Design-centered freshman introduction to aerospace engineering

Abstract

The conceptual design of a large airliner was used to focus a 3-quarter-hour Introduction to Aerospace Engineering, taught to 39 first-quarter freshmen. Starting from high school physics, chemistry and mathematics, the students completed several engineering assignments, and 2-person team designs of their aircraft to mission specifications. The course went on to introduce space flight issues, and a perspective on the various fields of engineering. Student performance, and assessments of the course, showed high levels of enthusiasm and participation. Many aspects of design, usually postponed to the senior capstone course, are seen to be appropriate for introduction to first-quarter freshmen.