Aerospace Engineering (Private Pilot Instruction) BEng

Core modules:

Aerospace Engineering Design, Build and Test

This module will introduce students to the basic concepts of aircraft and spacecraft design with a focus on systems engineering, interdisciplinary design and performance. Students will learn about the basic principles of flight and how performance can be calculated during a typical flight/mission including take-off, landing, climb, cruise and turning and orbital mechanics.The basic principles of systems engineering as an approach to aircraft design will be taught and the importance of considering aircraft design as an interdisciplinary design problem are covered and illustrated through the design, build and test activity. Students will undertake an exercise to design, build and test an aircraft, covering choices of materials, structures, aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics and control. Predictions of the aircraft performance will be undertaken in order to model the flight time or a similar parameter, being tested against the actual performance of the aircraft. They will also undertake a range of workshop practice elements in order to learn to operate and utilise appropriate building techniques for the aircraft, satisfying the requirements of “Workshop Practice” as required for accreditation. Students will be introduced to computer coding as an engineering tool, taught the basics of engineering drawing and computer aided design (CAD) and develop an appreciation of basic workshop tools (engineering applications).

20 credits

Introduction to Aerospace Materials

This module examines how the macroscopic properties of materials are determined by the arrangement of, and bonding between atoms. How processing can affect these atomic arrangements and thus the microstructure and properties of a material is considered. Finally materials selection for aerospace applications taking into account multiple criteria is introduced.

20 credits

Mathematics (Electrical and Aerospace)

This module aims to reinforce students' previous knowledge and to develop new basic mathematical techniques needed to support the engineering subjects taken at Levels 1 and 2. It also provides a foundation for the Level 2 mathematics courses in the appropriate engineering department. The module is delivered via online lectures, reinforced with weekly interactive problem classes..

20 credits

Aerospace Aerodynamics and Thermodynamics

This course provides an overview of the fundamental principles of the behaviour of liquids and gases that are essential to an aerospace engineer. Students will encounter the physical basis of important properties, their evaluation and application to practical examples. The course then teaches the interrelationship between pressure, flow and temperature and how this affects the design, performance and energy terms of aerospace engineering components and systems. Irreversibility, both from the point of friction and entropy change will be examined both qualitatively and quantitatively.

15 credits

Aerospace Electrics and Drives

This module introduces the concepts and analytical tools for predicting the behaviour of electric components and combinations of electric components. Electromechanical energy conversion such as drives, servo systems and actuator technologies are also introduced.

This module will equip students with the ability to create models that describe the circuit components or groups of components to allow predictions of performance to be made for Aerospace Engineering applications.

15 credits

Engineering Statics and Dynamics

The course provides the fundamental concepts and techniques used in Engineering Statics and Dynamics. Two-dimensional statics are covered including force and moment systems, free body diagrams, equilibrium, friction, and the application to typical structures encountered in aerospace engineering applications (such as beams, frames and trusses). Two-dimensional kinematics and kinetics of particles and rigid bodies are covered. An introduction to the use of the Work-Energy methods in dynamics is given. No prior knowledge of statics or dynamics is assumed; the treatment concentrates on physical understanding and applications in aerospace engineering, rather than using advanced mathematical treatments

15 credits

Introduction to Systems Analysis and Control

This module will introduce principles of modelling of simple continuous dynamical systems. This module also introduces analysis of linear models. It includes a detailed analysis of the dynamical behaviour of 1st and 2nd order systems linking behaviour to physical parameters, e.g. Rise time, settling time, overshoot, steady-state. Damping and damping ratio and resonance. Frequency response is also discussed. We will introduce control and feedback as a topic by providing examples of open-loop and closedloop control, and undertake detailed analysis of linear models with a focus on 1st and 2nd order systems. Students are introduced to simple practical feedback mechanisms, including PID controllers and performance criteria such as offset, stability, poles and zeros. You will learn about the principles of how to use Laplace Transforms to solve linear differential equations, and for system representation, using transfer functions and block diagram algebra. You will also develop an appreciation of frequency-domain implications of system analysis through the use of Fourier series. MATLAB is used to reinforce the simulation and analysis of all module contents and coursework assignments.

