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ENVB40730

Academic Year 2025/2026

Birds and Offshore Wind Energy (ENVB40730)

Subject:
Environmental Biology
College:
Science
School:
Biology & Environment Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Adam Kane
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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.

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 minimizing avian impacts of wind infrastructure.

Indicative Module Content:

Indicative content:

1. Introduction to Marine Avian Ecology Part 1
2. Introduction to Marine Avian Ecology Part 2
3. Bird Flight Behavior and Collision Risk
4. Mortality Monitoring and Collision Detection
5. Habitat Loss and Displacement Effects
6. Population-Level Impact Assessments
7. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Wind Projects
suggest improvements.
8. Monitoring and Mitigation Techniques
migration) on collision rates.
9. Regulatory and Policy Frameworks
10. Emerging Technologies and Future Directions

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

10
Computer Aided Lab

10
Field Trip/External Visits

6
Autonomous Student Learning

74
Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Online lectures and practicals paired with two half-day field trips.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Data analysis/ species ID/ report writing to follow each lecture. Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
80
 No
Report(s): Report from field trips Week 12 Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
20
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 1 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Florence Renou-Wilson Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
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