Can enroll in the entire three course sequence or in any of them as stand-alone courses! Each course includes asynchronous and synchronous elements.
Registration Information
- Next sequence starts October 2025
- Interested or Ready to Register? Click here to join our mailing list and stay up-to-date with course details!
Time commitment
- Each course is 6 weeks long
- Weekly synchronous meetings with instructors
- About 6 hours per week average time spent on course
Course Cost
Each Individual Course: $2,000 USD (can purchase any of the 3 courses)
Entire Sequence: $4,200 USD (30% discount on individual courses when paired together)
Coursera Course Certificate Holders get an additional 10% off! More information to the right.
Technology Requirements
Prospective students should review the technology requirements for the course. We will use various platforms including Canvas, Discord, YouTube, and more!
Gamification
Fun on the Flight Deck: This course aims to transform online learning into something more interactive! With integrative decision-making activities called Twine Games, students can choose their own adventure while simulating real-world scenarios. On Discord, a community is built and increased engagement is rewarded through leaderboards and more!
ESA Certification
Are you pursuing your Professional Ecologist Certification? The UAS 3 course sequence have been approved by the ESA certification, and respective credits can be found here.
Contact Information
Have more questions? Please feel free to email us at [email protected] with any additional questions. Fly on!
UAS Applications and Operations in Environmental Science
Many aviation training programs are conducted as though they are an end unto themselves, with becoming a pilot or remote pilot representing the primary goal. Our approach to aviation focuses on a set of inspirational environmental science examples, where those with interest or aptitude in the environment gain foundational knowledge and skills through linked examples of how aviation can be applied in this field. Our course sequence employs two powerful hooks to gain and maintain the attention of students and to convey key scientific aviation concepts:
Unoccupied Aircraft Systems (UAS, aka drones) are presently an inspirational technology that can be used to engage on basic aviation concepts, from the physics of flight to operational themes like air space management. There has been significant growth in environmental science education and careers focused on changing earth systems and sustainable development challenges faced nationally and globally. Aviation support is a key element to many environmental science programs, but students rarely consider this as a viable pathway for an aviation career. Enter the concept of the Scientist Pilot, an aviation professional focused on providing key services to environmental programs using drones.
Three Course Sequence:
While the courses are completely online, we will encourage learners to participate in the synchronous sessions (Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:30 EST). In addition, learners will have approximately 5 hours of asynchronous assignments and lectures to review outside of these sessions. Students must complete the required assignments in order to earn a certificate from the Nicholas School of Environment. More information about the course, learning goals, outcomes and more can be found here, or email [email protected] with questions!
Not sure if the full Drones sequence is for you?
Check out the Coursera “Drones for Environmental Science” course designed by the MaRRS Lab. This fully asynchronous course serves as an introduction for anyone interested in learning more about drone use in the environmental sciences. No background knowledge in drones is assumed or necessary. Learners who complete this course and provide certification of completion can earn an additional 10% off the full UAS course sequence.
The Coursera drones course is free with anyone who has “Coursera Plus” account. There is a 7-day free trial that anyone can sign up for, and many universities (including Duke) provide enrolled students with access to Coursera Plus.
