The following is a list of courses typically taken by SSDL students. An example of a typical two-year schedule is also available. For more information on academic requirements, see the AE Graduate Student Handbook. The course list below was last updated in May 2010.
Aerospace Engineering Courses
Fall Semester
- AE 6050: Gas Dynamics
- Defining equations for compressible flows, real gas properties and their effect on the behavior of equilibrium and non-equilibrium flows. AE 6765 is a prerequisite. (Gas Dynamics Qual)
- AE 6210: Advanced Dynamics I
- Kinematics of particles and rigid bodies, angular velocity, inertia properties, holonomic and non-holonomic constraints, generalized forces. (Analytical Mechanics Qual)
- AE 6353: Orbital Mechanics
- First of two graduate-level astrodynamics classes. Course content includes historical background and equations of motion, two-body orbital mechanics, orbit determination, orbit prediction, orbital maneuvers, lunar and interplanetary trajectories, orbital rendezvous and space navigation. (Space Vehicle Design Qual)
- AE 6372: Aerospace Systems Engineering
- Introduction to aerospace systems engineering. Systems engineering and quality engineering methods and tools. Top-down design decision support processes, computer integrated environments, Integrated Product/Process Development (IPPD).
- AE 6373: Advanced Design Methods I
- Introduction to modern probabilistic design methods and techniques. Design of experiments, Taguchi methods, response surface equations, robust design, risk and uncertainty, technology assessment and selection. (Design Methods and Processes Qual)
- AE 6450: Rocket Propulsion
- Analysis and design of rocket engines including liquid, solid, hybrid, and advanced propulsion systems.
- AE 6520: Advanced Flight Dynamics
- Reference frames and transformations, general equations of unsteady motion, application to fixed-wing, rotary-wing and space vehicles, stability characteristics, flight in turbulent atmosphere. (Analytical Mechanics Qual)
- AE 6765: Kinetics and Thermodynamics of Gases
- Thermodynamics of non-reacting and reacting gas mixtures. Introductory quantum theory, statistical thermodynamics, and gas kinetic theory. (Combustion or Gas Dynamics Qual)
- AE 6323: Spacecraft Design II
- Space Vehicle Design methodology further developed and applied. Teams formed to prepare competitive proposals in response to given mission requirements. Designs publicly presented and defended. AE 6322 is a prerequisite.
- AE 8803: Introduction to Reliability, Risk, and System Safety
- The course has two objectives: 1) to provide students with a solid understanding of the concepts and techniques of reliability engineering and risk analysis, and 2) to introduce students to research direction in system safety and accident analysis.
Spring Semester
- AE 6050: Gas Dynamics
- Defining equations for compressible flows, real gas properties and their effect on the behavior of equilibrium and non-equilibrium flows. AE 6765 is a prerequisite. (Gas Dynamics Qual)
- AE 6211: Advanced Dynamics II
- A continuation of Advanced Dynamics I. Equations of motion, Newtonian frames, consistent linearization, energy and momentum integrals, collisions, mathematical representation of finite rotation. AE 6210 is a prerequisite.
- AE 6322: Spacecraft Design I
- Early design of spacecraft and launch vehicles. Emphasis on preliminary vehicle sizing and performance, effect of new technologies, and disciplinary interactions. Individual design projects. (Space Vehicle Design Qual)
- AE 6354: Advanced Orbital Mechanics
- Advanced concepts in orbital mechanics including orbit determination, orbital perturbations, time of flight, rendezvous, low thrust trajectories, and multi-body problems.
- AE 6355: Planetary Entry, Descent and Landing
- Entry flight mechanics and dynamics, aerothermodynamics, thermal protection systems, aerodynamic decelerators, descent and landing. Robotic and human exploration mission studies for aerobraking, planetary entry, aerocapture.
- AE 6374: Advanced Design Methods II
- Introduction to modern multidisciplinary design optimization methods and techniques. Numerical optimization with applications, stochastic methods, Genetic Algorithms, multidisciplinary decomposition methods, multi-level optimization strategies. (Design Methods and Processes Qual)
- AE 6451: Electric Propulsion
- This course provides a solid background of the operating principles, performance characteristics, and design features of the state-of-the-art electric propulsion systems.
- AE 6766: Combustion
- Introductory chemical kinetics, detonations and deflagrations, laminar flame propagation in premixed gases, ignition and quenching, laminar diffusion flames and droplet burning, turbulent reacting flows. AE 6765 is a prerequisite. (Combustion Qual)
- AE 8900: MS Research Project
- Students generally choose to complete a research project in place of a master's thesis. Examples of typical SSDL student projects can be found by clicking on the following link: Masters Projects
Summer Semester
- AE 6050: Gas Dynamics
- Defining equations for compressible flows, real gas properties and their effect on the behavior of equilibrium and non-equilibrium flows. AE 6765 is a prerequisite. (Gas Dynamics Qual)
- AE 6362: Safety By Design
- Autonomous situational flight model allows students to examine complex behaviors in the "pilot-vehicle-operational conditions" system. Flight certification and airworthiness requirements are mapped into formal scenarios.
Other Technical Courses
- EAS 4430: Remote Sensing and Data Analysis
- Introduction to the remote sensing of the atmosphere and the Earth. Laboratory examples of data and image analysis for remote sensing applications.
- EAS 4460: Satellite and Radar Methodology
- Interoperation of satellite and radar data for meteorological forecasting based on understanding radiative transfer and the resulting strengths and limitations of imagery.
- EAS 6145: Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere and Ocean
- Provides foundation for understanding the physical principles of remote sensing and its applications to study atmospheric gases, clouds, and ocean surfaces.
- EAS 6360: Space Physics and Instrumentation
- This course will explore the interaction of the solar wind with the Earth's magnestophere using a combination spacecraft observation and fundamental plasma physics.
- ECE 4390: Radar and Electromagnetic Sensing
- Introduces students to radar systems, including pulsed CW, CWFM, and MTI radars. Others techniques for electromagnetic sensing such as radiometry and EM tagging are discussed.
- CP 6531: Introduction to Remote Sensing
- Introduces students to the collection and use of satellite imagery and other remote sensing data.
Math Courses
- ISYE 6401: Statistical Modeling and Design of Experiments
- Fundamental coverage of topics in multiple regression and factorial experiments.
- ISYE 6650: Probabilistic Models
- An introduction to basic stochastic processes such as Poisson and Markov processes and their applications in areas such as inventory, reliability, and queuing.
- ISYE 6739: Statistical Methods
- Overview of basic tools used in statistical analysis and modeling.
- MATH 3215: Introduction to Probability and Statistics
- This course is a problem oriented introduction to the basic concepts of probability and statistics, providing a foundation for applications and further study.
- MATH 4305: Linear Algebra
- Finite dimensional vector spaces, inner product spaces, least squares, linear transformations, the spectral theorem for normal transformations. Applications to convex sets, positive matrices, difference equations.
- MATH 6640: Numerical Methods for PDEs
- Introduction to the implementation and analysis of numerical algorithms for the numerical solution of the classic partial differential equations of science and engineering. Must have knowledge of a computer programming language, familiarity with partial differential equations and elements of scientific computing.