and gas production. These engineers are also needed to help develop offshore gas fields.

In this major you will learn how to evaluate, drill, develop and mine oil and gas reserves. You'll study chemical engineering, drilling, fluid flow through reservoirs, formation evaluation, geology, hydrocarbon phase behaviour, oil and gas field development, petroleum production technology, thermodynamics and well completions engineering.

You will undertake practical study in fluid and reservoir rock and drilling laboratories, and gain industry exposure through field trips to service company offices, government offices, and drilling, exploration and production operation sites.

You'll also gain an understanding of global economic trends and corporate profit margins through the study of economics, risk and project management.