Aerospace Engineering with Foundation Year

This module supports and broadens your learning through practical experiments and application of mathematical knowledge. As an engineer or mathematician you’ll need to develop a variety of experimental and transferable skills as part of your education and ongoing professional development.  

You’ll study topics such as: 

• Mechanical laboratory experiments 

• Electrical and electronic practical work and skills 

• Mathematical case studies with real-world problems 

• Town planning and traffic management  

• Monitoring natural phenomena 

• How to design experiments 

• How to deal with experimental errors 

• Scientific writing 

This module introduces you to core topics in science, physics and mathematics. You’ll develop an awareness of mathematics contexts and your ability to apply mathematics appropriately. 

You’ll study topics such as:  

• Numbers and order of operations 

• Algebra, mathematical functions and solving simple equations 

• Geometry including trigonometry of right-angled triangles 

• Vector addition and resolution 

• Technology for calculations and plot graphs  

• Ohm's Law and capacitance 

• LR, CR and LCR circuits  

• AC theory  

• SI units and motion in a straight line (rectilinear) 

• Forces, friction and equilibrium 

This module consolidates your previous learning, developing further essential skills in science, physics and mathematics. You’ll study mathematical, electrical and mechanical areas of the subject with a structured approach to problem solving.   

You’ll study topics such as:   

• Functions and product, quotient, chain rules, gradients, min/max problems 

• Integration by function, parts, substitution and integrals 

• Velocity and acceleration problems 

• Trigonometric graphs, equations and sine/cosine rules 

• Logarithmic and exponential functions and graphs 

• Inverse and simultaneous equations using matrices 

• Electronics for measurement, diodes, power supplies and sensors 

• Op amps, analogue to digital converters and microcontrollers  

• Circular motion, work, energy, power and simple harmonic motion 

• Specific and latent heat, changes of state, expansion/contraction 

This module studies the physical and chemical principles underpinning materials science, introducing the structure, processing and characteristics of engineering materials. You’ll explore different manufacturing techniques, associated equipment and tooling, while developing your presentation and information skills.  

You’ll study topics such as: 

• Atomic and electronic structure of atoms 

• Chemical reactivity and electronic structure 

• Ionic bonding, crystals, compounds and covalent bonding  

• Characteristics and examples of organic compounds 

• Metallic bonding and conservation of mass in chemical reactions 

• Metals, organic polymers, ceramics and composites  

• Health, safety and solidification processes  

• Hot and cold metal working processes 

• Ceramic and polymer processing 

• Machining processes 

This module develops your understanding of the fundamentals of thermodynamics, mechanics and electrical engineering and provides opportunities for you to analyse well-defined engineering problems and apply appropriate methods to solve them. The module will also encourage you to explore the applications of these engineering fundamentals in the context of aerospace engineering.  

You will study topics such as: 

• Fundamentals of thermodynamics   

• Mechanics of solids and fluids 

• Electrical engineering principles 

• Aerospace engineering fundamentals, such as the basics of the atmosphere, how lift is generated, behaviour of aerofoils, balloons and airships 

This module will introduce you to the principles and practice of aerospace and automotive engineering design and the properties and characteristics of key materials and manufacturing processes used in the sector.  

You will study design methods, product definition and materials and process selection and use their knowledge to solve problems in a project-based learning scenario. We will consider the broader context in which engineers make decisions, including environmental, societal, regulatory and risk factors.  

The module will give you a practical appreciation of materials and engineered products through laboratory classes, reverse engineering exercises and the manufacture of industry-typical products. 

You will study topics such as:  

• The design process 

• Product definition and engineering drawing 

• Computer aided engineering 

• Families of engineering materials and their characteristics 

• Properties of materials under mechanical loading and the effect of service life on performance. 

• Manufacturing processes 

• Material and process selection 

• Workshop practice 

• Reverse engineering 

• H&S risk management

This module  aims to build a strong mathematical foundation which can then be applied to engineering problems. The module develops understanding and confidence with mathematical concepts and their correlation to engineering principles. You will become confident in applying mathematical techniques to solving problems in an engineering context.  

