Aerospace Engineering

major

Aerospace engineers are called upon to solve exciting problems of design, construction and operation of aircraft and spacecraft to meet the ever-increasing requirement for improved performance at lower unit cost. These challenges mean that aerospace engineers work at the continuously changing forefront of science, technology, and systems management.

About this Program

To graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.

Department Information

The Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (MAE) graduates many exceptional mechanical and aerospace engineers each year. The Mechanical Engineering program celebrated its 100 year anniversary in 2009 and is one of the founding departments of the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. Starting within mechanical as an aeronautical option, the Aeronautical Engineering program was founded in 1946. It grew to become the Aerospace Engineering program, which merged with Engineering Science and Mechanics in 1969. All these programs united (or reunited) in 2002. Going strong into the 21st century, MAE remains a vibrant and intellectually diverse program at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Website

CONTACT

352.392.0962
Email | Map

P.O. Box 116250
Gainesville, FL 32611-6250

1064 Center Drive
Building NEB, Room 181
Gainesville, FL 32611
Map

 Curriculum

The undergraduate curriculum in Aerospace Engineering is a fully accredited baccalaureate program that provides a broad education with a strong foundation in mathematics, science, and basic engineering sciences. Advanced courses in aeronautics and astronautics complete the degree. Graduates will be prepared to work in the aerospace and related industries or to pursue graduate study.

Combination Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Program

The Aerospace Engineering professional often benefits from an advanced degree to meet the challenging needs of industry and government. Accordingly, the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) actively participates in the combination BS/MS degree program that allows students to double-count graduate courses toward both degrees. The combination-degree program reduces the cost for both degrees and enhances the student’s marketability for career advancement. Interested students should contact the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering or its website for more information.

Department Requirements

Minimum grades of C are required for EGM 2511 , EGM 3401, EGM 3520, EGM 3344, and EML 3100. The minimum grade of C is considered part of the prerequisite requirement for courses that list EGM 2511, EGM 3401, EGM 3520, EGM 3344, or EML 3100 as a prerequisite. The prerequisite course and subsequent course cannot be taken in the same term, even if the prerequisite is being repeated.

An Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering student whose cumulative, upper-division or department grade point average falls below a 2.0 or whose critical-tracking grades do not meet department requirements will be placed on academic probation and required to complete a probation contract with an MAE academic advisor. Students normally are allowed a maximum of two terms (consecutive or non-consecutive) on academic probation. Students who do not satisfy the conditions of the first term on probation may be dismissed from the department.

All graduating seniors must complete an exit interview.

Dual-Degree Programs

There is great overlap between the aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering curriculum. The first six semesters of the two degree programs are identical. Through proper selection of electives, students can earn dual mechanical engineering/aerospace engineering BS degrees with one semester of additional work. Interested students should contact the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering or its website for more information.

Educational Objectives

The program educational objectives of the aerospace engineering undergraduate program are to ensure that within a few years of graduation:

  • Graduates will meet or exceed the expectations of employers of aerospace engineers.
  • Qualified graduates will continue their professional development by pursuing advanced study if they so desire.

Mission

  • Serve the state of Florida, the United States and the engineering profession by providing a high-quality educational experience in aerospace engineering
  • Enhance student learning with extracurricular opportunities including undergraduate research mentored by nationally recognized researchers
  • Foster ongoing professional development of students, faculty, and staff

Research Programs

The department's active research programs are sponsored by private industry, the National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, NASA, National Institutes of Health and other agencies. These programs keep faculty at the leading edge of technology and provide opportunities for students to participate in research through classroom assignments, individual studies, undergraduate research scholarships and employment as research assistants.

Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for progress toward each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.

Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

Semester 1

Semester 2

  • Complete an additional 2 of 8 critical-tracking courses with minimum grades of C within two attempts
  • 2.8 GPA required for the group of 8 critical-tracking courses
  • 2.0 UF GPA required

SEMESTER 3

  • Complete an additional 2 of 8 critical-tracking courses with minimum grades of C within two attempts
  • 2.8 GPA required for the group of 8 critical-tracking courses
  • 2.0 UF GPA required

SEMESTER 4

  • Complete the remaining 2 of 8 critical-tracking courses with minimum grades of C within two attempts
  • 2.8 GPA required for the group of 8 critical-tracking courses
  • 2.0 UF GPA required

SEMESTER 5

  • Meet all Semester 1-4 critical-tracking requirements
  • 2.0 UF GPA required

SEMESTER 6

SEMESTER 7

SEMESTER 8

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.

