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Learn the fundamentals of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) including terminology, types of platforms, flight physics, and selection of UAS for specific needs and applications.
The use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) has taken off in recent decades and are used for research, industrial, surveying, emergency response, risk management, real estate, and commercial purposes. They combine sophisticated flying platforms such as fixed-winged planes and copters with payloads of sensors that range from optical cameras to air quality sensors. New jobs dependent on UAS are burgeoning across a wide array of industries in addition to aerospace.
In this free, self-paced online course, you examine the types of platforms available to most consumers and industry users and will understand the principles and characteristics of how they fly.
The course comprises three modules, each lasting one week. The course kicks off with the basics of UAS including the history of the technology, principles of flight, and introduce the terminology used.
Next, you will learn about the components that are needed for the platform to function, such as the structure, electronics, propulsion, controls, navigation, and sensors.
The third section will examine the wide variety of sensors commonly integrated into an UAS and how they are used for a variety of applications. These include optical cameras, LiDAR, thermal, as well as less commonly used sensors like radar and air quality sensors. You will have an opportunity to build your own UAS through interactive activities. Finally, coursework focuses on what combination of platform and sensor(s) will work the best for your particular needs.
Ungraded knowledge tests and quizzes throughout the course and a hands-on UAS design activity provide the opportunity to apply the concepts in the course to your interests and context within a real-world scenario.
This course prepares you for a career beyond just a drone pilot and provides a fundamental understanding of the technology to allow your career to soar. Sign up today and gain new skills at your own pace!
Week 1: Introduction to UAS
Week 2: Platforms
Week 3: Payloads & Sensors
Q: Does this course prepare me to obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Remote Pilot Certificate with a Small UAS Rating?
A: No, this course focuses on the fundamentals of UAS platforms, sensors, and systems. This is not a test prep course. Operation of any unmanned aerial vehicle should be done in compliance with all local regulations.
This course is designed to give the student a basic understanding of the fundamentals of UAS, their principal components, mission planning, best practices for flying, and an understanding of their applications. While there is much to gain from this course, it is not intended to serve as a preparation guide for the FAA part 107 exam to become a certified commercial pilot. For more information about the part 107 please visit https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators.
Q: Are UAS the same as UAV or drones? What's the difference and which one does this course cover?
A: Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are often used interchangeably in the industry and in research. We've opted to use the term UAS over UAV since we are more often than not referring to an entire system, and not just a vehicle that is controlled remotely. Additionally, terms like drone or drone industry could refer to a wide variety of technologies and this course specifically includes information on the different UAS components to describe how they function as a system that is greater than just the sum of its parts.
Q: How many credit hours does this course provide?
A: This course does not bear any academic credit. Verified track learners will receive a certificate from edX upon successful completion of the course.
Q: Is this course part of a certificate program?
A: Not yet! Our course team is hard at work developing a series of courses that cover additional topics including flight planning and flight operations. Please sign up to receive emails from the AlaskaX team to stay in the loop on these developments.
Who can take this course?
Unfortunately, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this course: Iran, Cuba and the Crimea region of Ukraine. While edX has sought licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to offer our courses to learners in these countries and regions, the licenses we have received are not broad enough to allow us to offer this course in all locations. edX truly regrets that U.S. sanctions prevent us from offering all of our courses to everyone, no matter where they live.
Who can take this course?
Unfortunately, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this course: Iran, Cuba and the Crimea region of Ukraine. While edX has sought licenses from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to offer our courses to learners in these countries and regions, the licenses we have received are not broad enough to allow us to offer this course in all locations. edX truly regrets that U.S. sanctions prevent us from offering all of our courses to everyone, no matter where they live.
