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Impacts of offshore wind energy infrastructure on Birds

Overview

Module Code ENVB40730
Module Title

Impacts of offshore wind energy infrastructure on birds
Subject Area Biology
Credits 5
NFQ 9
EFQ 7
Start Date 4th November 2025
Duration

10 Weeks 
Time Tuesday, 16:00-17:50 (Subject to change);
2 x field trips to take place in late November/ early December 
Mode of Delivery Hybrid
Course Leader Dr Adam Kane
Fee

Skillnet is dedicated to fostering skills and expertise and can fund part of the course fee for eligible participants.  

Skillnet Course Fee: €600

If you are not eligible for funding the course fee is €1,850.

See Funding Information below for further details
Application Information

Please note that this is a subsidised course funded by Wind Energy Skillnet.  By submitting your application, you consent to your name and email address being shared with Wind Energy Skillnet, and all course fees will be processed through them.   Apply Now

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This interdisciplinary course explores the ecological impacts of offshore wind energy infrastructure on marine/ coastal bird populations. Students will critically examine the interactions between wind turbines, habitat alteration, and bird behaviour, with a focus on species vulnerability, collision mortality, displacement, and population-level effects. The course integrates concepts from ecology, environmental science, conservation biology, and environmental policy. Students will review and evaluate peer-reviewed literature, environmental impact assessments, and case studies from around the world with a focus on Ireland.

Key topics include identification, monitoring, bird flight behaviour and turbine collision risk modelling, habitat fragmentation, cumulative impact assessment, and mitigation strategies. The course also examines the regulatory frameworks and best practices for siting and monitoring wind farms to minimize avian impacts.

People already working in or planning to work in the wind energy sector or ecologists looking to focus in on this sector.

Learning outcomes:

  • Understand the direct and indirect effects of offshore wind energy on bird populations.
  • Identify and monitor at-risk species.
  • Analyse and critique scientific studies and environmental assessments related to wind energy development.
  • Apply ecological and statistical tools to assess risk and impact.
  • Develop evidence-based recommendations for minimising avian impacts of wind infrastructure.

Indicative content: 

  • Introduction to Marine Avian Ecology Part 1
  • Introduction to Marine Avian Ecology Part 2
  • Bird Flight Behaviour and Collision Risk
  • Mortality Monitoring and Collision Detection
  • Habitat Loss and Displacement Effects
  • Population-Level Impact Assessments
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Wind Projects suggests improvements
  • Monitoring and Mitigation Techniques migration) on collision rates.
  • Regulatory and Policy Frameworks
  • Emerging Technologies and Future Directions

By the end of the course, you will have a comprehensive overview of the bird species that can be impacted by offshore wind energy infrastructure, the potential impacts, how to measure them and how to set out monitoring all of the above in the field. 

10 x 50-minute lectures will be delivered online either pre-recorded or live. Students will be introduced to the weekly practical and given the week to complete this. Two half day field trips to Dublin Bay Biosphere. More data analysis-focused lectures will use examples of bird groups likely to be encountered to reinforce identification skills.

Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in biology, sustainability or another relevant discipline, including in renewable energy. An upper second-class honours Level 8 degree (GPA 3.08), or international equivalent is required.

Applications will also be accepted from those with significant, relevant, practical experience or those with a graduate qualification relevant to the micro-credential.

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proof of English proficiency as per UCD's minimum English language requirements.

All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

  • 10 practical classes worth 80%. 
  • 1 pre-recorded presentation based on the field trips available to the class worth 20%

Skillnet Funding 
Skillnet is dedicated to fostering skills and expertise and can fund part of the course fee for eligible participants.  

Skillnet Course Fee: €600

If you are not eligible for funding the course fee is €1,850.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

Trainees

Key requirements regarding the Trainees:

  • Trainees must be based in the Republic of Ireland to be eligible.
  • Trainees must be employed within private enterprise/self-employed.

Companies

Key requirements regarding the eligibility of businesses to participate in funding:

  • Companies must be from private enterprise based in the Republic of Ireland.
  • Skillnet Ireland funding is not available to public sector bodies or organisations that are publicly funded such as community-based not-for-profit companies or charities.
  • Commercial semi-state companies are eligible providing that income contributed to a Network is not sourced from the public purse.
  • Sole traders are eligible as Companies.


If you have further queries on funding please contact (opens in a new window)training@skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie including the module you wish to apply for

Please note that this is a subsidised course funded by Wind Energy Skillnet. By submitting your application, you consent to your name and email address being shared with Wind Energy Skillnet, and all course fees will be processed through them.  

Module part of the Certificate in Infection Control, first module PHPS41270

On successful completion of this micro-credential, you will receive credits as per the European Credit and Transfer System. These credits are recognised by the awarding institution as credits aligned to learning completed at postgraduate level.

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