This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
Quest 1 (Gen Ed Humanities) 1 3
CHM 2045
General Chemistry 1 (Critical Tracking; Gen Ed Physical Sciences)
or Applied General Chemistry 1
3
CHM 2045L General Chemistry Laboratory (Gen Ed Physical Sciences) 1
EML 2920 Department and Professional Orientation 1
ENC 1101
Expository and Argumentative Writing (Writing Requirement: 6,000 words) 1,2
or Argument and Persuasion
3
MAC 2311 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 1 (Critical Tracking; State Core Gen Ed Mathematics) 4
 Credits15
Semester Two
COP 2273 Python Programming for Engineers 3
EML 2023 Computer Aided Graphics and Design (Critical Tracking) 3
ENC 2256 Writing in the Disciplines (State Core Gen Ed Composition; Writing Requirement: 6,000 words) 3
MAC 2312 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 2 (Critical Tracking; Gen Ed Mathematics) 4
PHY 2048 Physics with Calculus 1 (Critical Tracking; State Core Gen Ed Physical Sciences) 3
PHY 2048L Laboratory for PHY 2048 (Gen Ed Physical Sciences) 1
 Credits17
Semester Three
EAS 2011 Introduction to Aerospace Engineering 3
EGM 2511 Engineering Mechanics: Statics 3 3
MAC 2313 Analytic Geometry and Calculus 3 (Critical Tracking; Gen Ed Mathematics) 4
MAS 3114 Computational Linear Algebra 3
PHY 2049 Physics with Calculus 2 (Critical Tracking; Gen Ed Biological and Physical Sciences) 3
 Credits16
Semester Four
Quest 2 (Gen Ed Biological or Physical Sciences) 5 3
EGM 3344 Introduction to Numerical Methods of Engineering Analysis 3 3
EGM 3520 Mechanics of Materials 3 3
EML 2322L Design and Manufacturing Laboratory 2
EML 3100 Thermodynamics 3 3
MAP 2302 Elementary Differential Equations (Critical Tracking) 3
 Credits17
Semester Five
EAS 4101 Aerodynamics 3
EEL 3003 Elements of Electrical Engineering 4 3
EGM 3401 Engineering Mechanics: Dynamics 3 3
EMA 3010 Materials 3
MAP 4305 Differential Equations for Engineers and Physical Scientists 3
Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences; Writing Requirement: 6,000 words 1 3
 Credits18
Semester Six
EAS 4132 Compressible Flow 3
EAS 4510 Astrodynamics 3
EML 3301C Mechanics of Materials Laboratory (Writing Requirement: 6,000 words) 3
EML 4312 Control of Dynamic Systems 3
Approved Aerospace elective 3
 Credits15
Semester Seven
EAS 4200 Aerospace Structures 3
EAS 4400 Stability and Control of Aircraft 3
EAS 4810C Aerospace Sciences Lab and Design 3
State Core Gen Ed Humanities 1 3
Approved Aerospace elective 3
 Credits15
Semester Eight
EAS 4300 Aerospace Propulsion 3
EAS 4700
Aerospace Design 1
or Aerospace Design 2
3
State Core Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences 1 3
Approved Technical electives 6
 Credits15
 Total Credits128
1

Students are also expected to complete the Gen Ed International requirement. This is often done concurrently with another General Education requirement (typically, Gen Ed Composition, Gen Ed Humanities or Gen Ed Social and Behavioral Sciences).

2

ACT/SAT placement scores do not exempt this requirement.

3

Minimum grade of C required.

4

Can substitute EEL 3111C.

5

Students should select a Quest 2 course that is either Gen Ed Physical or Biological Science. Upper-division transfer students exempt from the Quest 2 course requirement must select one of the following to meet the Science Elective Requirement: BSC 2010 or CHM 2046 (see transfer admissions on department website).

6

Any course taken from the list of Aerospace Electives beyond the required two will count towards satisfying a Technical Elective.


