The course comprises of 3 units of Lecture and Tutorial and 3 units of Laboratory work.

The lecture includes: Introduction to physical processes involved in drilling oil and gas wells. Rotary drilling rigs for both land and offshore operation. Drilling equipment including rig powering and transmission, hoisting, rotary systems, BOP equipment and hookup, drill pipes and collars. Drilling fluid circulating systems including pumps, mud tanks, mud mixtures and mud cleaners. Elements of rock mechanics and its application in drilling. Selection of drill bits and penetration rate optimisation. Rig sizing and selection. Special marine equipment for offshore drilling.

The laboratory work involves: formulation of a basic drilling fluid and cement flurry and determine physical and chemical properties. Physical and chemical properties include density, viscosity, filtration, alkalinity, acidity, solid contents, and presence of oil, water, and gases in drilling fluids.