How can drones be used for good in environmental science? What types of data can scientists collect, and how should they go about collecting it using drones? Why should someone integrate drones into their existing career or pursue this field?
Drones for Environmental Science
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Drones for Environmental Science
Instructor: Dr. David W. Johnston
3,950 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.9
(43 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
12 hours to complete
3 weeks at 4 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Describe how a variety of drones can accomplish important missions for environmental science.
Explain the importance of key best practices in drone research, including legal and ethical concerns.
Discover relevant career paths in drones for environmental science.
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Assessments
8 assignments
Taught in English
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There are 4 modules in this course
You'll begin by gaining foundational drone knowledge. You will learn about inclusive language that you can use to describe drones, the major drone components, and different types of drones. Your knowledge will be assessed via quizzes.
What's included
5 videos8 readings2 assignments2 discussion prompts
You will learn about the importance of drones for environmental science and management, including the pros and cons of gathering data using drones versus using traditional techniques. Your knowledge will be assessed via quizzes, and an optional discussion post gives you an opportunity to consider how you could use drones in your own research.
What's included
6 videos1 reading2 assignments1 discussion prompt
You will learn about how you should approach using drones for research both ethically and legally. You’ll also learn about how to choose an appropriate drone for different types of environmental missions. Your knowledge will be assessed via quizzes, and you will have the opportunity to explore mission planning in an optional discussion post.
What's included
6 videos3 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt
You’ll learn about the concept of the scientist pilot and meet four different professionals who embody its characteristics. This week will help you think about different career pathways that use drones for environmental sciences, and you’ll complete a final graded quiz and discussion post to help you consider these fields of interest.
What's included
4 videos8 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Instructor
Instructor ratings
5.0 (15 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Environmental Science and Sustainability
University of California, Santa Cruz
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Frequently asked questions
Duke Environment+ will be hosting an informational session on Drones for Environmental Science on July 25 at 7 p.m. ET. You can register for this virtual session via the Zoom registration page.
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.