Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Courses

UAS 101: Introduction to UAS Operations

Credits 3
This course explores the history, designs, regulations, and economics of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). Students will explore common uses of sUAS's such as precision agriculture, public safety, communications, aerial filming, resource management, and research. Legal and environmental considerations will be discussed was well as the business opportunities and growth areas. The course will also examine future applications of sUAS operations, with an emphasis on commercial and public applications.

UAS 102: Basic UAS Flight Training

Credits 1
The course provides hand-on training in pre-flight, post-flight, pilot in command (PIC) responsibilities, spotter responsibilities, and hazard avoidance. Students will gain an understanding of spatial orientation and become proficient in basic sUAS operations such as ascent, descent, altitude hold, and directional change. Students will gain experience by demonstrating level flight, horizontal, vertical, circle, and figure-8 patterns. Numerous stage checks will be utilized to ensure student understanding and proficiency in basic operations and maneuvers.

UAS 107: Commercial UAS Operations

Credits 2
This course gives students the knowledge needed to earn a Commercial UAS Certificate as outlined in Chapter 14 CFR Part 107 of the Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Topics such as weather, airspace, on and off airport operations, emergency procedures and human factors will be explored in detail.

UAS 118: UAS Repair and Maintenance

Credits 3

This course provides students with the knowledge and skills required to repair and maintain drones. Topics include hardware identification, basic maintenance, troubleshooting, software and firmware updates, soldering, and replacing consumable parts.

UAS 210: UAS Applications in Agriculture

Credits 2
This course explores the use of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) in precision agriculture. Crop monitoring, crop scouting, yield assessments, weather damage, and precision crop spraying will be investigated. sUAS software and agricultural image processing will also be examined. Legal and environmental considerations will be reviewed as it pertains to safe and ethical use of sUAS in precision agriculture.

UAS 212: UAS Applications in Natural Resources

Credits 2

This course explores the use of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) in natural resources management.  Natural hazards, remote sensing and monitoring of natural resources, pest and disease management, and regulations and licensure policies will be investigated. UAS software and image processing will also be examined.  Legal and environmental considerations will be reviewed regarding safe and ethical use of sUAS regarding our natural resources. 

 

UAS 218: UAS Photography

Credits 3

This course provides students with the knowledge and skills required for successful UAS photography. Students will learn how to capture clear, high-quality aerial images that support both creative expression and accurate data collection. Topics include camera settings, flight techniques,mission planning, legal considerations, and interpreting imagery for artistic and practical purposes.

UAS 230: UAS Crew Resource Management

Credits 3

This course covers key crew resource management (CRM) principles, including communication, decision-making, and crew coordination. Students will learn how to apply CRM best practices to real-world drone scenarios. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the CRM skills needed to work effectively as part of a drone crew.

 

UAS 273: UAS Data Management, Analysis, and Mapping

Credits 2

This course examines the handling of data, imagery, and other information collected from small unmanned aircraft systems. Storage, backup, cleaning, and processing of data will be discussed and practiced. Legal issues with data and information ownership will also be discussed.

UAS 297: Internship

Credits 1 6

An Internship is required in most AAS and some certificate programs. This course is available to AA and AS students as well. The students combine course learning with practical, professional work experience in their chosen field of study. The employer does an evaluation of the work experience; the faculty advisor supervises the students; the students are required to complete a project assigned by the faculty advisor.  A minimum of 40 hrs of work is required to earn one credit.  A grade of satisfactory/unsatisfactory is given by the faculty. The prefix for this course will be determined by the instructor.