15 credits

Global Engineering Challenge Week

The Faculty-wide Global Engineering Challenge Week is a compulsory part of the first-year programme. The project has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills as well as widen their horizons as global citizens. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of 5-6, for a full week, all students in the Faculty choose from a number of projects arranged under a range of themes including Water, Waste Management, Energy and Digital with scenarios set in an overseas location facing economic challenge. Some projects are based on the Engineers Without Borders Engineering for people design challenge*.

*The EWB challenge provides students with the opportunity to learn about design, teamwork and communication through real, inspiring, sustainable and cross-cultural development projects identified by EWB with its community-based partner organisations.

Core modules:

Control Systems Design and Analysis

This module gives a solid theoretical foundation for understanding feedback control system analysis, design and application and is suitable for general engineering students. This is supported by hardware laboratories, PC laboratory activities and coursework. Content covers standard analysis tools such as root-loci, Bode diagrams, Nyquist diagrams and z-transforms. The latter part of the course focuses on the design of common feedback strategies using these analysis tools and students will undertake indicative designs and reinforce learning through application to laboratory and hardware systems. 

20 credits

Aerospace Fluids Engineering

The module is designed to consolidate and extend the students' understanding of basic fluid flow properties, fluid flows, and applying analysis techniques to solve engineering fluids problems. The module will cover the use of both integral control volume and differential analysis techniques. These will be applied to a range of simple engineering fluid systems, Newtonian laminar analysis will be applied to internal flows. The boundary layer will be introduced and related to the concepts of drag and heat transfer. The concepts of compressible nozzle flow, choking and shock waves will be covered. Sub-sonic and sonic compressible flow will be introduced. The students will also be introduced to computational fluid dynamics using FLUENT and given hands-on experience.

10 credits

Aerostructures

The overall aim of the course is to explain clearly some fundamental theories of solid mechanics for the modelling of basic aircraft structure problems. In specific terms this means truss system analysis, bending of statically determinate and indeterminate beams, analysis of cross-sections, axes of symmetry, section properties for structural beams, beams loaded by moments and by UDLs, Macaulay's method for beams under point loads and moments, general stress, strain, and displacements in open and closed section thin-walled beams, shear flow and shear centre, torsion of closed and open section beams, torsion of beams, aircraft structural materials, and aircraft structural components.

10 credits

Mathematics for Aerospace Engineers

This module consolidates previous mathematical knowledge and develops new mathematical techniques relevant to the Aerospace Engineering discipline.

10 credits

Engineering - You're Hired

The Faculty-wide Engineering - You're Hired Week is a compulsory part of the second year programme, and the week has been designed to develop student academic, transferable and employability skills. Working in multi-disciplinary groups of about six, students will work in interdisciplinary teams on a real world problem over an intensive week-long project. The projects are based on problems provided by industrial partners, and students will come up with ideas to solve them and proposals for a project to develop these ideas further.

Optional modules:

Electrical Energy Management and Conversion

An outline of the electrical supply infrastructure, including the plurality of electrical energy generation modalities currently in use, is followed by elementary ideas behind protection, safety and tariff structures. The characteristics of electrical machines are discussed together with the circuit strategies that can be used to control of machine performance. Circuits for more general high efficiency power management are also described. Circuits dealing with power will dissipate energy and that energy must be removed if overheating is to be avoided - elements of thermal management are discussed in the context of audio power amplifiers.

20 credits

Introduction to Systems Engineering & Software

Engineering applications are typically complex, so students also need to acquire proficiency in analytical problem solving and the ability to apply a systems engineering approach, as a systematic methodology to design and implementation. A group project will develop an understanding of the type of problem solving and systems engineering needed for the design and build of a computer-controlled system. Students will improve skills in communication, team working and reflective practices as a result of the group project. Engineering applications in manufacturing, aerospace, robotics, energy, finance, healthcare and a host of other areas are predominately computer based or computer controlled. In order to be able to create computer based and computer controlled applications, students need to acquire proficiency in relevant software and programming languages. In this module, labs and several individual assignments will build proficiency in creating C programs as solutions to engineering problems.

