Drones for Environmental Science from Coursera

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?

This Duke Environment+ 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.

Over the course of four weeks, you will discover the basics of drone use in the environmental sciences, including specific benefits of using drones for scientific research; types of drones and how they are used for different purposes and missions; and best research practices, including legal and ethical concerns. The final week of the course will help you get started on exploring different career paths that involve drones by introducing you to professionals working with this technology in the environmental sciences.

By the end of the course, you should be better equipped to consider how to use drones for your own research interests, and you will be better prepared for the more in-depth Environment+ course sequence UAS Applicants and Operations in Environmental Science, should you decide to continue your studies.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Drones

This week will provide you with 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.

Why Drones Are Good for Environmental Research

This week, 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.

How to Approach Research with Drones

This week, 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.

Career Paths

This week, 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.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Ideal for those new to drones and interested in their use in environmental science

Introduces the basics of drone use in environmental sciences, including benefits, types, and best practices

Provides a comprehensive overview of different career paths that involve drones in environmental sciences

Learners are introduced to professionals working with drones in environmental sciences and explore different career pathways

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Drones for Environmental Science with these activities:

Review drone components

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Review the major components of drones and their functions to strengthen your foundation in drone technology.

Browse courses on Drones

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Identify the primary drone components, such as the frame, propellers, motors, and flight controller.
Understand the purpose and functionality of each component.

Connect with professionals working in drone-related environmental fields

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Establish connections with individuals in the field to gain insights into career paths, industry trends, and advancements in drone technology.

Browse courses on Environmental Science

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Attend networking events or industry conferences.
Reach out to potential mentors via email or LinkedIn.
Request informational interviews to learn about their experiences and career journeys.

Engage in peer discussions on ethical considerations in drone use

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Participate in group discussions to explore ethical implications and best practices in drone use, enhancing your understanding of responsible drone operation.

Browse courses on Ethical Considerations

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Join online forums or discussion groups dedicated to drone ethics.
Engage in respectful and informed discussions with peers.
Consider different perspectives and viewpoints on drone use.

Three other activities

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Gather information on environmental research applications of drones

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Compile resources to build your knowledge of how drones are utilized in various environmental research fields, expanding your understanding of their capabilities.

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Search for scientific articles, reports, and case studies on drone applications in environmental research.
Categorize the gathered information based on research areas.
Summarize key findings and insights from the compiled resources.

Design and build a simple drone

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Embark on a hands-on project to construct a basic drone, deepening your understanding of drone components and assembly techniques.

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Gather the necessary materials and components.
Follow assembly instructions or design your own drone.
Test and troubleshoot the drone to ensure proper functionality.

Develop a proposal for a drone-based environmental research project

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Design a research proposal outlining a drone-based environmental research project to solidify your understanding of drone applications and research methodologies.

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Identify a specific environmental research question or problem.
Describe how drones can be used to address the research question.
Outline the project methodology, including data collection and analysis techniques.

Career center

Learners who complete Drones for Environmental Science will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist collects, analyzes, and interprets data to extract meaningful insights. They work for a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. This course may be useful for a Data Scientist who wants to gain a better understanding of how drones can be used to collect and analyze environmental data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Geospatial Analyst

A Geospatial Analyst analyzes geospatial data to identify patterns and trends. They work for a variety of industries, including government, planning, and engineering. This course may be useful for a Geospatial Analyst who wants to gain a better understanding of how drones can be used to collect and analyze geospatial data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geospatial Analyst

Sustainability Manager

A Sustainability Manager develops and implements sustainability plans for organizations. They work to reduce the environmental impact of their organizations and promote sustainable practices. This course may be useful for a Sustainability Manager who wants to gain a better understanding of how drones can be used to monitor environmental performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Remote Sensing Analyst

A Remote Sensing Analyst interprets satellite imagery and other remotely sensed data to identify and map features on the Earth's surface. They work for a variety of industries, including government, environmental consulting, and natural resource management. This course may be useful for a Remote Sensing Analyst who wants to gain a better understanding of how drones can be used to collect and analyze remotely sensed data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Remote Sensing Analyst

Science Teacher

A Science Teacher teaches science to students at the elementary, middle, or high school level. They develop lesson plans, conduct experiments, and help students learn about the natural world. This course may be useful for a Science Teacher who wants to gain a better understanding of how drones can be used to teach science concepts and engage students in hands-on learning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Teacher

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. They work for a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. This course may be useful for a Software Engineer who wants to gain a better understanding of how drones can be used to collect and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Environmental Consultant

An Environmental Consultant provides advice and assistance to businesses and organizations on environmental issues. They conduct environmental assessments, develop environmental management plans, and help clients comply with environmental regulations. This course may be useful for an Environmental Consultant who wants to gain a better understanding of how drones can be used for environmental monitoring and data collection.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Wildlife Biologist

A Wildlife Biologist studies the behavior, ecology, and conservation of wildlife. They conduct research, develop management plans, and work with government agencies and conservation organizations to protect wildlife populations. This course may be useful for a Wildlife Biologist who wants to gain a better understanding of how drones can be used to monitor wildlife populations and habitats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wildlife Biologist

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst develops and analyzes public policy. They work for government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy organizations to research policy issues, develop policy recommendations, and evaluate policy effectiveness. This course may be useful for a Policy Analyst who wants to gain a better understanding of how drones can be used to collect data and inform policy decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Science Writer

A Science Writer communicates complex scientific information to a non-technical audience. They write articles, reports, and other materials that explain scientific concepts and research findings. This course may be useful for a Science Writer who wants to gain a better understanding of how drones can be used for environmental research and communication.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Forester

A Forester manages forests for a variety of purposes, including timber production, wildlife habitat, and recreation. They develop and implement forest management plans, and work with landowners to implement sustainable forestry practices. This course may be useful for a Forester who wants to gain a better understanding of how drones can be used to monitor forest health and wildlife populations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forester

Conservation Scientist

A Conservation Scientist works to protect and manage natural resources. They conduct research, develop conservation plans, and work with landowners to implement conservation practices. This course may be useful for a Conservation Scientist who wants to gain a better understanding of how drones can be used to monitor wildlife populations and habitats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist identifies and develops solutions for environmental problems. They conduct research, collect data, and perform analyses to understand environmental issues and their impact on human health and the environment. This course may be useful for an Environmental Scientist who wants to gain a better understanding of how drones can be used for environmental research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Environmental Engineer

An Environmental Engineer designs and implements solutions to environmental problems. They work to develop new technologies and processes that reduce pollution and protect the environment. This course may be useful for an Environmental Engineer who wants to gain a better understanding of how drones can be used for environmental research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Geographer

A Geographer studies the physical and human geography of the Earth. They conduct research, develop maps, and analyze data to understand the relationships between people and their environment. This course may be useful for a Geographer who wants to gain a better understanding of how drones can be used to collect data on land use, land cover, and environmental change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geographer

Drones for Environmental Science

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