Overview
The aerospace engineering program is concerned with the design and construction of various types of fixed-wing and rotary-wing (helicopters) aircraft used for air transportation and national defense. It is also concerned with the design and construction of spacecraft, the exploration and utilization of space, and related technological fields.
Aerospace engineering is characterized by a very high level of technology. The aerospace engineer is likely to operate at the forefront of scientific discoveries, often stimulating these discoveries and providing the inspiration for the creation of new scientific concepts. Meeting these demands requires the imaginative use of many disciplines, including fluid mechanics and aerodynamics, structural mechanics, materials and aeroelasticity, dynamics, control and guidance, propulsion, and energy conversion.
The aerospace engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Capstone Major
The Aerospace Engineering major is a designated capstone major. Within their capstone courses, Aerospace Engineering students are exposed to the conceptual and design phases for aircraft development and produce a structural design of a component, such as a lightweight aircraft wing. Graduates should be able to apply their knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering in technical systems; design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs; function as productive members of a team; identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems; and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Major Requirements
Preparation for the Major
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering M20 or Computer Science 31
The Major
Required Courses
Departmental Breadth Courses
Tracks
Aeronautics
Technical Breadth
Capstone Design
Major Field Elective
Additional Major Field Elective
Policies
List of technical breadth courses available in the Office of Academic and Student Affairs.
For information on UC, school, and general education requirements, see the Samueli school section in College and Schools.