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5. GS6030: Geophysics and Geology for the Offshore Wind Energy sector

Course Fact File

Code	GS6030
Teaching Mode	Part-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info.
Fees	Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy Course Fee: €1,000. Full course fee: €6,000. See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	22 January 2027
Credits	5
Start Date	February 2027 (tbc pending shiptime scheduling)

Course Outline

This course covers an introduction to essential topics in Geophysics and Geology for the Offshore Wind sector. It equips learners with practical knowledge and hands-on skills for a career as an Offshore Wind Geophysicist. Participants will learn methodologies, tools and techniques for seabed assessment, geophysical data collection and geotechnical site investigations.

The course includes 2 days overnight on board the national research vessel, the RV Tom Creane, for ship-based training where learners will apply their acquired knowledge through a survey scenario, deploying survey equipment, acquiring data and assessing results.

Content:

• The application of geology and geophysics to offshore wind energy development.
• Seabed mapping.
• Seismic imaging and seismic data interpretation.
• Magnetic and electromagnetic imaging.
• Gravity and electric surveys.
• Sub-seabed geotechnical appraisals.
• Environmental impacts of geophysical surveys and the Irish regulatory controls.
• Shipbased data collection  (2 days overnight ship-based training).
• Geophysical data interpretation practical exercise.

The course is hybrid with lecture material delivered on-line although we would encourage the in-person option which is available for those who can travel. In-person lectures will be scheduled over one week (pending room availability) prior to the ship-based training. On-line recordings will be released simultaneously. The 2 days overnight ship-based training is a key component of the module whereby course participants get to experience hands-on geophysical and geological data collection with a wind farm development scenario off the south coast of Ireland. Meals and overnight accommodation will be provided on-board. As UCC enrolled students, indemnity cover is provided. There is a compulsory in-person requirement for this ship-based training, and the practical and in-class test on the lecture material which follows. This can be accomplished in one visit over 3 days with the practical and in-class test following immediately after the shiptime. The exact scheduling the courser in February will be confirmed when the shiptime schedule is finalised in January.

 

The course is accredited by University College Cork as a microcredential with a consequence that a Certification of Award cannot be issued until the marks are ratified at the College Exam Board in June. However, a Certificate of Completion will be issued immediately following the successful completion of the module in February.

– specific queries to a.wheeler@ucc.ie  

Additional Teaching Mode Information

Quantity	Duration	Type	Mode of Delivery
7	1 hr(s)	Lectures	In Person and recorded
1	3 hr(s)	Practicals/Laboratories	In person only
1	2 day(s)	Ship-based training	In person only

Learning Methods:
99 hr(s) independent enquiry

Assessment: Continuous assessment - 100 marks

Course Practicalities

Academic Contact Details for this Course

Prof Andrew Wheeler - School of BEES

Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a primary degree (min. Second Class Honours Grade II) in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) (180 ECTS credits or equivalent) from a recognized third-level institution, in Geography, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Oceanography, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering or a related discipline. 

 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants from other disciplines, including those in the Arts or Social Sciences, may be eligible to apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). 

To be considered, applicants should have a demonstrable interest and/or 2 years experience in the marine industry, and who can offer sufficient numerical abilities.

If you wish to apply via RPL, you must select 'Yes' to the RPL question when completing your application in UCC Apply.

• As part of the application, you will be required to submit: 
• A Personal Statement outlining your motivation for applying and detailing relevant work or life experience.
• Any other relevant supporting documentation evidencing your prior learning - please refer to the RPL Learner Guide for details on appropriate evidence.

 

Fees and Costs

Skillnet Funding 
Skillnet Ireland is dedicated to fostering skills and expertise and is partnering with UCC on this micro-credential to fund part of the course fee for eligible participants.  Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy Course Fee: €1,000. Full course fee: €6,000.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

Trainees

Key requirements regarding the Trainees:

• Trainees must be based in the Republic of Ireland to be eligible.
• Be self-employed, or employed within a company that: 
  • Is a private enterprise based in the Republic of Ireland
  • Is not a public sector body or a publicly funded organisation (e.g. community-based not-for-profits or charities)  

Please note:  

• Commercial semi-state companies are eligible, provided that the remaining programme fee is not funded from the public purse
• Sole traders are considered eligible as companies  

If you have further queries on funding please contact training@skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie including the module you wish to apply for.

If you have further queries on funding please contact training@skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie including the module you wish to apply for.

How To Apply

Applications via Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy only. Please visit: https://skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie/courses/introduction-to-geology-and-geophysics-for-offshore-wind/ 

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