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Unit outline_

AERO1560: Introduction to Aerospace Engineering

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study introduces students to the role of professional aerospace engineers, along with the development of fundamental engineering knowledge and skills for aerospace vehicle design, analysis performance and operation. Students will learn through experience, to develop professional skills in research, interpretation, communication, and presentation of information relating to aerospace engineering. Expected learning includes: introduction to lateral thinking concepts; glossary of aerospace vehicle components and terminology; an introduction to the multiple disciplines related to aerospace engineering, such as aerodynamics, aircraft and spacecraft performance, mechanics of flight, aerospace structures, materials and propulsion systems; how the various disciplines are integrated into the design and development of flight platform systems; the operating characteristics of modern flight vehicles, their uses and limitations; modern developments and future trends in aerospace; the limitations of the aerospace environment; teamwork; and resource management. Significantly, professional enhancement is introduced through the development of basic hands-on workshop skills. These practical skills enable students to have a better appreciation of the tools that they are expected to apply their engineering knowledge to, during their aerospace engineering profession. Experiential learning is facilitated through developing skills with machine and hand tools; solid modelling; and microcontrollers in a supervised environment, to develop fundamentals of practical aerospace vehicle component design, manufacture, control, servicing, and repair. Manufacturing Technology: An overview of a range of processes related to the design and manufacture of aerospace components is provided through hands-on experience. Manufacturing Technology practical work is undertaken in: (a) Hand tools, Machining, and Fibreglassing - an introduction to basic manufacturing processes used to fabricate aerospace engineering hardware. Safety requirements: All students are required to provide their own personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with the workshop safety rules provided in class. Students who fail to do this will not be permitted to enter the workshops. In particular, approved industrial footwear must be worn, and long hair must be protected by a hair net. Safety glasses must be worn at all times. (b) Solid Modelling - the use of computer aided design (CAD) tools to model geometry and create engineering drawings of engineering components. (c) Microcontrollers - ubiquitous in modern engineered products - will be introduced through experiential learning with development kits.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
ENGG1800 or MECH1560 or MTRX1701 or CIVL1900 or CHNG1108 or AMME1960 or BMET1960 or ENGG1960
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator KC Wong, kc.wong@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Nicholas Giannelis, nicholas.giannelis@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Creative assessment / demonstration Project
Individual project - design, build, test demonstrate an aerospace vehicle.
4% - 2 weeks
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO6
Participation Active class participation
Participation and engagement during tutorial and laboratory sessions.
4% Multiple weeks N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO8 LO7 LO6
Small continuous assessment Tutorials/labs
Marked tutorial and laboratory exercises following tutorials.
8% Multiple weeks N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO9 LO7 LO6
Presentation Presentation 1
Individual presentation on assignment 1.
4% Multiple weeks N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4
Small test Surprise lecture quizzes
Unannounced quizzes held via Canvas during lecture sessions.
12% Multiple weeks N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO9 LO8 LO6 LO5
Assignment Manufacturing technology
Competency-based & assessed within the manufacturing technology session.
40% Multiple weeks N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO8
Assignment Assignment 1
Written report on aircraft/spacecraft familiarity.
8% Week 04 N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3
Presentation Presentation 2
Recorded presentation on assignment 2.
4% Week 11 N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4
Assignment Assignment 2
Written report on aircraft/spacecraft components, data research & analysis.
16% Week 11 N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

The penalty for late submission of assessments is 5% per calendar day.

This penalty is a percentage of the available mark and is applied to the mark gained after the submitted work is marked (e.g., an assignment worth 100 marks is 1 day late. The content is given a mark of 75. With the 5% penalty, the final mark is 70).

There are statistically and educationally defensible methods used when combining the marks from each component to ensure consistency of marking between markers, and alignment of final grades with unit outcomes and grade descriptors.

