Overview
Aerospace engineers are concerned with the application of scientific principles
and engineering concepts and practices to design, build, test and operate aerospace
systems. The aerospace engineering curriculum is intended to provide students
with a broad understanding of fundamental scientific and technological principles,
and to develop the ability to use these principles in developing solutions to
engineering problems.
The Educational Objectives of the Aerospace Engineering Program are:
- to provide our new graduates with the necessary analytical and communication
skills either to pursue graduate study or to enter the aerospace workforce directly;
- to provide our alumni with an appreciation of the necessity to adapt, through
life-long learning, to both the constantly changing needs and demands of society
and to their evolving personal career goals.
More specific objectives of the aerospace engineering program are: (1) to help
students develop written and oral communication skills and to acquire a knowledge
of history, literature and society; (2) to provide students a solid foundation
in and a sound working knowledge of basic engineering principles; (3) to help
students obtain an understanding of the engineering principles and skills specifically
needed in the aeronautical and astronautical disciplines; and (4) to assist and
encourage each student to develop an enhanced ability to learn and think creatively.
Required courses cover aeronautical and astronautical subjects. Students may
also choose to emphasize either aeronautical or astronautical systems. Technical
electives allow concentration in such areas as aerodynamics, astronautics, flight
dynamics and control, propulsion, structures and structural dynamics. The design
of aerospace components and systems is considered to be an integral part of the
education of aerospace engineers. Hence, design is included throughout the curriculum,
beginning with a sophomore course in aerospace fundamentals and cumulating in
the senior design course sequence. Students are required to apply their theoretical
knowledge of aerodynamics, dynamics, structures and propulsion to solve open-ended
problems and to produce portions of preliminary designs.
