Unit of Study GENG3001 Drones (2025)

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Unit Snapshot

Unit type

UG Coursework Unit
Credit points

12
Faculty & College

Faculty of Science and Engineering
Placement

No

Enrolment information

This unit has a compulsory 2-day residential for ALL students. Online students will attend a residential at the Lismore campus or at the National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour (depending on availability of places). National Marine Science students will attend a residential at the National Marine Science Centre (Coffs Harbour). Please refer to https://www.scu.edu.au/timetables for further information."

Unit description

Introduces students to the use of aerial drones in marine, environmental, forest and agricultural systems, as well as visual arts and other applications. Students will obtain hands on experience piloting drones, planning operations and analysing associated spatial data, and also learn about the role that rapidly advancing drone technology will play in shaping our future.

Unit content

Use of aerial drones in marine, environmental, forest and agricultural systems, as well as other applications.
Basic principles of safe drone flight for commercial applications and governing legislation.
Planning and executing drone operations to comply with relevant Southern Cross University policy and procedures.
Capturing quality drone footage, and using it to create video show reels and other applications.
Cutting edge drone sensors (e.g. thermal, multispectral and Lidar imagery), 3D habitat mapping and spatial analysis.
The application of drones in wildlife biology and conservation.

Availabilities

Location	Domestic	International
National Marine Science Centre Coffs Harbour	Term4	Term4
Online	Term4	N/A

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

explain and apply the principles of safe drone flight and regulations governing drone operations in Australia

proficiently plan and execute successful drone operations that comply with Southern Cross University policy and procedures

competently pilot a drone

evaluate application of cutting-edge drone sensors

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method

Workshop 1 hour (Weekly)

Residential 2 days (Once)

Assessment
Short written response	15%
Application	60%
Quiz	25%

Teaching method

Workshop 1 hour (Weekly)

Residential 2 days (Once)

Assessment
Short written response	15%
Application	60%
Quiz	25%

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts

Prescribed text information is not currently available.

Prescribed Resources/Equipment

Prescribed resources/equipment information is not currently available.

Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full-fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees.

Find out more for domestic fees