Aerospace Engineering Educational Mission and Goals

Educational Mission of the Aerospace Engineering Program

The Aerospace Engineering program at UCI delivers an educational program of study that prepares its graduates to become intellectual leaders in industry, government, and academia. Graduates of our programs are grounded in scientific, mathematical, and technical knowledge through coursework that keeps pace with current relevant technologies; they have developed the ability to analyze, synthesize, and design engineering systems through their immersion in the problem-based activities of this research university; and, by means of general education courses, they have enhanced their ability to communicate and have acquired an understanding and appreciation for other areas of human intellectual achievement.

Undergraduate Major in Aerospace Engineering

Program Educational Objectives focus on the following key elements: (1) demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the analytical tools and physical models that provide the foundation of engineering science and allow the analysis, modeling, and problem solving in aerodynamic, structural, thermal, mechanical, control and, environmental processes; (2) use design principles, and synthesize and creatively combine such principles, with engineering science for successfully confronting current research and practical systems, and their sustainability, in aerospace engineering; (3) exhibit a systems view, critical thinking, and an ability to effectively communicate, work within teams, and assume leadership roles; (4) practice ethical responsibilities; and (5) innovate, keep current with respect to technological change, move beyond traditional aerospace engineering disciplinary boundaries, and improve their skills through a lifelong process of learning. (Program educational objectives are those aspects of engineering that help shape the curriculum; achievement of these objectives is a shared responsibility between the student and UCI.)

Program Outcomes for undergraduate students in Aerospace Engineering:

  1. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
  2. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
  3. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
  4. An ability to function in multi-disciplinary teams.
  5. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
  6. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.
  7. An ability to communicate effectively.
  8. A broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
  9. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
  10. A knowledge of contemporary issues.
  11. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
  12. An ability to execute of a major design experience that incorporates engineering standards and realistic constraints (i.e., most of the following: economic, environmental, sustainability, manufacturability, ethical, health and safety, social, and political issues).

Aerospace Engineering graduates will, in particular, demonstrate:

  1. Aeronautical graduates - a knowledge of aerodynamics, aerospace materials, structures, propulsion, flight mechanics, and stability and control.
  2. Astronautical graduates - orbital mechanics, space environment, attitude determination and control, telecommunications, space structures, and rocket propulsion.
  3. Aeronautical and Astronautical combined - knowledge to cover one of the following areas - aeronautical engineering or astronautical engineering as described above - and, in addition, knowledge of some topics from the area not emphasized.
  4. Design competence which included integration of aeronautical or astronautical topics.