Clemson University Offers First Responder Discount for Drone Course

November 23, 2020

Clemson University is offering an Applied Drone Technology course for industry practitioners that starts February 1^st, 2021.  This 5-week online course teaches fundamental commercial drone operations and software applications. The key learning objectives include 1) passing the FAA Part 107 exam, 2) learning to create 3-D models from drone data, 3) a wide range of practical skillsets such as filing FAA waivers, requesting ATC authorization and programming autonomous missions and 4) flight skills. The 3-D models and maps will be created using ContextCapture, one the industry’s leading SfM software packages. The course uses a cutting-edge flight simulation program to teach flight skills. Access to ContextCapture and the flight simulator are included with the course.  Instruction is provided through a mix of weekly Zoom classes with Dr. Joe Burgett and a comprehensive library of videos, voiceover PowerPoints and written e-material.  An overview video is available by clicking this LINK.

Who is the Instructor? The course is taught by Dr. Joe Burgett.  Dr. Burgett is an Associate Professor in the Nieri Family Department of Construction Science and Management at Clemson University.  He teaches both undergraduate and graduate level courses on drone application in the built environment.  He is a General Contractor by trade and has worked extensively with the SCDOT.  He has published multiple peer-reviewed articles on UAS technology including titles such as “Accuracy of Drone Image Based Volumetric Surveys,” “Evaluating the Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to Perform Low-Slope Roof Inspections” and “SCiDUC:  Solution to Address Common Challenges of State Agency Drone Deployment.” Dr. Burgett was also named Clemson University’s 2018 Master Teacher, the highest honor for teaching.   What are the Computer Requirements? This course requires access to a smart device and a PC computer.  Recommended computer specifications include Microsoft Windows 7/8 or 10 Professional 64-bit with at least 32 GB of RAM, an 8-core CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti graphics card. Macs are not supported by ContextCapture at this time.   What is the Enrollment Fee? Any South Carolina government employee (federal, state, or local) enrolling in the Feb 1st Applied Drone Technology – Instructor Led course has the opportunity for a tuition reduction to $1,500 (normally $3,500) by using promo code “SCiDUC2021”.  No other fees are associated with the course except a $96 +/- Part 107 exam fee paid to the testing center.

How is the Material Provided? When you enroll, you will be mailed a hard copy of the FAA Study Guide and the FAA Exam Supplement Booklet.  You will also be sent a flight simulator controller that connects to your computer.  The course content is available through Clemson University’s “Canvas” online learning management system.  This is the same system used by Clemson students.  Those enrolled in the course have access to content online 24/7 for the duration of the course.   Curriculum The course is divided in to five, week-long modules.  The class starts on February 1st, 2021 and ends on March 7th.  Approximately 40 hours of material and exercises are provided.   More Information For more information, please contact Dr. Joe Burgett at [email protected] or by visiting:  https://cu-pro-ed.catalog.instructure.com/browse/applieddronetech/courses/applied-drone-technology---instructor