CAS in Deep Geothermal Systems - DEEGEOSYS

Needs in geothermal education

Since 2009, a new Master’s degree of Science in Hydrogeology and Geothermics began at the University of Neuchâtel, organized by the Centre for Hydrogeology and Geothermics. A common‐core syllabus covers basic domains in hydrogeology and in geothermics, then the specialization intervenes for the last part.

As specialists are missing for exploration and exploitation of the geothermal reservoirs in Switzerland and Europe, a continuing education programme in deep geothermal systems still corresponds to a real need.

Today, a new Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS DEEGEOSYS) is available at the University of Neuchâtel and presented here.

Objectives

This Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS DEEGEOSYS) is dedicated to train scientists and engineers in several fields of applied geothermics. They will be capable of planning, of setting up and of leading exploration and/or development projects of deep geothermal resources (deep aquifers and Enhanced Geothermal Systems).

Participants

Earth scientists (geologists, geophysicists, hydrogeologists, geochemists), civil‐ or energy engineers, having a M.Sc. or an equivalent degree.

Training programme

The CAS DEEGEOSYS includes four one‐week long modules separated by a two‐month break. Each module covers a specific topic.

• Module1 : Geothermics and geophysics
• Module2 : Geochemistry and hydrochemistry
• Module3 : Drilling and logging
• Module4 : Reservoir evaluation and production

The modules include courses given by international experts, exercises, visits of geothermal installations and exams.

At the end of the course, the participants will be required to write a technical report.

Technical report

Having followed 4 modules, the participants draft in a personal way a report on one of the themes studied during the CAS, supervised by one of the teachers. This technical report should take approximately 60 working hours and must be validated by the responsible teacher and the management of the CAS.

Credits ECTS

The CAS DEEGEOSYS totalizes 10 ECTS: 2 ECTS per module (courses, exercises, examinations, technical visits) and 2 ECTS for the technical report.

Certificate

To be granted the certificate of the CAS, the participants have to achieve successfully the 4 modules, the exams and the technical report.

Fees

Fee Amount (CHF):

• Application (no refund): 150
• Administration: 150
• Four modules: 4’000
• Technical report 1’000

Grand total: 5’300

On inquiry and if there is enough place, a participant who does not wish to follow the entireness of the CAS, nor to realize the technical report, can register separately for 1, 2 or 3 modules.

Fee to follow a single module (registration and administration included): 1’200 CHF

Schedule

The first edition of the CAS DEEGEOSYS will start in November 2011.

• Module 1 : November 21‐25, 2011
• Module 2 : January 23‐27, 2012
• Module 3 : March 26‐30, 2012
• Module 4 : June 4‐8, 2012
• Technical report deadline: July 27, 2012

Frequency

Annual: the training programme of the CAS must be completed within a single annual cycle ; on inquiry and by exceptional dispensation, it could be followed on two cycles.

Attendance

The maximum number of participants is limited to 20, in order to facilitate the relations between the teachers and the participants, as well as the exercises in the computer room.

Language of teaching

The teaching will be given in English: it will allow recruiting students and teachers at the national and international level.

The technical report of the end of course can be drafted in English, in French or in German.

Lecturers

Major teaching: 6 to 7 international experts coming from research institutes and/or from private companies, giving the largest part of the modules.

Minor teaching: 2 to 3 lecturers of the Laboratory for Geothermics, University of Neuchâtel, giving specific topics.

Rules

A separate document details all the aspects of the teaching and the rules of the continuing education at the University of Neuchâtel.

Scientific committee

A scientific committee will validate the structure and the contents of the modules and the programme of the CAS.

Organization

Laboratory for Geothermics ‐ CREGE (Centre of Hydrogeology and Geothermics – CHYN, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland)

Management: Prof. Eva Schill & Dr. François‐D. Vuataz

Sponsors

Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), Bern

Services Industriels de Genève (SIG), Geneva