Embracing the future is the idea behind the new minor programme approved recently for Kent State University’s College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology.The Unmanned Aircraft Systems minor will give students “an introduction to the design, technology, performance and operational aspects” of the small aircraft
The university is betting that UAS technology will only continue to grow in the public as well as the private sector. The 16-credit hour minor will be offered for the first time in the fall of 2014.
John Duncan, an assistant professor of aeronautics, said the course is part of a plan envisioned by KSU President Lester Lefton to see the university’s aeronautics department grow into one of the “premier” departments in the U.S.
“There’s a lot of pent up commercial” [interest] in the technology, Duncan said. “This is the future. All kinds of opportunities, all kinds of jobs are forecast. There are all kinds of uses.”
Adjunct professor Charlie Wentz said Kent State will join about a half-dozen U.S. universities embracing the unmanned spacecraft technology. He said KSU students will learn about unmanned system structures, its components and concepts.
Wentz said the university is intent on being at the forefront of the emerging technology that is growing in popularity and whose uses in the future are almost limitless.
“The popularity, the fact that they’re being used extensively in place of the human beings, not just in the civilian world but in the military world as well,” Wentz said. “I think these courses will bring extensive interest. Students are already talking about it.”
Photo: MaryEllen (cq) Walsh of Peninsula keeps an eye on a multiple monitor simulator during in the Air Traffic Control lab at Kent State University – Mike Cardew/Akron Beacon Journal
Source: Ohio.com