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AEE101 INTRODUCTION TO AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

Course Objectives

By attending this course, students are expected to:

• Gain familiarity with the fundamental concepts of engineering and aerospace engineering through this introductory course.
• Understand basic aerospace terminology, types and parts of aircraft and spacecraft, and fundamental flight concepts.
• Acquire an understanding of the university environment, academic rules, and the structure of engineering education at METU.
• Learn the curriculum, facilities, staff, and academic regulations of the Aerospace Engineering Department.
• Develop an overview of the history of aviation and the evolution of the aerospace industry.
• Recognize the roles and responsibilities of aerospace engineers within the aerospace industry.
• Learn about definitions of ethics and ethics in engineering.
• Learn about real-world aerospace industrial applications and experiences and research activities through seminars given by professionals/alumni from industry and academia.
• Develop teamwork, technical skills, and project management abilities through a hands-on group project of building and flying a model aircraft.

Course Content

Introduction to Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Flight, Aircraft/Spacecraft; Introduction to University, METU, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Aerospace Engineering; Brief History of Aviation; Aerospace Industry; Roles of Aerospace Engineer; Engineering Ethics; Methodology of building/flying a model aircraft.

Course Learning Outcomes

This course is an introduction to Aerospace Engineering, providing critical background on terminology, flight concepts, aerospace vehicles, and industry applications. It is a prerequisite for aircraft performance course and introduces fundamental concepts needed in future courses on aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, flight mechanics, and control. During the course, the students learn about fields and roles of Aerospace Engineering and types of aerospace engineering vehicles and structures: aircraft, rotorcraft, rockets, engines, and spacecraft. They learn about aviation in general, the brief history of aviation, and the aerospace industry. Students engage in significant academic activities, including literature research on aerospace vehicles, a term project about aerospace-related news and activities, technical report writing, and a hands-on group project building and flying a model aircraft. Additionally, invited seminars from industry and academia offer exposure to core aerospace fields and real-world practices.

The course will help fulfill the following Aerospace Engineering Program Educational Objectives:

PEO 1 - Graduates with strong fundamental knowledge in mathematics, aerospace sciences, and engineering, capable of applying it in the design and analysis of aerospace systems:  The course provides introductory definitions and terminology about Aerospace Engineering and brief history related to Aviation and Aerospace Industry.

PEO 2 - Graduates who pursue advanced studies at prestigious universities and research institutions:  Introductory-level coursework, literature investigation and hands-on project about aerospace vehicles, and also invited seminars about current advancements in engineering and science will help first year students to understand about expectations from an aerospace engineer in aerospace industry and academia so that they will be motivated through their undergraduate studies and they can pursue further advanced studies.

PEO 3 - Graduates who are sought after by top aerospace companies and hold technical or leadership positions:  The course introduces and motivates students about different fields of aerospace engineering in general and describes roles and essential skills in industry involving design, analysis, and testing of aerospace-related vehicles/structures.

PEO 4 - Graduates who establish innovative start-ups in aerospace and related industries:  Students will learn about aerospace engineering in general and will have a chance to meet with alumni and faculty members and learn about current advancements in aerospace engineering and research, and about example studies and opportunities in aerospace.

Program Outcomes Matrix