Aerospace Electives | Select Two

EAS 4240Aerospace Composites3
EAS 4412Dynamics and Control of Space Vehicles3
EAS 4530Space Systems Design3
EML 4140Heat Transfer3
EML 4220Vibrations3
EML 4507Finite Element Analysis and Design3
EML 4722Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics3
Any graduate-level course taught by the MAE department except EML 57143

Technical Electives

  • If a course satisfies a requirement for a major, it can’t be used a Technical Elective.
  • Some courses have graduate-level listings and credit can only be awarded for one version. 
  • There are limits for special credits: 3 for internship, 3 for AE individual study, 6 for ME individual study, 8 for total combination of individual study, internships, and special problems or special topics.
  • There is a four credit limit for 2000-level courses.
Agricultural and Biological Engineering
ABE 3612CHeat and Mass Transfer in Biological Systems4
ABE 3652CPhysical and Rheological Properties of Biological Materials3
ABE 4008Control Methods in SmartAg Systems3
ABE 4033Fundamentals and Applications of Biosensors3
ABE 4034Remote Sensing in Engineering: Science, Sensors and Applications3
ABE 4171Power and Machines for Biological Systems3
ABE 4655CBio-Based Products from Renewable Resources3
ABE 4662Quantification of Biological Processes3
Applied Physiology and Kinesiology
APK 2100CApplied Human Anatomy with Laboratory4
APK 2105CApplied Human Physiology with Laboratory4
APK 3220CBiomechanical Basis of Movement3
Astronomy
AST 3018Astronomy and Astrophysics 13
AST 3019Astronomy and Astrophysics 23
AST 3722CTechniques of Observational Astronomy 13
AST 4402Galaxies and Cosmology3
Biology
BSC 2010Integrated Principles of Biology 13
BSC 2010LIntegrated Principles of Biology Laboratory1
BSC 2011LIntegrated Principles of Biology Laboratory 21
BSC 3096Human Physiology3
BSC 4452Computational Tools for Research in Biology3
BSC 4892AI in Biology3
Biomedical Engineering
BME 3060Biomedical Fundamentals3
BME 3219Engineering Analysis of Musculoskeletal Biomechanics3
BME 3234Mechanical Behavior of Biological Tissues and Systems3
BME 4632Biomedical Transport Phenomena3
Chemistry
CHM 2046General Chemistry 23
CHM 2046LGeneral Chemistry 2 Laboratory1
CHM 2096Applied General Chemistry 23
CHM 2096LApplied General Chemistry 2 Lab1
CHM 2200Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry3
CHM 2200LFundamentals of Organic Chemistry Laboratory1
CHM 2210Organic Chemistry 13
CHM 2211Organic Chemistry 23
CHM 2211LOrganic Chemistry Laboratory2
CHM 3120Introduction to Analytical Chemistry3
CHM 3120LAnalytical Chemistry Laboratory1
CHM 3217Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry 14
CHM 3218Organic Chemistry/Biochemistry 24
CHM 4411Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics4
CHM 4411LPhysical Chemistry Laboratory2
Computer Science
CAI 4104Machine Learning Engineering3
CAP 3032Interactive Modeling and Animation 13
CAP 3034Introduction to Computer-Aided Animation3
CAP 3220Introduction to Computer-Aided Modeling3
CAP 4053Artificial Intelligence for Computer Games3
CAP 4410Computer Vision3
CAP 4613Deep Learning for Computer Graphics3
CAP 4621Artificial Intelligence and Heuristics3
CAP 4641Natural Language Processing3
CAP 4730Computational Structures in Computer Graphics3
CAP 4770Introduction to Data Science3
CDA 3101Introduction to Computer Organization3
CDA 4630Embedded Systems3
CNT 4007Computer Network Fundamentals3
COP 3502CProgramming Fundamentals 14
COP 3503CProgramming Fundamentals 24
COP 3530Data Structures and Algorithm3
COP 4331Object-oriented Programming3
COP 4600Operating Systems3
COT 3100Applications of Discrete Structures3
COT 4501Numerical Analysis: a Computational Approach3
Civil Engineering
CEG 4011Soil Mechanics4
CES 3102Mechanics of Engineering Structures4
Digital Game Theory
DIG 3713Game Content Production 13
DIG 3715Game Content Production 23
DIG 3873Game Systems Development 13
DIG 3878Game Systems Development 23
DIG 4527CGame Design and Production3
Electrical Engineering
EEE 3308CElectronic Circuits 14
EEE 3396Solid-State Electronic Devices3
EEE 3773Introduction to Machine Learning4
EEE 4310VLSI Circuits and Technology 13
EEE 4720Acoustics3
EEE 4773Fundamentals of Machine Learning3
EEL 3008Physics of Electrical Engineering3
EEL 3135Introduction to Signals and Systems4
EEL 3211CBasic Electric Energy Engineering4
EEL 3701CDigital Logic and Computer Systems4
EEL 4242CPower Electronic Circuits3
General Engineering
EEL 3872Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals3
EGN 2020CEngineering Design & Society2
EGN 4641Engineering Entrepreneurship3
