Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Technology and Operation

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Technology and Operation Program is a practice-oriented associate degree program that aims to train the qualified technical personnel needed by the rapidly growing and developing UAV sector. By offering its students a strong educational infrastructure that combines theoretical knowledge with practice, the program trains well-equipped individuals who can take on roles directly in the sector after graduation.

The program is conducted with the 3+1 education model. Within this model, students take their theoretical and practical courses at the university during the first three semesters, while in the final semester (4th semester) they carry out mandatory vocational training in enterprises. Thus, students have the opportunity to experience a real working environment by spending a significant part of their education directly within the sector. Thanks to this training, carried out at UAV manufacturing companies, technoparks, defense industry organizations, and related enterprises, students both gain professional experience and are able to establish strong ties with the sector before graduation.

The educational content of the program devotes considerable space to the topics of electronics, control, and automation, which form the foundation of UAV systems. In the Microcontroller Systems course, Arduino-based applications are carried out, enabling students to acquire the skills of receiving data from sensors, driving motors, setting up communication systems, and developing basic automation applications. In addition, in the practice workshops established within the program, students gain experience by testing the knowledge they have learned theoretically on real hardware.

In the Sensors and Actuators course, the sensors, servo motors, and other motion systems used in UAVs are examined; the integration of these components with flight control systems is supported by hands-on studies. Thus, students have the opportunity to become closely acquainted with the working principles of modern UAV systems.

Great importance is also attached to the development of design and manufacturing skills in the program. In the Technical Drawing and Solid Modeling courses conducted in computer laboratories, students learn to design UAV airframes, mechanical parts, and equipment in three dimensions using CAD software widely used in the sector, primarily SolidWorks. In this way, students experience in a hands-on manner the engineering approach extending from the design process to production.

The technical topics affecting the flight performance of UAV systems are addressed within the scope of the Propulsion Systems and Flight Meteorology courses. In these courses, students acquire comprehensive knowledge about electric and internal combustion engine systems, propeller technologies, energy systems, and the meteorological factors affecting flight safety. In addition, in the Digital Design and Logic Circuits course, the fundamentals of digital electronic systems are taught, enabling students to better understand flight control systems and autonomous technologies.

Supported by a strong laboratory infrastructure, practice workshops, Arduino-based studies, and design and modeling training, the program provides its students not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical skills and sector experience. Thanks to the 3+1 education model, when students graduate they make a strong start to their careers, holding not only a diploma but also work experience, technical competence, and professional connections.