There are 9 lessons:

1. Scope and Nature of Drone Technology

• What is a Drone?
• History of Drones
• Types of Drones
• Connectivity
• Purpose of a Drone

2.  Drone Features and Operation

• Main Features of Drones
• Components
• Operation of Drones

3.  Benefits, Risks and Legalities

• Ethical Concerns
• Legal Considerations

4.  Environmental Applications

• Land Management
• Reforestation
• Sustainable Agriculture and Crop Monitoring
• Monitoring & Inspection of Renewable Energy Sources, Pipelines, and Oil Rigs
• Wildlife Conservation
• Transport & Delivery

5.  Exploratory and Discovery Applications

• Drones in Exploration
• Oceanic Exploration
• Space Exploration
• Drones in Mining Applications

6.  Retail and Service Applications

• Drones in Real Estate
• Photography
• Drones for Online Services
• Drones in Security
• Drones in Behavioural Economics

7.  Agronomic and Horticulture Applications

• Horticulture
• Agronomy
• Viticulture
• Livestock
• Precision Agriculture
• Applications

7.  Construction and Industry Applications

• Construction Drones
• Mapping and Land Surveys
• Data and Scheduling
• Track and Inventory Equipment
• Progress Reports and Collaboration
• Safety and Inspections
• Security and Surveillance
• Limitations of Drones in Construction

9.  Telecommunication Applications

• Drone Technology in Telecommunications

Please Note:  Each lesson culminates in an assignment marked by your tutor and returned with relevant suggestions, comments, and extra reading if necessary.

• Discuss the scope and nature of how drones are used.
• Discuss features that affect the drone’s purpose and any specific uses.
• Explain benefits, risks and concerns surrounding the use of drones in both commercial and private environments.
• Discuss how drones are used in environmental research, conservation, and sustainability applications.
• Explain significant applications for different types of drones in areas of exploration and discovery.
• Discuss how retailers, including online retailers, may use drones in their business and marketing plans.
• Explain features of drones used in agriculture and horticulture and how they are used in these industries.
• Discuss how drones can be used in the construction industry.
• Explain how drones can be used in the telecommunication industry.

ORIGINS OF A DRONE

A drone is an unmanned aircraft. They are also referred to as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s) and sometimes as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS’s).

Historically drones in some forms have been around almost as long as there have been aircraft with the US Army developing an unmanned flying bomb aircraft called the ‘Kettering Bug’ during World War II.

The term drone can be traced back to another military application with the ‘DH82 Queen Bee.’ This was an adapted version of a de Havilland biplane which was capable of being flown unmanned so that artillery gunners could shoot at it during target practice.

The drone’s name was a play on words inspired by the ‘Queen Bee’ aircraft classification.

Until relatively recently drones were primarily used in military applications in areas such as intelligence gathering, target practice and weapons deployment. As technology has improved and costs have reduced, they are now being used more both commercially and recreationally.

Drones have been found to be useful in applications including traffic monitoring, search and rescue, photography, and videography.

An area due to expand greatly in the coming years is in drones as Internet of Things (IOT) devices. The IOT refers to the vast number of devices around the planet connected to the internet and collecting and transmitting data.

As the costs of computer chips and sensors has reduced it has become possible to add features to devices which previously would not have been considered, think everything from a smart fridge to a light that can be controlled via your phone to smart watches and driverless vehicles.

All of these are examples of IOT devices which aim to make technology smarter and more responsive to our needs.

As drones can have network capabilities and are used in more applications the aim will be to make them smarter and more autonomous so that they require less direct control from users.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.