Associate in Applied Science Degree

Download PDF

This program is a curriculum of sequential technical courses encompassing the mechanical and electrical systems and operations found in remotely piloted aircraft systems. It offers students the opportunity to work as pilots, operators and/or mission team members of remotely piloted aircraft systems while fully understanding the operational and safety environments of the National Airspace System.

  1.  Students will be able to identify and classify different unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and their operations under the most recent rules and regulations.
  2.  Students will be able to integrate mechanical systems, electrical systems, and programming techniques to assemble and build fully functional UAVs.
  3.  Students will be able to operate UAVs both manually and by utilizing various autopilot systems.
  4.  Students will be able to use cameras and sensors to collect data for the purpose of navigating the UAV and/or for analysis of different applications.
  5.  Students will be able to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain multirotor and fixed wing UAVs.
  6.  Students will be able to develop, review, and implement different mission plans according to specific applications.
  7.  Students will be able to use CAD software to design and manufacture mechanical parts.
  8.  Students will be able to analyze geographical information and integrate a variety of data collected from sensors mounted on the UAVs to create topographical maps.

Total Credit Hours: 64

First Semester

This course is an opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to be successful in college. Students learn the importance of the faculty-student and advisor-advisee relationship, develop time management techniques, apply effective study skill techniques, recognize the implications of living in a diverse society, utilize college resources, and explore career and transfer requirements. Collaborative projects are included. Students matriculated in a degree program must take this course in their first term of study.

This course focuses on several kinds of writing-self-expressive, informative, and argumentative/persuasive, and others. A minimum of five essay compositions are required. The course emphasizes the composition of clear, correct, and effective prose required in a variety of professions and occupations. Prerequisites: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or EN090 Basic Writing Skills or SL116 ESL4: Advanced Composition or SL145 ESOL Advanced Composition

This course introduces the techniques and concepts of GIS. The mapping software package ArcGIS is used to display, analyze, and query spatial data sets. Topics include coordinate systems/datums, symbology, classifications, digital imagery, and global positioning systems. (Fall semester)

This course introduces basic knowledge design and fabrication techniques used in industry. Techniques include solid modeling, CNC machining, laser engraving, routing and 3D printing. Students design and manufacture parts to be used in subsequent courses.

This course explores the core technologies of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) as applied to commercial applications. It examines the integration of payload and programming with operational best practices and flight planning as they relate to mission application.

This course provides the student with basic knowledge of electrical theory. Topics include electron theory, Ohm’s Law, series and parallel circuits, electrical energy and power relationships, electromagnetism, and DC & AC circuit theory as applied to remotely piloted aircraft vehicles.

Take any Physical Education Course

Second Semester

This course encourages a deeper understanding of human nature and the human condition through the study of ideas and values expressed in imaginative literature. Emphasis is placed on the use and development of critical thinking and language skills. Library-oriented research is required. Prerequisite: EN101 English 1: Composition or EN105 English Composition for Speakers of Other Languages or EN106 English 1: Composition & Reading.

This course introduces students to the concepts and interdisciplinary applications of remote sensing. The basic principles of theory and practice are presented using photographic and non-photographic imagery acquired utilizing remotely piloted platforms. Visual and digital image analysis techniques, including feature extraction, are practiced using industry standard imaging analysis software. Prerequisite: None

This course focuses on advanced topics and applications in analyzing and visualizing geospatial data. Topics include spatial modeling, advanced editing, geodatabase creation, and three-dimensional modeling. Prerequisite: CT265 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems.

This course explores the core procedures of remotely piloted aircraft systems as applied to commercial applications. Topics include prefight planning and post flight debriefing and assessment.

This course will provide the student an understanding of the component systems common to most Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems with an emphasis on effective integration and operations. The course focuses on the core technologies and includes examinations of the control systems, autopilots, data links, power plants (motors), servos/actuators, power sources, sensors and communication technologies utilized in remotely piloted aircraft systems. Students will design, build, test, program and fly a remotely piloted aircraft vehicle. Prerequisite: ET112 Electronics of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems.

Take any Physical Education Course

Third Semester

This is a new course add when banner updates

Introduction to the data collection methods, applied concepts, and interdisciplinary applications of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and its operations.

