This course includes a full overview of past and emerging applications for ecology and biology of marine species and coastal habitats, with in-depth discussion on the future of drone applications in coastal biological and ecological research. Students will participate in comprehensive exploration of current drone technologies, including detection of target species, payloads, aeronautical concepts, rules and regulations, mission planning, aircraft design, maintenance, data collection, management and analysis. Lab components will be tailored to student interests, such as active participation in megafaunal or environmental research and data analysis; building, operating and maintaining aircraft; and programming for manual and autonomous flight.

This course is taught in Beaufort, North Carolina at the Duke Marine Lab.