The University has authorised and mandated the use of text-based similarity detecting software for all text-based written assignments.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to aerospace engineering Lecture (2 hr) LO1
Lateral thinking in aerospace engineering Tutorial (1 hr) LO1
Manufacturing technology practical: TBA - refer to personal timetable Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO8
Week 02 Aerospace structures Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO5
Aircraft components and handling data Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5 LO9
Manufacturing technology practical: TBA - refer to personal timetable Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO8
Week 03 Aerospace structures Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO6 LO9
Structures laboratory experiment Tutorial (1 hr) LO7
Manufacturing technology practical: TBA - refer to personal timetable Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO8
Week 04 Aerospace structures Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO6 LO9
Student presentation of assignment 1 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Manufacturing technology practical: TBA - refer to personal timetable Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO8
Week 05 Aerospace structures Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO6 LO9
Student presentation of assignment 1 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Manufacturing technology practical: TBA - refer to personal timetable Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO8
Week 06 Aerospace structures Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO6 LO9
Aerospace structures Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6 LO9
Manufacturing technology practical: TBA - refer to personal timetable Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO8
Week 07 Aerodynamics Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO6 LO9
Operating environment and aerodynamics Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6 LO9
Manufacturing technology practical: TBA - refer to personal timetable Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO8
Week 08 Aerodynamics Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO6 LO9
Operating environment and aerodynamics Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6 LO9
Manufacturing technology practical: TBA - refer to personal timetable Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO8
Week 09 Aerodynamics Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO6 LO9
Aerodynamics - aerofoils Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3 LO6 LO9
Manufacturing technology practical: TBA - refer to personal timetable Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO8
Week 10 Aerodynamics Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO6 LO9
Wind tunnel laboratory experiment #01 Tutorial (1 hr) LO7
Manufacturing technology practical: TBA - refer to personal timetable Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO8
Week 11 Aircraft performance and design Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO6 LO9
Student presentation of assignment 2 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Manufacturing technology practical: TBA - refer to personal timetable Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO8
Week 12 Aircraft performance and design Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO6 LO9
Student presentation of assignment 2 Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5 LO6
Manufacturing technology practical: TBA - refer to personal timetable Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO8
Week 13 Concluding introduction to aerospace engineering Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO5 LO6 LO9
Wind tunnel laboratory experiment #02 Tutorial (1 hr) LO7
Manufacturing technology practical: TBA - refer to personal timetable Practical (3 hr) LO1 LO8

