UAV GROUND CONTROL AND COMMUNICATION PROGRAMME COURSE DESCRIPTION

Code	Name of the Course Unit	Semester	In-Class Hours (T+P)	Credit	ECTS Credit
IHA251	UAV GROUND CONTROL AND COMMUNICATION	3	2	2	4

GENERAL INFORMATION
Language of Instruction :	Turkish
Level of the Course Unit :	ASSOCIATE DEGREE, TYY: + 5.Level, EQF-LLL: 5.Level, QF-EHEA: Short Cycle
Type of the Course :	Compulsory
Mode of Delivery of the Course Unit	-
Coordinator of the Course Unit	Lecturer BETÜL GENÇASLAN
Instructor(s) of the Course Unit
Course Prerequisite	No

OBJECTIVES AND CONTENTS
Objectives of the Course Unit:	The objective of the course is to teach students the ground control systems and communication protocols of UAVs, ensure the effective use of these systems, and provide the necessary skills for the safe monitoring, control, and management of flights. The course covers data transmission between the ground and the aircraft, communication security, and potential failure management.
Contents of the Course Unit:	Data transmission between UAVs and ground control stations covers topics such as communication security, signal interruptions, and fault management. The course concludes with topics such as flight planning, integration with air traffic control, and system testing. This enables students to gain the ability to manage UAV ground control and communication systems safely and efficiently.

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THE COURSE UNIT (On successful completion of this course unit, students/learners will or will be able to)

WEEKLY COURSE CONTENTS AND STUDY MATERIALS FOR PRELIMINARY & FURTHER STUDY
Week	Preparatory	Topics(Subjects)	Method
1	Written Sources	UAV Ground Control System Introduction	Presentation, Application, Question and Answer
2	Written Sources	UAV Communication Protocols and Data Transmission	Presentation, Application, Question and Answer
3	Written Sources	Ground Control Station (GCS) Software and Usage	Presentation, Application, Question and Answer
4	Written Sources	Fundamentals of UAV Communication Systems	Presentation, Application, Question and Answer
5	Written Sources	UAV Data Transmission and Communication Security	Presentation, Application, Question and Answer
6	Written Sources	Signal Interruption and Fault Management	Presentation, Application, Question and Answer
7	Written Sources	UAV Flight Monitoring and Control	Presentation, Application, Question and Answer
8	-	MID-TERM EXAM	-
9	Written Sources	UAV Flight Planning and Ground Control Integration	Presentation, Application, Question and Answer
10	Written Sources	Flight Protocols and Communication Methods	Presentation, Application, Question and Answer
11	Written Sources	UAV System Testing and Calibration	Presentation, Application, Question and Answer
12	Written Sources	Air Traffic Control and UAV Ground Control Relationship	Presentation, Application, Question and Answer
13	Written Sources	Use of Redundant Communication Systems with UAVs	Presentation, Application, Question and Answer
14	Written Sources	Performance Evaluation in UAV Communication Systems	Presentation, Application, Question and Answer
15	Written Sources	Real-Time UAV Flight Simulation and Management	Presentation, Application, Question and Answer
16	-	FINAL EXAM	-
17	-	FINAL EXAM	-

SOURCE MATERIALS & RECOMMENDED READING
"Unmanned Aircraft Systems: The Worldwide Perspective" - Reg Austin
"Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems" - Randy M. Mullins
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) - UAV Regulations
FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) – UAS Operations Manual

ASSESSMENT
Assessment & Grading of In-Term Activities	Number of Activities	Degree of Contribution (%)	Description	Examination Method

Level of Contribution
0	1	2	3	4	5

KNOWLEDGE
Theoretical
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	The knowledge of the basic principles of UAV technology, such as operating principles, aerodynamics, flight theory and aviation regulations. This knowledge gives students the ability to understand how UAV systems work and to master the technical details.						5

KNOWLEDGE
Factual
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	It is the type of knowledge that includes practical uses of UAVs, application scenarios and real-world data. Students combine theoretical knowledge and practice by examining the applications of UAV technology in different fields such as agriculture, security, mapping, search and rescue.						5

SKILLS
Cognitive
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	It includes mental processes such as analytical thinking, problem solving, creativity, critical thinking and decision making. UAV operators must have the ability to make quick and effective decisions in the face of various scenarios, and these skills form an important part of the training process.				3

SKILLS
Practical
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Refers to the ability of students to use their theoretical knowledge effectively in practice. These skills include hands-on tasks such as flight preparation, usability testing, maintenance and repair operations, data collection and analysis. Students develop these skills through simulations and field applications and learn how to use UAVs effectively in real-world scenarios.					4

OCCUPATIONAL
Autonomy & Responsibility
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	It means that students develop the ability to work on their own and fulfill their responsibilities when they take part in UAV operations. These skills are critical for their self-confidence and work discipline in individual projects.				3

OCCUPATIONAL
Learning to Learn
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	It focuses on developing students' skills in acquiring knowledge, adapting to new technologies and continuous learning. Since UAV technology is a rapidly evolving field, it is of great importance that students are empowered to acquire up-to-date knowledge and improve themselves.						5

OCCUPATIONAL
Communication & Social
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	The course provides students with the skills to communicate effectively, work in a team and collaborate. As UAV operations are often conducted in teams, students need to communicate effectively with other operators, engineers and stakeholders.						5

OCCUPATIONAL
Occupational and/or Vocational
	Programme Learning Outcomes	Level of Contribution
		0	1	2	3	4	5
1	Refers to a specific set of knowledge and skills related to UAV technology and operation. These competencies include in-depth knowledge in areas such as understanding the design of UAV systems, data analysis, mission planning, using flight management software and complying with regulatory requirements. Through these competencies, students acquire the specialized and technical knowledge required for various roles in the industry.					4

WORKLOAD & ECTS CREDITS OF THE COURSE UNIT
Workload for Learning & Teaching Activities
Type of the Learning Activites	Learning Activities (# of week)	Duration (hours, h)	Workload (h)
Lecture & In-Class Activities	14	2	28
Preliminary & Further Study	14	3	42
Land Surveying	0	0	0
Group Work	0	0	0
Laboratory	0	0	0
Reading	10	2	20
Assignment (Homework)	0	0	0
Project Work	0	0	0
Seminar	0	0	0
Internship	0	0	0
Technical Visit	0	0	0
Web Based Learning	0	0	0
Implementation/Application/Practice	0	0	0
Practice at a workplace	0	0	0
Occupational Activity	0	0	0
Social Activity	0	0	0
Thesis Work	0	0	0
Field Study	0	0	0
Report Writing	0	0	0
Final Exam	1	1	1
Preparation for the Final Exam	1	10	10
Mid-Term Exam	1	1	1
Preparation for the Mid-Term Exam	1	5	5
Short Exam	0	0	0
Preparation for the Short Exam	0	0	0
TOTAL	42	0	107