EGN 4643Engineering Innovation3
EGS 4034Engineering Ethics and Professionalism1
EGS 4038Engineering Leadership3
EGS 4619Agile Project Management for Engineers and Scientists3
EGS 4625Fundamentals of Engineering Project Management3
EGS 4680Advanced Engineering Leadership Development3
EGN 5216Machine Learning for Artificial Intelligence Systems3
EGN 5442Programming for Applied Data Science3
EGN 6640Entrepreneurship for Engineers3
EGN 6642Engineering Innovation3
EGS 6039Engineering Leadership3
Industrial Engineering
EIN 3241Human Factors & Ergonomics3
EIN 3354Engineering Economy3
EIN 4242CWorkplace Ergonomics and Biomechanics3
ESI 4221CIndustrial Quality Control3
Materials Engineering
EMA 3011Fundamental Principles of Materials3
EMA 3050Introduction to Inorganic Materials3
EMA 3066Introduction to Organic Materials3
EMA 3413Electronic Properties of Materials3
EMA 4061Biomaterials: Structure and Properties3
EMA 4061LBiomaterials Laboratory1
EMA 4125Kinetics of Materials3
EMA 4223Mechanical Behavior of Materials3
EMA 4314Thermodynamics of Materials3
EMA 4324Stability of Materials3
EMA 4714Materials Selection and Failure Analysis3
Mathematics
MAA 4102Introduction to Real Analysis 13
MAA 4103Introduction to Real Analysis 23
MAA 4211Real Analysis and Advanced Calculus 13
MAA 4212Real Analysis and Advanced Calculus 23
MAD 2502Intro to Computational Math3
MAP 4305Differential Equations for Engineers and Physical Scientists3
MAP 4314Dynamical Systems and Chaos3
MAP 4341Elements of Partial Differential Equations3
MAP 4413Fourier Analysis3
MAS 3114Computational Linear Algebra3
MAS 4105Linear Algebra 14
MAS 4115Linear Algebra for Data Science3
MHF 3202Reasoning and Proof in Mathematics3
Mechanical Engineering
EAS 2011Introduction to Aerospace Engineering3
EAS 4101Aerodynamics3
EAS 4132Compressible Flow3
EAS 4200Aerospace Structures3
EAS 4240Aerospace Composites3
EAS 4300Aerospace Propulsion3
EAS 4400Stability and Control of Aircraft3
EAS 4412Dynamics and Control of Space Vehicles3
EAS 4510Astrodynamics3
EAS 4530Space Systems Design3
EAS 4700Aerospace Design 13
EAS 4710Aerospace Design 23
EAS 4530Space Systems Design3
EAS 4700Aerospace Design 13
EAS 4710Aerospace Design 23
EAS 4810CAerospace Sciences Lab and Design3
EAS 4905Individual Study in Aerospace Engineering1-4
EAS 4939Special Topics in Aerospace Engineering1-4
EGM 4585Modeling and Control of Biomolecular Machines3
EGM 4590Biodynamics3
EGM 4592Bio-Solid Mechanics3
EGM 4853Bio-Fluid Mechanics and Bio-Heat Transfer3
EGN 3353CFluid Mechanics3
EGN 4912Engineering Directed Independent Research0-3
EMA 4450Li-ion Next Generation Batteries3
EML 3005Mechanical Engineering Design 13
EML 4140Heat Transfer3
EML 4147CThermal Sciences Design and Laboratory3
EML 4220Vibrations3
EML 4285Off-Highway Vehicle Design3
EML 4292Microfluidics and BioMEMS3
or BME 5580 Introduction to Microfluidics and BioMEMS
EML 4314CDynamics and Controls System Design Laboratory3
EML 4416Solar Energy Utilization3
EML 4450Energy Conversion3
EML 4500CReengineering Historic Machinery3
EML 4501Mechanical Engineering Design 23
EML 4502Mechanical Engineering Design 33
EML 4507Finite Element Analysis and Design3
EML 4535CAutomation in Production Engineering3
EML 4600Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Fundamentals3
EML 4601Heating and Air Conditioning System Design3
EML 4722Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics3
EML 4842Autonomous Vehicles3
EML 4905Individual Study in Mechanical Engineering1-3
EML 4914Undergraduate Realization Thesis3
EML 4926Mechanical Consulting Practice3
EML 4930Special Topics in Mechanical Engineering1-3
EML 4945Practical Work in Mechanical Engineering1
EML 4949Co-op Work Experience1
Nuclear Engineering
ENU 4001Nuclear Engineering Analysis 14
ENU 4103Reactor Analysis and Computation I4
ENU 4605Radiation Interactions and Sources 14
ENU 4612Nuclear Radiation Detection and Instrumentation3
Packaging Science
PKG 3001Principles of Packaging3
PKG 3103Food Packaging3
PKG 4008Distribution and Transport Packaging3
PKG 4011Packaging Production and Processing3
PKG 4101CComputer Tools for Packaging3
Physics
PHY 3101Introduction to Modern Physics3
PHY 3221Mechanics 13
PHY 3323Electromagnetism 13
PHY 3513Thermal Physics 13
PHY 4222Mechanics 23
PHY 4324Electromagnetism 23
PHY 4604Introductory Quantum Mechanics 13
PHZ 4710Introduction to Biological Physics3
Statistics
STA 3032Engineering Statistics3
STA 3100Programming With Data in R3
STA 3180Statistical Modelling3
STA 4210Regression Analysis3
STA 4211Design of Experiments3
STA 4321Introduction to Probability3
EAS, EGM, or EML 5XXX or 6XXX-level course taught by MAE faculty3

