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CourseDefense, Military Engineering & Land Systems Applications open

Course in Ethics in the Development of Rotor Drones

Online 300 h course in ethics in the development of rotor drones. 6 modules with Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 (UAS classes), Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and PX4. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Describe the architecture of rotor drones and their applications.

02

Apply safety requirements from the design stage.

03

Incorporate measures to prevent misuse.

04

Integrate privacy by design into sensors and data.

05

Assess compliance with UAS product classes.

06

Manage export and supply chain risks.

07

Develop a responsible drone development project.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Drone design engineer looking to specialise in Ethics in the development of rotor drones.
  • Avionics engineer looking to specialise in Ethics in the development of rotor drones.
  • Product compliance engineer looking to specialise in Ethics in the development of rotor drones.
  • Export control manager looking to specialise in Ethics in the development of rotor drones.
  • Flight test engineer looking to specialise in Ethics in the development of rotor drones.
  • Product manager looking to specialise in Ethics in the development of rotor drones.
  • Graduates in engineering or sciences looking to enter drone companies.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 (UAS classes)
  • Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947
  • EN 4709-001 (UAS product requirements)
  • ISO 21384-3 (UAS operational procedures)
  • Directive 2014/53/EU (radio equipment)
  • Regulation (EU) 2021/821 (dual-use items)
  • Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Multirotors: configurations and dynamics
  2. 1.2Electric propulsion, batteries and endurance
  3. 1.3Flight controllers: PX4 and ArduPilot
  4. 1.4GNSS and inertial navigation
  5. 1.5Payloads and their integration
  6. 1.6Civil and military multirotor market
  7. 1.7Ethics in product development
  8. 1.8Responsibility of the design engineer
  9. 1.9Use of commercial drones in conflicts
  10. 1.10Case study: commercial drones in the war in Ukraine
  1. 2.1Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and classes C0 to C6
  2. 2.2Design requirements: geo-awareness and remote identification
  3. 2.3Functional safety analysis and FMEA
  4. 2.4Motor failure and redundancy
  5. 2.5Flight termination and parachutes
  6. 2.6Lithium battery safety
  7. 2.7Testing and certification
  8. 2.8STANAG 4703 for light military UAS
  9. 2.9Risks to third parties on the ground
  10. 2.10Laboratory: FMEA analysis of a hexacopter
  1. 3.1Use by non-state actors
  2. 3.2Smuggling into prisons and across borders
  3. 3.3Airport interference: the Gatwick case
  4. 3.4Geofencing and firmware limitations
  5. 3.5Link and firmware cybersecurity
  6. 3.6Counter-drone systems and their collateral effects
  7. 3.7Design to hinder weaponisation
  8. 3.8Manufacturer responsibility
  9. 3.9Post-sale monitoring
  10. 3.10Practice: threat analysis of flight firmware
  1. 4.1Cameras and image capture
  2. 4.2Noise and nuisance to the public
  3. 4.3Impact on wildlife
  4. 4.4Social acceptance of urban drones
  5. 4.5Urban air mobility and deliveries
  6. 4.6Privacy by design
  7. 4.7GDPR and manufacturers
  8. 4.8User information and manuals
  9. 4.9Accessibility and inclusive use
  10. 4.10Case study: drone deliveries in a city
  1. 5.1Export control of UAS and components
  2. 5.2Regulation (EU) 2021/821 and category 9
  3. 5.3Missile Technology Control Regime
  4. 5.4Sanctions and re-export to conflict zones
  5. 5.5Components of foreign origin
  6. 5.6Dependence on dominant manufacturers
  7. 5.7Minerals in batteries and motors
  8. 5.8Working conditions in manufacturing
  9. 5.9Life cycle and recycling
  10. 5.10Workshop: due diligence on a foreign customer
  1. 6.1Product definition and intended use
  2. 6.2Safety and regulatory requirements
  3. 6.3Misuse risk analysis
  4. 6.4Preventive design measures
  5. 6.5Privacy assessment
  6. 6.6Supply chain analysis
  7. 6.7Responsible export plan
  8. 6.8Test plan
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

Training 100 % online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which allows them to combine it with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is PX4, ArduPilot, QGroundControl, SolidWorks, Gazebo, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real rotor test bench procedures, design safety tests and failure mode analysis. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrative project.

Accredited laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with a rotor test bench, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented Master's Thesis (final project):safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry-mentored:teaching staff with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, with cyber-OT, IHL and compliance as its pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Product definition and intended use

Describe the architecture of rotor drones and their applications.

Safety and regulatory requirements

Apply safety requirements from the design stage.

Misuse risk analysis

Incorporate measures to prevent misuse.

Preventive design measures

Integrate privacy by design into sensors and data.

Privacy assessment

Assess compliance with UAS product classes.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Drone design engineerAvionics engineerProduct compliance engineerExport control managerFlight test engineerProduct manager
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior degree is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with full-time work.

You work with PX4, ArduPilot, QGroundControl, SolidWorks and Gazebo. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

A SEIUM Institute diploma upon passing continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.

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