College: Vocational School

This major focuses on the design, development, and operation of unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones. Students explore key areas such as drone design, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, electronics, mission planning, and regulatory compliance. The program emphasizes practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and understanding of technological and operational considerations. Graduates are prepared for careers in drone engineering, operations, research, and related fields.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of drone technologies and operations.
• Develop skills in drone design, aerodynamics, and propulsion systems.
• Learn aviation techniques, mission planning, and regulatory compliance.
• Explore emerging technologies and applications in drones.
• Analyze challenges and opportunities in drone operations.
• Develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills for drone projects.

Core Curriculum:

1. Introduction to Drone Technologies and Operations
   • Overview of drone technologies, key concepts, and historical context.
   • Basics of drone applications and industry trends.
2. Drone Design
   • Principles of drone design, including structural design, materials, and manufacturing processes.
   • Techniques for designing and manufacturing drone prototypes for various applications.
3. Aerodynamics
   • Fundamentals of aerodynamics, including lift, drag, and flight dynamics.
   • Techniques for analyzing and improving drone aerodynamic performance.
4. Propulsion Systems
   • Principles of propulsion systems, including electric motors, internal combustion engines, and hybrid systems.
   • Techniques for designing and integrating propulsion systems in drones.
5. Avionics
   • Basics of avionics, including navigation systems, sensors, and communication systems.
   • Techniques for integrating and managing avionics in drones.
6. Mission Planning
   • Principles of mission planning, including route planning, payload management, and emergency procedures.
   • Techniques for developing and executing drone missions.
7. Regulatory Compliance
   • Principles of regulatory compliance, including aviation regulations, safety standards, and ethical considerations.
   • Techniques for ensuring drone operations comply with regulatory requirements.
8. Emerging Technologies
   • Exploring emerging technologies in drones, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and swarm intelligence.
   • Techniques for evaluating and implementing emerging technologies in drone operations.
9. Practical Training in Drone Technologies and Operations
   • Real-world drone experiences, including observations, internships, and practical projects in drone engineering and operations settings.
   • Techniques for applying acquired skills in practical drone settings.
10. Capstone Project in Drone Technologies and Operations
    • Comprehensive project applying acquired skills in drone design, mission planning, or regulatory compliance.
    • Techniques for delivering a refined and innovative drone project.

Assessment Methods:

• Drone design reports, aerodynamic analyses, propulsion system designs, aviation integration plans, mission planning studies, regulatory compliance reports, emerging technology evaluations, practical training reports, capstone projects, group projects, internships.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems" by R.W. Prouty.
• "Engineering Aerodynamics for Students" by E.L. Houghton and B.W. Carpenter.
• "Drone Propulsion Systems" by various authors.
• "Avionics: Development and Implementation" by Cary Spitzer.
• "Drone Mission Planning and Operations" by various authors.
• "Regulatory Compliance in Aviation" by various authors.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, and electronics. Suitable for students interested in drone engineering, operations, and related fields.

Duration:

Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, practical training, and internships.

Certification:

Graduates may earn a degree in drone technologies and operations and pursue professional certifications in drone engineering, operations, or related fields.

Target Audience:

Aspiring drone engineers, operators, researchers, and professionals seeking specialization in drone technologies and operations. This major equips students with practical, theoretical, and innovative skills necessary to excel in drone technologies and operations, supporting careers in drone engineering, operations, research, and related fields.