NC 112: Environmental Science Applications in Drones

Introduction to the scientific, environmental, non-profit and research applications of drone technology in solving global issues and environmental problems. Instructions includes how drones assist to the field surveying of animals and plants, study of pollution and toxic sites, measure and map research locations and field data collection of Thermal images, 3D models and aerial photos/video. Students will acquire knowledge in current global environmental issues as well as solutions drones can provide to those issues along with drone mapping, flight skills, advanced hands-on drone flight training and flight operations specific to Environmental Sciences. 24 lecture hours.

U.S Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration Part-107 Exam Manual
U.S Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration Part-107 Exam Manual https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/media/remote_pilot_study_guide.pdf
FAA Remote Pilot Knowledge Test Guide https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_guides/media/remote_pilot_ktg.pdf
Making Great Maps:The Complete Guide to Professional Mapping with DroneDeploy by Adam Carp https://connexicore.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Drone_Deploy-_Making_Great_Maps_ebook.pdf

Environmental Research Drone Application Assignment Students will be required to choose an organization participating in the field of the drone industry using drones to address environmental, non=profit, humanitarian or social issues. Students will be required to research and write a 3-5 page, double space, 12 font, MLA or APA formatted report that includes a 1 page bibliography with at least 10 sources one of which must be a phone/email interview with professionals in the field of study currently working in the environmental, non-profit or humanitarian fields with drones. Students will begin by choosing 3 organizations in the field and write a brief summary of what the companies use the drones to do and their operations in the organization. Next, perform an interview with someone working at one of the chosen organizations to determine what the function of drones serve the organization and what education in drones was necessary for hire. Next, students will write a report on what jobs are currently available based on job searches for at least five employment sites and research the average salary of those in the chosen field and discuss what the potential salary may be after further education in the field. Included in the report: - A brief history of the autonomous field or use of drones chosen - List of current companies or organizations that are hiring in the field - Description or map showing where the most openings in the field are located geographically both nationally and internationally - Discussion of typical duties and responsibilities for a chosen career in the field - Phone/E-mail interview with person in the field: Example questions may include what is a typical day in your job? what education or training helped you get your job or helps you perform your duties? How did you first get interested in drones/UAVs? Reports will be graded based on students meeting the required format for length, use of sources, use of detail and clear descriptions of the career path, job search results, interview questions/answers and description of typical job duties

Environmental Research Assignment This assignment requires students to work as a group to complete a drone flight scenario on campus to address an environmental question/issue they research and use the drone to solve. Students will be required to observe weather data and conditions for the planned collection days and judge appropriate conditions for flights. Students will participate by using an appropriate type of drone, mission planning software while monitoring the flight as visual observers always maintaining line-of-sight on the drone and communicating with each other over two-way radios. Students will participate during the scenario to complete activities and accomplish goals to achieve the objectives of the operation and measure the field site to address the environmental issue that is being researched. Students will be required to write a detailed report discussing the process of setting up and completing the autonomous mission operation. Students must write a minimum of 3-5 pages double spaced at 12font and include weather information, procedures, crew resource management, activities completed and the outcome of the operation. Students must include in their reports a discussion of "best practices" and what would be done differently if the project could be repeated.

Lecture, Online Education Lecture