Distribution Requirements

Program Distribution Requirements for the Aerospace Engineering Major

The normal period of residency at WPI is 16 terms. In addition to the WPI requirements applicable to all students (see WPI Degree Requirements) students wishing to receive a Bachelor degree in "Aerospace Engineering", must satisfy additional distribution requirements. These requirements apply to 10 units of study in the areas of mathematics, basic sciences, aerospace engineering science and design.

RequirementsMinimum Units

1. Mathematical and Basic Sciences (Notes 1, 2, 3, and 4)

4

2. Engineering Science and Design (Includes MQP) (Notes 5, 6)

6

NOTES:

  1. Must include a minimum of 5/3 units of mathematics including differential and integral calculus, and differential equations.
  2. Must include a minimum of 3/3 units in physics including introductory electricity and magnetism, and intermediate mechanics.
  3. Must include 1/3 unit in chemistry.
  4. Must include 1/3 units in thermodynamics (can be satisfied with CH3510 as a Mathematics and Basic Science Elective, or other equivalent course with approval of the AE Program Committee)
  5. Must include 18/3 units in Engineering Science and Design, distributed as follows:
    1. 12/3 units in Aeronautical Engineering
      1. 3/3 units in Aerodynamics with topics in: incompressible fluid dynamics, compressible fluid dynamics, subsonic and supersonic aerodynamics.
      2. 2/3 units in Aerospace Materials with topics in: materials science, and aerospace materials.
      3. 2/3 units in Structures, with topics in: stress analysis, and aerospace structures.
      4. 2/3 units in Propulsion, with topics in: introductory fluid dynamics, and gas turbine propulsion.
      5. 2/3 units in Flight Mechanics, and Stability and Control, with topics in: control theory,  and aircraft dynamics and controls.
      6. 1/3 units in Major Design of a system, component, or process to meet desired needs incorporating appropriate engineering standards and multiple realistic constraints, including the integration of aeronautical topics (fulfilled by ME4770 Aircraft Design).
    2. 2/3 units in Astronautical Engineering
      1. 1/3 unit in Orbital Mechanics and  Space Environments (fulfilled by ME2713 Astronautics).
      2. 1/3 units in Telecommunications (fulfilled by ME4733 Guidance, Navigation and Communication).
    3. 4/3 units in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
      1. 1/3 unit in Experimentation (fulfilled by ME3901 Engineering Experimentation).
      2. 3/3 units in Aerospace Design  that involves the design of a system, component, or process to meet desired needs that includes integration of aeronautical and/or astronautical topics (fulfilled by the MQP).

OR

    1. 12/3 units in Astronautical Engineering
      1. 1/3 unit in Orbital Mechanics, Space Environments (fulfilled by ME2713 Astronautics)
      2. 2/3 units in Attitude Determination and Control, with topics in: control theory and spacecraft dynamics and controls.
      3. 1/3 units in Telecommunications (fulfilled by ME4733 Guidance, Navigation and Communication).
      4. 3/3 units in Space Structures, with topics in: materials, stress analysis, and aerospace structures.
      5. 4/3 units in Rocket Propulsion, with topics in: introductory fluid dynamics, incompressible fluid dynamics, compressible fluid dynamics and, rocket propulsion.
      6. 1/3 unit in Major Design of a system, component, or process to meet desired needs incorporating appropriate engineering standards and multiple realistic constraints, including the integration of astronautical topics (fulfilled by ME4771 Spacecraft and Mission Design).
    2. 2/3 units in Aeronautical Engineering
      1. 1/3 units in Aerodynamics (fulfilled by ME3711 Aerodynamics).
      2. 1/3 units in Aerospace Materials (fulfilled by ME 4718 Advanced Materials with Aerospace Applications).
    3.  4/3 units in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
      1. 1/3 units in Experimentation (fulfilled by ME3901 Engineering Experimentation).
      2. 3/3 units in Aerospace Design  that involves the design of a system, component, or process to meet desired needs that includes integration of aeronautical and/or astronautical topics (fulfilled by the MQP).
  1. Must include a 1/3 Capstone design activity (fulfilled by ME4770, ME4771 or MQP).

 

Maintained by webmaster@wpi.edu
Last modified: August 26, 2009 15:34:28