Aerospace Engineering

• The Field
• Educational Objectives
• The Curriculum
• Co-operative Education
• Aircraft Design
• Research Experience For Undergraduates

Aerospace engineering is a highly specialized, yet widely diverse field. Aerospace engineers are involved in such varied and exciting activities as creating the Space Station, sending a spacecraft to Mars, designing an artificial heart, and improving tomorrow’s automobiles. We have come a long way since the Wright brothers at Kitty Hawk. In just a century, we have converted aviation from daredevil and barnstorming adventures to a safe, fast, and widely used mode of transportation. There is every reason to believe that the next fifty years will bring about even more dramatic advances. With the Space Shuttle follow-on, with the increasing need for high-speed civil transport and more efficient and “greener”, higher performance commercial and military aircraft, Aerospace Engineering will continue to offer ample opportunities for careers and advancement.



Upon completion of the AE Program, students will be able to:

• Apply their knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering, and the principles of engineering design to the professional practice of their discipline in modern industry.
• Identify and formulate engineering problems in and related to their discipline, and to solve them using modern engineering tools and techniques, through the inspection and analysis of data obtained from the design and execution of experiments, or from the application of theoretical or computational analysis.
• Pursue continuous lifelong learning and professional renewal, including undertaking graduate studies. They will possess the tools and motivation for continuous learning scholarship, and self-directed research.
• Understand the nature of engineering knowledge and the social context of engineering; appreciate the impact of engineering solutions in a contemporary, global, societal and environmental context; exhibit professionalism, understand and adhere to professional ethics and standards.
• Communicate effectively; take leadership positions, and function on multi-disciplinary teams. Understand the importance of diversity in the workplace and of the ethical practice of their profession.

The Aerospace Engineering curriculum provides a thorough background in fluid dynamics, structures, propulsion, controls, flight dynamics and design. The curriculum provides flexibility with regard to all areas of potential aerospace practice by emphasizing applied science, design, and technology while providing a firm foundation in mathematics and physics.

With a strong science and mathematics based education, aerospace engineers have also found employment opportunities outside of the traditional aerospace industry. Many work in oceanography, biotechnology, weather prediction, energy conservation, and in the petro-chemical, nuclear or automotive industries. In addition, the aerospace design provides an excellent background for business, law or medicine. Of course, people with the ambition to become pilots, either military or commercial, find the aerospace degree very attractive.

Aerospace engineering principles are reinforced and integrated through design assignments and ”hands-on” experience with the latest in test equipment and modern experimental methods. Three aerospace engineering laboratory courses are included in the program in addition to the core requirements of one chemistry lab and two physics labs.

The first of these is an adjunct to the introductory lecture course in aeronautics offered during the fourth semester, while the latter two are sequential experiences which build on basic skills and science background to develop an appreciation for measurement techniques and apparatus as well as to demonstrate concepts in subsonic and supersonic flows. Students also develop communications skills and learn about the complex cultural, legal, ethical and economic factors which influence the engineering profession. Students who wish to may select courses that satisfy the requirements of a minor area of study (e.g., mechanical, bio-medical, systems, environmental management, economics).



With the largest co-operative education programs in the University, students have the opportunity to get important, practical industrial experience. This program build self-confidence, helps define career objectives, enriches the technical education and enhances job opportunities while providing an income. In this program, students have the opportunity to work in industry for an extended period of time during their normal undergraduate years. Typically, students spend one summer and one semester working for a company with one or two more summers possible. Co-op students normally take an extra semester to graduate. Currently more than 40 companies -- located throughout the U.S. -- offer co-op opportunities to our students. Furthermore, opportunities exist for students to study abroad as a part of foreign exchange programs. Here is what some of our recent graduates have to say about Aerospace Engineering at UVA: "I can't believe...I'm ... getting my dream job of working on the (Space) Shuttle!” (Colleen Boggs, BS AE, 2006) "After graduating from U.Va. I will be attending George Washington University's School of International Affairs to study and work towards a graduate degree in space policy. My interests in pursuing further education and a career in aerospace policy were sparked by advice from faculty members as well as summer internships. My undergraduate engineering education provided me with a solid foundation that will allow me to understand and address policy issues from a technical perspective." (Stephanie Bednarek. BS AE '07)



While many courses in the program contain elements of design, the curriculum is consummated by a year long design course. This course brings together most of the aerospace subjects taken and requires the students, working in teams, to demonstrate their creativity as well as their basic knowledge. The course is often culminated by the public presentation of the final aircraft design to a panel of judges and by entry in a national competition.

























Research Experience for Undergraduates Research is an important component of our undergraduate program in Aerospace Engineering. Many students are involved in hands-on research in one of the many active research laboratories within the department, either as paid research assistants or as anxious volunteers. From the Aerospace Research Lab, to the Morphing Structures Lab, or the Combustion Lab—-opportunities abound. As a testament to the many excellent opportunities that exist, our students have won more Harrison Research Awards than any other department in SEAS. Many students even begin this research in their second or third year, preparing them for outstanding senior thesis projects.
 





















Many of our undergraduate students work in our research laboratories side-by-side with graduate students and faculty.