Aerospace engineers solve exciting problems of design, construction and operation of aircraft and spacecraft to meet the ever-increasing requirement for improved performance at lower unit cost. The undergraduate curriculum provides a broad education with a strong foundation in mathematics, science and basic engineering sciences. Advanced courses in aeronautics and astronautics complete the degree program and prepares students to work in aerospace industries or to pursue graduate study.

The Aerospace Engineering BS Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Aerospace and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Before Graduating Students Must

  • Pass an assessment by two or more faculty and/or industry practitioners of performance on a major design experience.
  • Pass assessment in two courses of individual assignments targeted to each learning outcome. Assessment will be provided by the instructor according to department standards.
  • Complete an exit interview in your final semester.
  • Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major Will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes | SLOs

Content

  1. Apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering principles to aerospace engineering problems.
  2. Design and conduct aerospace engineering experiments, analyzing and interpreting the data.

Critical Thinking

  1. Design an aerospace engineering system, component or process to meet desired needs within realistic economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability constraints.

Communication

  1. Communicate technical data and design information effectively in writing and in speech to other aerospace engineers.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Courses SLO 1 SLO 2 SLO 3 SLO 4
EAS 2011 A
EAS 4101 A R R
EAS 4200 R R R
EAS 4300 R R R
EAS 4400 R R R
EAS 4510 R R
EAS 4700 R R A A
EAS 4710 R R A A
EAS 4810C R A R A
EGM 2511 I I
EGM 3344 R
EGM 3401 R
EGM 3520 A R
EML 2023 R A
EML 2322L R A R
EML 2920 I
EML 3100 A
EML 3301C R I, A A
EML 4312 A R
ENC 3246 R

Assessment Types

  • Assignments
  • Exams
  • Design projects and reports
  • Presentations
  • Additional assessments include exit and alumni surveys