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate familiarity with the aerospace industry environment
  • LO2. work in a team in designing, building and testing a simple flight platform to meet some given requirements
  • LO3. search and discern relevant information
  • LO4. write professional reports and give succinct verbal presentations
  • LO5. demonstrate familiarity with airframe classification and components
  • LO6. apply fundamental engineering skills to aerospace problems
  • LO7. demonstrate familiarity with aerospace engineering laboratory facilities
  • LO8. understand practical modern manufacturing skills and demonstrate familiarity with contemporary tools used in aerospace engineering
  • LO9. demonstrate familiarity with distinct fundamental disciplines within aerospace engineering.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks.
3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
3.4. An understanding of and commitment to ethical and professional responsibilities.
4.5. An ability to undertake problem solving, design and project work within a broad contextual framework accommodating social, cultural, ethical, legal, political, economic and environmental responsibilities as well as within the principles of sustainable development and health and safety imperatives.
5.2. A commitment to safe and sustainable practices.
5.9. Skills in documenting results, analysing credibility of outcomes, critical reflection, developing robust conclusions, reporting outcomes.
LO2
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
3.6. An ability to function as an individual and as a team leader and member in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
4.4. Skills in implementing and managing engineering projects within the bounds of time, budget, performance and quality assurance requirements.
LO3
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
3.2. Information literacy and the ability to manage information and documentation.
3.4. An understanding of and commitment to ethical and professional responsibilities.
LO4
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
3.1. An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
3.2. Information literacy and the ability to manage information and documentation.
LO5
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field.
5.3. Skills in the selection and characterisation of engineering systems, devices, components and materials.
LO6
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice.
1.2. Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles.
2.2. Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains.
4.5. An ability to undertake problem solving, design and project work within a broad contextual framework accommodating social, cultural, ethical, legal, political, economic and environmental responsibilities as well as within the principles of sustainable development and health and safety imperatives.
5.1. An appreciation of the scientific method, the need for rigour and a sound theoretical basis.
5.4. Skills in the selection and application of appropriate engineering resources tools and techniques, appreciation of accuracy and limitations;.
5.5. Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings.
5.8. Skills in recognising unsuccessful outcomes, sources of error, diagnosis, fault-finding and re-engineering.
LO7
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
5.6. Skills in the design and conduct of experiments and measurements.
5.7. Proficiency in appropriate laboratory procedures; the use of test rigs, instrumentation and test equipment.
5.8. Skills in recognising unsuccessful outcomes, sources of error, diagnosis, fault-finding and re-engineering.
5.9. Skills in documenting results, analysing credibility of outcomes, critical reflection, developing robust conclusions, reporting outcomes.
LO8
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
2.3. Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field.
5.2. A commitment to safe and sustainable practices.
5.4. Skills in the selection and application of appropriate engineering resources tools and techniques, appreciation of accuracy and limitations;.
5.7. Proficiency in appropriate laboratory procedures; the use of test rigs, instrumentation and test equipment.
LO9
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators - EAPI
1.1. Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice.
2.1. Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks.
5.1. An appreciation of the scientific method, the need for rigour and a sound theoretical basis.
5.3. Skills in the selection and characterisation of engineering systems, devices, components and materials.
5.4. Skills in the selection and application of appropriate engineering resources tools and techniques, appreciation of accuracy and limitations;.
5.5. Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings.
Engineers Australia Curriculum Performance Indicators -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 P A Developing underpinning capabilities in mathematics, physical, life and information sciences and engineering sciences, as appropriate to the designated field of practice.
1.2 P A Tackling technically challenging problems from first principles.
2.1 P A T Appropriate range and depth of learning in the technical domains comprising the field of practice informed by national and international benchmarks.
2.2 P A Application of enabling skills and knowledge to problem solution in these technical domains.
2.3 P A T Meaningful engagement with current technical and professional practices and issues in the designated field.
3.1 P A An ability to communicate with the engineering team and the community at large.
3.2 P A Information literacy and the ability to manage information and documentation.
3.4 P A T An understanding of and commitment to ethical and professional responsibilities.
3.6 P A An ability to function as an individual and as a team leader and member in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams.
4.4 P A Skills in implementing and managing engineering projects within the bounds of time, budget, performance and quality assurance requirements.
4.5 P A T An ability to undertake problem solving, design and project work within a broad contextual framework accommodating social, cultural, ethical, legal, political, economic and environmental responsibilities as well as within the principles of sustainable development and health and safety imperatives.
5.1 P A An appreciation of the scientific method, the need for rigour and a sound theoretical basis.
5.2 P A T A commitment to safe and sustainable practices.
5.3 P A Skills in the selection and characterisation of engineering systems, devices, components and materials.
5.4 P A T Skills in the selection and application of appropriate engineering resources tools and techniques, appreciation of accuracy and limitations;.
5.5 P A Skills in the development and application of mathematical, physical and conceptual models, understanding of applicability and shortcomings.
5.7 T P A Proficiency in appropriate laboratory procedures; the use of test rigs, instrumentation and test equipment.
5.8 P A Skills in recognising unsuccessful outcomes, sources of error, diagnosis, fault-finding and re-engineering.
5.9 P A Skills in documenting results, analysing credibility of outcomes, critical reflection, developing robust conclusions, reporting outcomes.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Based on student feedback, each lecture has been updated to explicitly outline the learning outcomes for the session.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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