You will study topics such as: 

Mathematics: 

• Linear and matrix Algebra 

• Differentiation & Integration

• Vectors

• Complex Numbers 

• Differential Equations

• Numerical Techniques

Fundamentals of Mechanics: 

• Kinematics 

• Statics and Dynamics

The module will use a mixture of lectures, tutorials and lab sessions 

In this module you will develop the professional and personal skills necessary for your future career as a graduate engineer. You will learn about the interdisciplinary nature of modern engineering practices and the importance of sustainable design and engineering. You will be encouraged to reflect on your own employability and the steps you need to take in order to secure a work placement or graduate role. 

The module will be delivered and assessed through engagement with and completion of employer-led and simulated projects. These will be selected to be topical and relevant to your course. 

You will study topics such as: 

• Sustainable engineering and its importance in industry

• The interdisciplinary nature of modern engineering projects

• The role of the engineers and engineering in society

• The importance of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in modern engineering practices

• The attributes of an employable professional engineer

• Risk management and data security

The aim of this module is for you to develop fundamental knowledge, analysis and computational skills to solve broadly-defined problems related to thermodynamic systems and their applications in aerospace vehicles, aircraft systems, avionics and instrumentation.  

This is an applied project-based-learning module, where you will gain work experience through delivering practical team working activities, which will help you develop your employability skills. You will use analytical, computational and design tools and industry-relevant software to arrive at numerical, simulated or realised solutions. 

You will study topics such as: 

• Thermodynamic processes

• Heat transfer mechanisms

• Fundamentals of turbomachinery

• Introduction to Avionics, communication and navigation systems

• Aircraft Systems, for example Electrical Systems, Fuel Systems, Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems, etc

• Sensors, actuators and instrumentation

• Advanced CAD/CAM modelling techniques 

• Manufacturing operations and parameters

This module builds on the learning in the previous year and aims to equip you with knowledge of relevant numerical techniques and computational skills for the solution of broadly-defined problems in aerospace and automotive engineering applications. The module will also encourage you to apply your knowledge in the implementation of programming techniques using industry-standard software. 

You will study topics such as:  

• Iterative methods for the solution of non-linear systems of equations

• Algorithm stability requirements, convergence analysis

• Numerical solution of differential equations with initial values

• Finite difference method and finite element methods

• Numerical integration  

• Polynomial approximation

• Introduction to CFD/FEA simulations on relevant software

• Introductory programming and implementation of numerical techniques

Building on the fundamental concepts learned previously, in this module you will apply the physical principles of fluid mechanics, solid mechanics and dynamics to develop a more advanced knowledge of aerospace structures and materials, aerodynamics and flight mechanics, making use of analytical methods for the solution of broadly-defined problems in these areas.   

You will study topics such as:  

• Statics of structures, thin-wall structures, structural instability
• Structures and materials under thermal loading
• Beam inflection theory
• Incompressible aerodynamics, flow over airfoils and finite wings
• Wing theory and applications 
• Boundary layer equations, transition to turbulence, separation
• Aircraft Equations of Motion
• Aircraft dynamic performance in steady state conditions 
• Takeoff and landing performance, gliding flight, climbs, endurance, level turns, pull ups, pull downs

This module will introduce you to the systems engineering philosophy and the fundamentals of systems engineering theory. These concepts are brought together with the theory you’ve learned in other modules to apply a structured approach to solving broadly-defined engineering problems.  

Industry-relevant tools and techniques used for systems design are adopted throughout. This reinforces the importance of the systems engineering approach in sectors such as aerospace and automotive which involve the design of complex systems. 

The module is delivered using a project-based learning approach incorporating industry-relevant case studies. 

In this module, you will study topics such as: 

• The design, realization, technical management, operations, and retirement of a system

• The ‘SIMILAR’ process in systems engineering (State the problem, Investigate alternatives, Model the system, Integrate, Launch, Assess, Re-evaluate) and its application

Module aim:    

The aim of this module is to enhance students’ professional development through the completion of and reflection on meaningful work placement(s).  

