What to study if you like math, programming, and simulations?

If you enjoy solving math problems, programming computers or understanding how digital simulations work, there are degrees that allow you to turn those interests into a career.

I like math, programming and simulations

One possibility is working in the development and use of technologies applied to the energy industry.

The oil and gas sector uses mathematical models and specialized programs to represent processes that occur at great depths, study fluid behavior and plan operations.

Degrees that combine math and technology

Computer Engineering and Computer Science

The Computer Engineering and Computer Science provide knowledge of programming, algorithms, databases, software architecture and computer systems.

Their professionals can develop applications, optimize scientific programs and work on platforms used by energy companies.

They can also participate in the development of simulation software and information processing tools, working as software engineers or programmers.

Petroleum Engineering and other engineering degrees

The Petroleum Engineering allows you to apply mathematics, physics and numerical methods to reservoir analysis.

Other degrees, such as Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering and some specializations in Physical Engineering, can also lead to simulation projects.

The difference lies in the problem to be solved: while some disciplines focus on equipment or processes, Petroleum Engineering delves into reservoir behavior.

Applied Mathematics and Data Science

Mathematics, especially in its computational applications, and Data Science allow you to develop skills related to statistics, predictive models, optimization and computational analysis.

Their professionals can work with industrial data and collaborate on decision support systems. Among the possible career paths are mathematicians and data analysts.

To join specialized energy projects they need to complement their knowledge with industry fundamentals. They can also check the career paths in mathematics and the specializations in Data Science.

How are simulations used in oil and gas?

A simulation allows you to represent a physical system through mathematical equations and computational calculations.

In oil and gas, specialists use simulators to study how fluids might move within a reservoir during its production.

Programs such as ECLIPSE by SLB, tNavigator by Rock Flow Dynamics and CMG by Computer Modelling Group make it possible to analyze production scenarios, pressure variations and injection strategies.

There are also platforms such as Petrel by SLB, which facilitate geological modeling of the subsurface.

Behind these tools work professionals with knowledge of engineering, programming and applied mathematics.

What skills should you develop?

Logical reasoning and problem solving. In reservoir simulation, it is necessary to interpret results and detect possible errors. For example, if a model predicts oil production different from that observed, specialists must review the data and assumptions used to explain that difference. This procedure is related to fitting models to historical data, known as history matching, explained by SLB. 

Algebra. It lets you work with equations that relate physical variables such as pressure, viscosity, permeability, and flow rate. For example, Darcy's law relates these properties to study the movement of fluids through rocks. The Society of Petroleum Engineers explains these mathematical applications in an article dedicated to the equations used in hydrocarbon exploration and production.

Calculus and differential equations. They are important for studying how pressures change and how fluids move within a reservoir over time. For example, a model can represent the evolution of pressure when several wells extract oil simultaneously. The book Reservoir Simulation, published by SIAM, develops the mass conservation and flow equations used to represent these phenomena.

Statistics and uncertainty analysis. Subsurface data are incomplete and many rock properties must be estimated. For example, specialists can compare different possible permeability values to study how production forecasts would change. SLB explains that its reservoir engineering tools incorporate uncertainty analysis to reduce risks and improve technical decisions.

Programming with Python. It lets you automate repetitive tasks and process large amounts of information. For example, you can create programs to analyze well logs, process seismic data, or classify geological properties. SLB developed Python Tool Pro for Petrel, a tool that integrates Python directly into its subsurface interpretation and modeling processes.

Data visualization. It helps interpret complex information through charts, maps, and three-dimensional models. For example, it lets you represent the distribution of geological properties or compare how pressure and production evolve across different scenarios. The documentation for SLB's Petrel Reservoir Engineering describes how subsurface information is integrated to evaluate and optimize production projects.

Numerical methods. They make it possible to use computers to solve mathematical problems that are difficult to solve exactly. For example, a simulation can divide a reservoir into thousands of cells and calculate how pressures and fluids evolve in each one. The book Reservoir Simulation from SIAM explains the use of finite differences and other computational methods to solve these problems.

Technical English. It can be especially useful for understanding specialized documentation and working with international teams. Its importance also shows up in specific job requirements, along with experience in simulation and proficiency with programs like Petrel and ECLIPSE. This shows its relevance for certain profiles, although it does not mean that all jobs in the sector require the same level.

What degree should you choose based on your interests and skills?

If your main interest is creating applications and developing algorithms, Computer Engineering or Computer Science may be the most direct alternatives.

If you prefer using simulations to study the physical behavior of reservoirs, Petroleum Engineering can offer specialized training.

If you enjoy building mathematical models and analyzing large volumes of information, Applied Mathematics or Data Science are also options.

Energy software represents a meeting point between computing and engineering. Therefore, there are different academic paths to take part in this specialty.