This course provides a systems approach to piloting multi-rotor Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). Payload and sensor operations will be covered along with datalinks and autonomous systems. Students develop operational skillsets to determine which RPAS to utilize and the appropriate role. This course also introduces RPAS Crew Resource Management (CRM) concepts, mission planning, and pertinent RPAS regulations. Prerequisite: UA215 Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Mission Planning and Operations.

This course provides a systems approach to piloting fixed-wing Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). Payload and sensor operations will be covered along with datalinks and autonomous systems. Students develop operational skillsets to determine which RPAS to utilize and the appropriate role. This course also introduces RPAS Crew Resource Management (CRM) concepts, mission planning, and pertinent RPAS regulations. Prerequisite: UA215 Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Mission Planning and Oprations.

This course surveys the history of photography, beginning with the camera obscura of the Middle Ages through the beginning of the 20th Century. It emphasizes the artistic intent and purpose of the photographer.

This course introduces probability and statistics. Topics include graphs, tables, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion, normal distribution, correlation and regression, probability, and inferential statistics. This course is available in two formats: lecture only, or lecture plus laboratory using technology. Prerequisite: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or MA089 Arithmetic.

Take any Physical Education Course

Fourth Semester

This independent study capstone course involves the creation of a project using GIS. Proposals must have instructor approval. Projects incorporate collecting GPS data, building an attribute geo-database, and are completed using ArcGIS software. Final presentations are required, which explain data collection techniques, analysis, and project success. Prerequisite: CT265 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). (Spring semester)

This course provides students with a broad understanding of the concepts and interdisciplinary applications of cybersecurity and its impact on society. It examines the historical development of security in technology as it relates to governance, personal information and assets, and major commerce sectors such as finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. It also introduces basic networking, assessing and handling of security risks, hardware components, and basic computer troubleshooting.

This course explores the composition and formation of minerals and rocks that make up the Earth. Additionally, the primary surface and subsurface properties that continually shape the Earth are discussed. In the laboratory, the common rock-forming minerals as well as igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks are examined. Additionally, the concepts of surface and groundwater flow are discussed as well as topographic map interpretation and construction. Field trips may be taken during laboratory periods.

This course introduces the geographical and demographic attributes of the world, such as environment, cultural differences, ethnic make-up, and diversity. Emphasis is placed on developing a more global outlook on the emerging world community.

In this capstone course students research, develop, and execute a mission plan(s) of their choice. Some students may elect to work on a separate project, based on instructor guidance. Students may work with an industry professional to co-sponsor and secure a mission objective for that industry. A portfolio of specific benchmarks and results will be required. Corequisite: UA218 Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Operations 2.

Take any Physical Education Course

Program Micro-credentials:

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Maintenance

This micro-credential will provide a mid-program milestone for RPAS students as well as a mechanism to upskill the incumbent workforce to perform maintenance and routine service of RPAS, ensuring the aircraft conforms to design and and safe operating conditions. Courses include:

  • FB101 -  Introduction to Modeling & Fabrication 3 cr.
  • ET112 - Electronics of RPAS 3 cr.
  • UA121 - Mechanics of RPAS 3 cr.

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Operations

This micro-credential will provide a mid-program milestone for RPAS students as well as a mechanism to upskill the incumbent workforce to perform as RPAS pilots and mission planners for both multirotor and fixed wing RPAS. Courses include:

  • UA120 - RPAS Operations & Industrial Operations 3cr.
  • UA215 - RPAS Mission Planning & Operations 3 cr.
  • UA217 - RPAS Operations 1 3 cr.
  • UA218 - RPAS Operations 2 3 cr.

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Data Analysis

This micro-credential will provide a mid-program milestone for RPAS students as well as a mechanism to upskill the incumbent workforce to collect, validate, georeference, and analyze data rendered from RPAS missions. Courses include:

  • CT153 - Introduction to Global Positioning Systems 3 cr.
  • UA102 - Introduction to Remote Sensing 3 cr.
  • CT265 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems 3 cr.
  • CT267 - Advanced Geographic Information Systems 3 cr.
  • CT266 - Capstone in Global Positioning Systems 3 cr.