A work placement will provide students with opportunities to experience the realities of professional employment and experience how their course can be applied within their chosen industry setting. 

The placement will: 

• Allow student to apply the skills, theories and behaviours relevant and in addition to their course 
• Enable students to enhance their interpersonal skills in demand by graduate employers – communication, problem-solving, creativity, resilience, team work etc
• Grow their student network and relationship building skills
• Provide student with insights into the industry and sector in which their placement occurs 
• Help student make informed graduate careers choices

Indicative Content:  

In this module students undertake a sandwich placement (min 24 weeks / min 21 hours per week) which is integrated, assessed and aligned to their studies.  

Their personal Placement Academic Supervisor (PAS) will be their key point of contact during their placement and will encourage and support students to reflect on their experience, learning and contribution to the organisation they work for.  

To demonstrate gains in professional development, students will be required to share their progress, learning and achievements with their Placement Academic Supervisor and reflect on these for the summative piece of work. 

Building on the knowledge learned in the previous year, in this module you will develop an understanding of advanced scientific concepts and analytical methods for the solution of complex problems in compressible flows, aerothermodynamics, aerospace propulsion, flight dynamics, stability and control.  

In addition, the module will introduce you to preliminary aircraft design concepts, which you will develop further with an aircraft design project in semester 2.   

In this module you will study topics such as:  

 Aerothermodynamics: 

• Compressible aerodynamics, transonic and supersonic flows
• Supersonic air foils and wings
• Shock wave theory
• Aerodynamic heating

Propulsion: 

• Types of aerospace propulsion (e.g. piston engine, gas turbine, ramjet scramjet, rocket)  
• Engine design, parameters and performance
• Alternative propulsion systems (e.g. nuclear, electromagnetic, solar electric, etc)

Flight dynamics, stability and control: 

• Longitudinal and lateral aircraft equations of motion
• Mechanics of turns and manoeuvres 
• Static and dynamic stability
• Aircraft control, dynamic response

Design:

• Introduction to aircraft design, preliminary design constraint analysis, conceptual design

This module aims at developing your knowledge and understanding of the aircraft design process, simulation and structural dynamics and integrity. You will integrate and apply your knowledge to develop a successful aircraft design to meet given requirements, create and optimise a simulated model, and, where relevant, prototype and test specific elements or subsystems. You will develop advanced knowledge and use appropriate methods for the solution of structure dynamics and integrity problems. This module will also equip you with the analytical and decision-making abilities in the design of an aircraft within a group-work context. 

You will study topics such as: 

Aircraft Design: 

• Aircraft main component and system preliminary design

• Design integration aspects: optimisation and trade-off

Flight Simulation: 

• Model development for simulation, using appropriate tools and models  

• Aircraft flight testing (simulated experiments)

• Preliminary assessment of aircraft performance and stability

Structure Dynamics and Integration: 

• Advanced structural analysis

• Stress concentrations, fracture toughness

• Fundamentals of fatigue and fracture mechanics

• Fundamentals of structural dynamics

Your individual final year project is the apex of your academic journey, offering a platform to apply the wealth of knowledge and skills gathered throughout your degree to real-world linked problems. This module requires your creativity, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to navigate new material independently in whichever field you choose to specialise in. 

This module allows you to: 

• Undertake in-depth research in a topic of your choosing

• The opportunity to work alongside cutting-edge researchers 

• Create a body of work that can support you into further study, or work in a field that interests you

Develop solid foundations for undertaking a self-managed academic research project. On this module you will develop the skills and understanding you will need to complete your dissertation project to the highest level. Through lectures, guided reading and one-to-one discussions with your project supervisor you will design a path through to successful completion of an extensive research project including developing the project management skills you will need to achieve this. 

You’ll study topics such as 

• The life cycle of a project 
• Reviewing academic literature 
• Quality management 
• Project management techniques and tools 
• Research ethics 
• Intellectual property rights