20 credits

Signals, Systems, and Communications

Modern communication systems provide the backbone of the technological development that is driving the information age. The increase of data analytics, machine learning, and networked solutions pushes the trend towards an increasing use of digital communication systems as means of enabling reliable and efficient information exchange. The aim of the unit is to provide the fundamentals of signals, systems and communication systems. The mathematical principles of signal theory and systems theory will be applied within a communication theory context. The unit will provide the students with the tools to analyse and solve complex open-ended communication problems and to evaluate the technological constraints of the proposed solutions.

20 credits

Applied Aerospace Heat Transfer

The objective of this module is to teach the student the fundamentals and basic applications of heat transfer. The module is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different heat transfer process, namely conduction, convection and radiation. The three processes are often combined in the problems studied in order to explain heat transfer in a real-life engineering system works. The conduction part of the module focuses on steady heat conduction in one dimensional systems, conduction through fins to increase efficiency and transient heat conduction. Numerical methods applied to conduction problems will also be briefly introduced. Forced convection will be studied in internal flows and in external flows, and natural convection will also be introduced. Heat exchangers will be studied and knowledge of conduction and forced convection will both be used. Thermal radiation will focus on the physics and on network analysis to solve engineering problems. Group work will be very important in the laboratory experiments and for oral presentations on applications of heat exchangers.

10 credits

Dynamics of Aerospace Structures and Machines

The aim of this module is to develop understanding of the fundamental concepts governing the dynamics of structures and machines for aerospace engineering. It covers two principal areas: structural vibration and rigid body mechanics. In structural vibration, the single degree of freedom model is used to study the free response and forced vibration of systems subjected to steady state, impulse and arbitrary loading. Aspects of rigid body mechanics include the analysis of common two-dimensional mechanisms and the dynamics of rigid rotors, including gyroscopic motion.

10 credits

Introduction to Electronic Circuits

This module introduces the concepts and analytical tools for predicting the behaviour of combinations of passive circuit elements in conjunction with active electronic components; diodes, transistors and operational amplifiers and the circuits in which these devices are used.

10 credits

Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving

This module introduces basic concepts of computer programming, through an introduction to problem solving and the development of simple algorithms using the programming language Python. The module will stress the importance of good programming style and good code design and will introduce how an object-oriented approach can help to achieve these aims.

10 credits

Materials Selection and Fracture Mechanics

The first half of the course aims to build a comprehensive understanding of the interrelationship between materials selection, materials processing, product design and product performance in order to develop a holistic approach to optimum selection of materials for engineering and industrial applications. Topics examined include methods of materials and process selection through an applied open-ended project.This module also introduces students to fracture mechanics. In the fracture mechanics topics covered in some detail include linear elastic fracture mechanics, cyclic fatigue, stress corrosion and failure prediction. A brief introduction to elastic-plastic fracture mechanics is also included.

10 credits

Selection and Processing of Aerospace Materials

This module will consist of two distinct parts. The first part will examine the use of polymers and composite materials within an aerospace context and will focus on structure, property and processing relationships for polymers, reinforcing fibres and both polymer, carbon-carbon, and ceramic matrix composite materials. The second part of the module will provide a broad introduction to the main processing routes for metallic components used in aerospace applications, and will look in detail at techniques such as casting, rolling, forging, as well as the processing routes for metal matrix composites and advanced high strength steels. 

10 credits

Core modules:

Aerospace Individual Investigative Project

The project is designed to develop students' technical knowledge and understanding, technical and personal skills and an appreciation of the wider context of their studies. It gives students the opportunity to apply and develop further their knowledge and skills by applying them to a specific problem area. It is also intended to develop a greater level of student independence. The specific aims of the project are to:-provide students with the freedom to explore possible solutions to real engineering problems, allowing them to demonstrate their understanding of practical aerospace engineering.-enable students to exercise independent thought and judgement in conducting a technical investigation.

30 credits

Aero Propulsion

The aim of this module is to provide the students with an understanding of principles of operation of gas turbines, as applied to aero propulsion and power generation.The module introduces the theory of gas turbines and how they should function. The study is based on fundamental thermodynamic and fluid mechanic analyses and introduces methods for improving efficiencies and increasing specific work output. The effect of simple thermodynamics of combustion, jet engine losses and efficiences are considered, together with an analysis of turbojet and turbofan designs.Website Version:This module provides students with an understanding of principles of operation of gas turbines, pulse-jets, RAM-jets and solid and liquid fuelled rocket engines as applied to aero propulsion. The understanding is built upon fundamental thermodynamic and fluid mechanic analyses of components and systems for each propulsion method. Methods for improving efficiencies and increasing specific work output of components are also introduced as well as an introduction to combustion, losses and efficiencies.

