University of Texas at El Paso Academic Catalog

Academic Catalog

BS in Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering

The Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering curriculum is designed for students who desire to enter the aerospace or related industry or to pursue advanced studies in these areas. The curriculum provides a broad range of courses in the areas of aerodynamics, aerospace structures and aerospace and aeronautic vehicle design.

Vision

The Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering Program strives to graduate aerospace engineers of the highest quality and to conduct state-of-the-art research.

Marketable Skills

Students will gain the following marketable skills: 

  1. Confidence: Be self-assured through appreciating your own talents, abilities, skills, and qualities.
  2. Critical thinking: Analyze and evaluate issues in order to solve problems and develop informed opinions.
  3. Entrepreneurship: Develop, organize, and manage ideas and opportunities turning them into new products, services, firms, or industries.
  4. Leadership: Step up, think, and act critically and creatively to bring others together to accomplish a common task.
  5. Problem-solving: Find solutions to difficult or complex issues.
  6. Teamwork: Participate as an effective, efficient member of a group in order to meet a common goal.

Mission

The Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering program at The University of Texas at El Paso seeks to prepare students for careers in aerospace engineering and related disciplines. Successful achievement of this objective will be met if:

  • The majority of our graduates obtain meaningful employment in the aerospace or related industry after graduation
  • After five years most graduates are working in engineering
  • After five years most graduates have achieved their initial career goals and advanced their careers, i.e. promotion, pursuit of advanced degree, etc.
  • All graduates feel well served by the education they received at UTEP.

The program will consist of a largely common initial two years with the current B.S. in Mechanical Engineering degree program at UTEP but have course, laboratory and project experiences in the last two years of the curriculum that prepare students in: 

  • Aerodynamics,
  • Propulsion,
  • Aerostructures,
  • Aerospace dynamics and controls, and
  • Aerospace systems engineering

Admission Requirements

There are no additional admission requirements to the program above those of admission to the University of Texas at El Paso and to eligible to take MATH 1411 Calculus I or equivalent.

Degree Requirements

The degree requires 128 SCH which includes:

  1. completion of the university core curriculum (42 SCH)
  2. 56 SCH of prescribed courses,
  3. 30 SCH of engineering electives

Degree Plan

Designated Core
CE 2326Econ for Engrs & Scientists3
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305
4
MATH 1508Precalculus3-5
or MATH 1310 Trigonometry and Conics
or MATH 1411 Calculus I
PHYS 2320
PHYS 2120
Introductory Mechanics
and Laboratory for PHYS 2320
4
University Core Curriculum(All courses require a grade of C or better.)
Complete the University Core Curriculum requirements.42
Aerospace Engineering (Other Requirements) (All courses require a grade of C or better.)
Required Courses: Some of these are included in the core.
CE 2326Econ for Engrs & Scientists3
MATH 1411Calculus I4
MATH 1312Calculus II3
MATH 2313Calculus III3
MATH 2326Differential Equations3
Math/Science Elective
Select one of the following: (Math courses in this section cannot be used to satisfy other degree requirements)3
Matrix Algebra
Applied Analysis I
Linear Algebra
Numerical Analysis
Applied Analysis II
Survey of Modern Physics
Analytical Mechanics I
Probability and Statistics
Science Elective
Select one of the following:4
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1306
Introductory Electromagnetism
and Laboratory for PHYS 2321
General Biology
and Topics in Study of Life I
Math Elective
Select one of the following:(Math courses in this section cannot be used to satisfy other degree requirements)
MATH 3323Matrix Algebra3
MATH 3335Applied Analysis I3
MATH 4329Numerical Analysis3
MATH 4336Applied Analysis II3
STAT 3320Probability and Statistics3
Aerospace Engineering Major
Required Courses:
MECH 1305Graphic & Design Fundamentals c3
MECH 1321Mechanics I-Statics c3
MECH 2103Engineering Computations c1
MECH 2311Intro to Thermal-fluid Sci c3
MECH 2322Mechanics of Materials c3
MECH 2340Mechanics II -Dynamics c3
MECH 2342Electro Mechanical Systems c3
MECH 3352Engineering Analysis3
AERO 2131Aerospace Materials Lab1
AERO 2331Aerospace Materials3
AERO 3312Aerodynamics 13
AERO 3323Aerospace Structures I3
AERO 3343Systems Modelling and Control3
AERO 4322Aerospace Propulsion3
AERO 4364Aerospace Communications3
AERO 4365Aerospace Systems Engineering3
AERO 4366Aerospace Senior Design3
Select two of the following: Laboratory Experience2
Mechatronics Lab
Thermo-fluid Lab
Solid Mechanics Lab
Concentration Electives: Must take 3 from one Concentration 19
Aircraft Concentration:
Flight Dynamics and Controls
Aircraft Design
Aerospace Structures II
Special Topics in Aeronautics
Launch Vehicles and Missiles Concentration
Aerodynamics II
Hypersonic Vehicle Design
Structural Dynamics
Special Topics in Hypersonics
Satellite Concentration
Orbit and Attitude Dynamics
Spacecraft Environments
Space Mission Design
Special Topics in Astronautics
Technical Electives6
Select six hours from any AERO course if not required in another section
Total Hours128

