Course unit details:
Introduction to Aerospace Engineering

Course unit fact file
Unit code AERO12001
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 1
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

Introduction to aerospace engineering introduces the student to the foundation level knowledge of the subject of aerospace engineering. Laying the groundwork for success in later aerospace specific units. Further, it provides an anchor point for the student to link scientific and discipline level topics, such as aerodynamics, mathematics, mechanics, etc, with the specific needs and issues of aerospace engineering. Additionally, the student will gain an appreciation for the unique aspects of aerospace engineering that set it apart from related disciplines. 

 

Aims

Introduce first year undergraduate students to the breadth of aerospace engineering. This includes
• History of aeronautics and astronautics,
• Basics of aircraft and spacecraft flight,
o Flight & orbital mechanics
o Aerodynamics
• Introduction to aerospace propulsion systems.

Syllabus

1. Introduction & What is Aerospace Engineering

•     What is the unit?

•     Why are we studying aerospace engineering?

•     What do we actually mean by aerospace engineering?

2. Flight Environment

•     Introduction to the atmosphere, its layers, properties and challenges

•     Introduction to the deeper space environment, its properties and challenges

3. Basic orbital mechanics 

•     Energy in orbits

•     Conservation of momentum 

•     Additional forces and Perturbations : Manoeuvres, Low earth orbits, drag

4. Space systems  

•     Anatomy of spacecraft

•     Spacecraft sub-systems

•     Systems engineering

5. Aircraft systems

•     Anatomy of an aircraft

•     Aircraft subsystems

•     Avionics

6.  History of Aerospace Engineering Industry :

Provides the student with a very brief history of the development of and developments within aerospace engineering. This includes key players, technical advancements and engineering artefacts. Includes a disputed list of the most significant aircraft a

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Other 50%
Written exam 50%

Other - online quiz

Feedback methods

Exam scripts marked, general feedback by question

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Assessment written exam 2
Lectures 11
Practical classes & workshops 19
Work based learning 3
Independent study hours
Independent study 65

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Katharine Smith Unit coordinator

Fees and funding

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £37,500 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

For more information about scholarships and bursaries, please see our undergraduate fees pages or visit the scholarships and bursaries page.

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