10 credits

Aerodynamic Design

This module aims to provide the students with a good understanding of basic theories in aerodynamics and its integration in the design process. It emphasises on the role that aerodynamics plays in engineering product design, where the forces exerted by the air flow around the geometries are crucial, e.g. for an aircraft or a racing car. The aerodynamic principles will be demonstrated through their roles in aeronautical and automotive vehicle designs. The students should be able to apply these basic principles to other areas of applications in broader engineering areas, such as the design of wind turbines, engine fans, buildings, sailing boats, etc.

10 credits

Aircraft Design

This module provides a comprehensive knowledge about all elements of conceptual aircraft design and promotes the learning and application of the industrial procedure for designing an aircraft based on given requirements. Topics include: conceptual design and sizing, preliminary design, matching plot, wing design, propulsion system selection, fuselage design, etc. The teaching will be based on constructive alignment by making use of specific active learning techniques during teaching sessions.

10 credits

Aircraft Dynamics and Control

Aerospace engineering is a fascinating area where knowledge from different disciplines is needed. The aim of this module is to provide the student with such a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the principles of aircraft performance, flight dynamics and the problems of controlling an aircraft¿s motion. Various aspects of aircraft performance including straight, level flight and manoeuvres are covered. The module introduces the equations of motion for a rigid body aircraft and the aerodynamic forces and moments are then determined. Static and dynamic stability and response characteristics are defined. Flying and handling qualities of an aircraft, and disturbances affecting its motion, are analysed.

10 credits

Finance and Law for Engineers

​​The module is designed to introduce engineering students to​ ​key areas of financial and legal risk​ ​that engineers should be aware of in​ ​their working environment. The module will draw directly on practical issues of budgeting, raising finance, assessing financial risks and making financial decisions in the context of engineering projects and/or product development. At the same time the module will develop students​'​ understanding of the legal aspects of entering into contracts for the development and delivery of engineering projects and products and an awareness of environmental regulation, liability for negligence,​ ​intellectual property rights and the importance of data protection. Through a series of parallel running lectures in the two disciplines, the module will provide a working knowledge of the two areas and how they impinge on engineering practice. There will be a heavy emphasis on group working, report writing and presentation as part of the assessment supplemented by online exercises and an individual portfolio.

10 credits

Managing Engineering Projects and Teams

This module provides you with an understanding of the significance of projects as an instrument of business success in engineering organisations. You will learn a range of project management tools, techniques and methodologies throughout the project life cycle. You will develop skills in defining, planning, delivering, and controlling engineering projects. You will also learn the roles and responsibilities of people within engineering projects and understand how to manage teams in engineering projects.

10 credits

Ground and Flight Training

The aim of this module is to provide students with a sound working knowledge of all issues related to the piloting of aircraft and to prepare them for five hours of flight training in light aircraft. The module includes the theories behind principles of flight and aircraft general knowledge, aviation law, meteorology, flight planning and performance, human factors in relation to flying aircraft, radiotelephony and navigation. The students will undertake five hours of flying training during the year which will help them to put their ground training into context.

10 credits

Optional modules:

Advanced Engineering Thermodynamic Cycles

The course will consolidate and expand upon the fundamental and general background to Thermofluids engineering developed during first and second year courses. This will be achieved through the study of more realistic systems, machines, devices as well as their application.

To introduce students to more realistic energy conversion and power production processes. Use of irreversibility to analyse plant. Introduction of reheat and heat recovery as methods of achieving improved efficiency. To look at total energy use by means of combined gas and steam and combined heat and power cycles and understand some of the environmental issues. A variety of refrigeration cycles will also be illustrated as well as the Otto and Diesel cycles.

