ENG1010 : Aerospace Engineering: Fundamentals, Design and Professional Skills
- Offered for Year: 2026/27
- Module Leader(s): Dr Glynn Atkinson
- Lecturer: Dr Aidan Bowes, Dr Maryam Haroutunian, Dr Andrew Smith, Miss Katie Wray, Dr Sarah Dunn, Dr Domenico Balsamo
- Owning School: Engineering
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 15 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 15 |
| ECTS Credits: | 15.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
This interdisciplinary module aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of aerospace engineering and the principles of engineering design. It integrates core scientific and mathematical concepts—such as aerodynamics, mechanics, materials science, and orbital dynamics—with practical applications in aerospace systems. Students will develop analytical and technical skills through simulation, design-build activities, and software development, while gaining experience in electrical and mechanical engineering practice. Emphasis is placed on communication, teamwork, ethical awareness, and reflective learning. By the end of the module, students will be equipped to apply engineering knowledge in multidisciplinary contexts and demonstrate readiness for progression into Stage 2 of their degree.
Outline Of Syllabus
Aerospace Engineering Fundamentals
• History of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Basics of Aircraft and Spacecraft Flight, aerodynamics, propulsion and Energy Systems
• Systems engineering principles applied to Spacecraft and Aircraft
• Introduction to the Aerospace Industry and research tools
Engineering Design and Systems Integration
• Problem definition, design process and Innovation
• Multi-disciplinary engineering skills combining electronics, mechanics, aerodynamics, programming, and creativity
Visualisation and Communication
• Sketching and annotating design concepts and an introduction to commercial CAD and simulation tools
Electrical and Software Engineering Skills
• Use of lab equipment: electronics identification, circuit design and construction
• Software design, programming and implementation
Professional Practice and Reflection
• Safe lab practices, equipment use, manufacturing and model testing
• Introduction to ethics in engineering, responsibilities and societal impact
• Residential activity, group working strategies and critique
• Reflective application of Stage 1 learning and insights into skills and career development
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Portfolio 1: CAD, MATLAB and programming exercise |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 12 | 1:00 | 12:00 | Portfolio preparation and completion (Semester 1) |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Online “mock” examination (formative) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Session to test manufactured component |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Semester 2 Team Building and Intro. To Build sessions. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 32:00 | 32:00 | Independent build time outside of contact time |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Presentation and test preparation (Semester 2) |
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Semester 1 CAD |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | Flight simulation based assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 58:00 | 58:00 | Portfolio 2: Simulation and CAD |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 15 | 1:00 | 15:00 | Portfolio preparation and completion (Semester 2) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Programming & CAD practical sessions |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 4 | 3:00 | 12:00 | S2 Build Sessions (incl. assessment at the end of each session) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 3 | 2:00 | 6:00 | Aerodynamic design and simulation |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Flight simulation: practice, demonstration and data gathering |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Tutorial sessions, 1 hour per fortnight |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 1 | 24:00 | 24:00 | Stage 1 Residential Field Class |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | Site visit |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 27 | 1:00 | 27:00 | Regular personal study throughout the teaching period |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Module talk | 3 | 3:00 | 9:00 | Semester 1 Workshops on: Team Building. |
| Total | 300:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Lectures convey the underlying engineering principles and the approaches required to apply this to the discipline-specific problems identified. Tutorial sessions support the students’ self-study in applying the lecture material and learning to solve the practical engineering problems posed by the tutorial questions. Practical sessions will support the students’ learning and allow for hands-on demonstration and exploration of key concepts and principles covered in lectures.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 20 | NUMBAS CAD Assessment |
| Digital Examination | 60 | 1 | A | 20 | INSPERA Programming Assessment |
Exam Pairings
| Module Code | Module Title | Semester | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sustainable Design, Creativity and Professionalism | 1 | NUMBAS CAS Assessment | |
| Introduction to Programming Languages (C, Matlab and Python) | 1 | INSPERA Programming Assessment |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 2 | M | 40 | Electronics, programming, simulation, practical skills, stage reflections and aircraft systems competency portfolio |
| Oral Examination | 2 | M | 20 | Aircraft systems and control knowledge assessment. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | Computer based exercise to practice fundamental aerospace concepts, programming and CAD skills |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The digital examination provides an opportunity to assess both theoretical understanding and problem-solving skills under time-constrain as required in industry. A single A4 sheet (two-sided) may be prepared in advance and taken into the exam as study support.
The coursework element assesses students’ ability to understand aircraft terminology, systems and avionics. Understanding will be assessed in a simulated flight including system checks, taxiing, take-off, short pattern, landing, taxing,and shutdown.
Practical skills portfolio 1 allows students to demonstrate their capabilities across the multi-disciplinary skills required in engineering including CAD, Computer programming, use of hand tools, Electronic construction, use of micro-processors, 3D printers, laser cutters and CNC machines (C3, C12, C13, C18). These skills will be applied in the design and build project in semester 2.
Practical skills portfolio 2 will assess the ability to work in a group and apply various knowledge and methods to solve a “real life” challenge in a design, build, and test scenario. This will give students more confidence in presenting and communicating their work. This will also assess critical thinking and problem solving skills. The medium also allows students to demonstrate intended learning outcomes across a wide range of topics within a syllabus. (C1, C3, C16, C12, C18).
Due to the significant use of CAD designs, computer programming and practical skills in the laboratories throughout the degree program as well as in the workplace, it is justified to assess these elements in stage 1 to assure students are ready to use them in future years. (C3, C12, C13, C18)
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- ENG1010's Timetable