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Updated in [March 06th, 2023]

This course, Drones and Autonomous Systems I: Fundamentals, provides an introduction to unmanned aerial systems (UAS) including drones and autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Participants will gain insight into the basic elements of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) drone systems used in civilian missions and into Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The course will cover sensors including those for obstacle avoidance, other instruments, and payloads that rely on complex algorithms and have various uses. Instructors with decades of experience in drone technology applications in combat and civilian operations, systems design, and emergency management planning will equip analysts and operational experts with the technical and planning knowledge for emergency planning and other applications. No previous knowledge of drones, flying systems, autonomous technology, or flying experience is required.

[Applications]
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply their knowledge of drones and autonomous systems to a variety of applications, such as emergency management planning, search and rescue operations, and surveillance. Students will also be able to understand the FAA regulations and safety protocols related to the operation of drones. Additionally, students will be able to identify the components of a COTS drone system and understand the algorithms and payloads used in autonomous systems.

[Career Paths]
1. Drone Pilot: Drone Pilots are responsible for operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for a variety of purposes, such as aerial photography, surveillance, and search and rescue operations. They must be knowledgeable in the operation of the drone, its sensors, and its payloads, as well as FAA regulations. As the use of drones continues to grow, the demand for qualified drone pilots is expected to increase.

2. Autonomous Systems Engineer: Autonomous Systems Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing autonomous systems, such as drones and robots. They must be knowledgeable in the operation of the drone, its sensors, and its payloads, as well as FAA regulations. As the use of autonomous systems continues to grow, the demand for qualified engineers is expected to increase.

3. Drone Data Analyst: Drone Data Analysts are responsible for analyzing data collected by drones and other autonomous systems. They must be knowledgeable in the operation of the drone, its sensors, and its payloads, as well as FAA regulations. As the use of drones and autonomous systems continues to grow, the demand for qualified data analysts is expected to increase.

4. Drone Program Manager: Drone Program Managers are responsible for managing drone programs, such as those used for emergency management planning. They must be knowledgeable in the operation of the drone, its sensors, and its payloads, as well as FAA regulations. As the use of drones and autonomous systems continues to grow, the demand for qualified program managers is expected to increase.

[Education Paths]
1. Bachelor's Degree in Unmanned Aerial Systems: This degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, build, and operate unmanned aerial systems. Students will learn about the fundamentals of drone technology, including flight mechanics, navigation, and control systems. They will also gain an understanding of the legal and regulatory aspects of drone operations, as well as the ethical implications of using drones. This degree is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in the drone industry, as well as those who want to gain a better understanding of the technology.

2. Master's Degree in Autonomous Systems: This degree program focuses on the development of autonomous systems, such as drones, robots, and other autonomous vehicles. Students will learn about the fundamentals of autonomous systems, including sensors, navigation, and control systems. They will also gain an understanding of the legal and regulatory aspects of autonomous systems, as well as the ethical implications of using them. This degree is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in the autonomous systems industry, as well as those who want to gain a better understanding of the technology.

3. Doctoral Degree in Robotics and Autonomous Systems: This degree program focuses on the development of robotics and autonomous systems, such as drones, robots, and other autonomous vehicles. Students will learn about the fundamentals of robotics and autonomous systems, including sensors, navigation, and control systems. They will also gain an understanding of the legal and regulatory aspects of robotics and autonomous systems, as well as the ethical implications of using them. This degree is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in the robotics and autonomous systems industry, as well as those who want to gain a better understanding of the technology.

4. Master's Degree in Drone Technology: This degree program focuses on the development of drone technology, including flight mechanics, navigation, and control systems. Students will learn about the fundamentals of drone technology, including sensors, navigation, and control systems. They will also gain an understanding of the legal and regulatory aspects of drone operations, as well as the ethical implications of using drones. This degree is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in the drone industry, as well as those who want to gain a better understanding of the technology.

The development of drones and autonomous systems is a rapidly growing field, with new applications and technologies being developed every day. As such, these degree paths are becoming increasingly popular and in demand. With the right education and training, graduates of these degree programs can find employment in a variety of industries, from emergency management to military operations.