10 credits

Aerospace Metals

This unit covers engineering alloys ranging from light alloys (i.e. aluminium alloys and titanium alloys) and high temperature metallic systems (intermetallics and nickel superalloys). The course centres on the physical metallurgy of such engineering alloys to demonstrate the effect of alloying and its implications for the processing, microstructure and performance of structural aerospace components in both airframe and aero-engine applications. Some parallels will also be drawn with the automotive industry, when discussing light alloys.

10 credits

Antennas, Radar and Navigation

This module is about understanding the fundamentals and common applications of antennas and radar systems. The basic characteristics of some of the commonly used antennas, and antenna systems, will be examined in the context of practical design and application. The radar part of the module will introduce the basic concepts of radar and examine various types of commercial and military radar system in common use. The application of radar and other methods in airborne navigation and landing systems will be discussed. Throughout the module emphasis will be placed on 'first-order' analysis techniques in order to reduce the use of advanced mathematics.

10 credits

Computational Fluid Dynamics

The module introduces fundamental concepts of Computational Fluid Dynamics from the governing physical principles to their mathematical definition, approximation and numerical solution, with an emphasis on the importance of experimental and theoretical validation. The course explains the typical steps for a robust use of CFD analysis to predict the behaviour of complex fluid flows encountered in typical engineering applications, including turbulent flows. Students will consolidate their understanding by performing and critically assessing the results of a CFD analysis of a typical and industrially relevant fluid problem.

10 credits

Finite Element Techniques

The module aims to give students a thorough knowledge and understanding of the principles of the Finite Element Method. The approach will be based on energy methods (Principle of Minimum Total Potential Energy). Formulation of statics problems using 1D elements (bar elements, shaft elements, beam elements and beam-column elements), and truss elements will be taken up. Finally, a simple 2D element for plane stress/plane strain case will be formulated. Throughout the module, assembly, application of boundary conditions, and solution procedures will be discussed with examples. The students will be expected to apply this knowledge given a problem. The use of a commercial finite element code will be provided via laboratory sessions, where various modelling strategies, appreciation of the scope of application, check validity, and the ability to interpret results will be covered.



The fundamentals of the method and the ability to apply it to various situations will be tested via a written exam. The practical use of the commercial finite element software will be assessed via a mini-report. Feedback during the term will be provided via an online quiz.

10 credits

Manufacturing Systems

The aim of this module is to enable students to understand the concepts and practices used by modern manufacturing organisations. The modules starts with content on current trends in manufacturing processes (in particular high-speed machining and additive manufacturing). Students are then introduced to ways of designing and evaluating a manufacturing system as well as the relevant theories, concepts and methodologies of controlling and managing a manufacturing shop floor.

10 credits

Space Systems Engineering

The module aims to introduce different mission types including communications, earth observation, weather, navigation, astronomy, scientific, interplanetary missions and space stations. Concepts of orbital motion such as Kepler Laws, Elliptic, Parabolic and Hyperbolic orbits are introduced. Atmospheric drag, luni-solar perturbations are explained. Hohmann orbit transfer, ground station visibility, launch windows are explained. The module provides an understanding of spacecraft sub-systems and control including attitude control and thermal control, as well as providing knowledge of propulsion systems for example chemical rockets, electric propulsion, nuclear rockets, and solar sails.

Various concepts related to space environment are explored including, sun, solar wind, solar cycles, heliosphere, ionosphere, magnetosphere, magnetic storms, substorms and geomagnetic indices. The module explains space weather phenomena and concepts including the effects of ionising radiation, cosmic rays, and solar energetic particle events on spacecraft systems and astronauts. Geomagnetic storms and sub-storms are also discussed. The module considers ground induced current and its effect on the pipelines, power grid and transformers. The effects of space weather on communications and forecasting of space weather are discussed.

10 credits

State-Space Control Design

The aims of this modules are: to introduce state-space methods for the analysis and design of controllers for multivariable systems; to teach the use of analytical tools and methods for state-space control design; to demonstrate similarities between continuous and sampled data systems; and to extend the analysis to non-linear systems.

Material to be covered includes: Structural properties (modal decomposition, controllability, observability, stability); design (pole assignment, observer design, separation principle, internal model principle, optimal control, LQG, reference tracking, integral control) of continuous systems and equivalents for sampled-data systems.

10 credits