C Course requires a grade of C or better
1 Must declare a concentration and take three classes from the declared concentration area
3 Must be in the last full semester and have a 2.0 GPA or better in major.

University Core Curriculum

The department may make specific suggestions for courses which are most applicable towards your major.

All courses require a C or better

I. Communication (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on developing ideas and expressing them clearly, considering the effect of the message, fostering understanding, and building the skills needed to communicate persuasively. Courses involve the command of oral, aural, written, and visual literacy skills that enable people to exchange messages appropriate to the subject, occasion, and audience.
Select six hours of the following: 6
For students whose secondary education was in English:
Written and Oral Communication
Writing About Literature
Rhetoric & Composition I
Rhetoric & Composition 2
Rhetoric, Composition & Comm
For students whose secondary education was not in English:
Expos Engl Compos-Spkr Esl
Res & Crit Writng Spkr Esl
Total Hours6

II. American History (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on the consideration of past events and ideas relative to the United States, with the option of including Texas History for a portion of this component area. Courses involve the interaction among individuals, communities, states, the nation, and the world, considering how these interactions have contributed to the development of the United States and its global role.
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
Total Hours6

III. Language, Philosophy & Culture  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on how ideas, values, beliefs, and other aspects of culture express and affect human experience. Courses involve the exploration of ideas that foster aesthetic and intellectual creation in order to understand the human condition across cultures.
Select one of the following:3
Intro-African Amer Studies
Latina/o Presence in the U.S.
English Literature
English Literature
Intro to American Fiction
Intro to American Drama
Intro to American Poetry
Making of the "Other" Americas
World History to 1500
World History Since 1500
Introduction to Philosophy
Ethics
Introduct to Religious Studies
Seeing & Naming: Conversations
Introduction to Womens Studies
Global Feminisms
Total Hours3

IV. Mathematics  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on quantitative literacy in logic, patterns, and relationships. Courses involve the understanding of key mathematical concepts and the application of appropriate quantitative tools to everyday experience.
Select one of the following:3
College Algebra
Trigonometry and Conics
Math in the Modern World
Math for Social Sciences I
Calculus I
Precalculus 1,2
Math for Social Sciences II
Statistical Literacy
Elementary Statistical Methods
1 A higher-level course in the calculus sequence can be substituted.
2 TCCN MATH 1314 will also satisfy this requirement.
Total Hours3

V. Life & Physical Sciences  (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on describing, explaining, and predicting natural phenomena using the scientific method. Courses involve the understanding of interactions among natural phenomena and the implications of scientific principles on the physical world and on experiences.
Select one of the following:1-4
Astronomy Lab I
Elem Astronomy-Solar System
Elem Astr Stars & Galaxies
Introductory Biology Lab
Human Biology Laboratory
Topics in Study of Life I
Organismal Biology Laboratory
Introductory Biology
Human Biology
General Biology
Organismal Biology
Human Anat/Physio Lab I
Human Anat/Physio Lab II
Human Anat/Physiology I
Human Anat/Physiology II
Laboratory for CHEM 1305
Laboratory for CHEM 1306
Intro General Chemistry Lab
Intro Organic & Biochem Lab
General Chemistry
General Chemistry
Intro to General Chemistry
Intro Organic & Biochemistry
Environmental Sci. Lab
Non-major Lab for ESCI 1301
Intro to Environment Science 2
Intro to Environmental Sci
Laboratory for GEOG 1306
Physical Geography
Lab for GEOL 1313
Lab for GEOL 1314
Principles of Earth Sci - Lab
Laboratory for Geology 1212
Principles of Earth Sciences
Principles of Earth Science
The Blue Planet
Natural Hazards
Intro to Physical Geology
Intro to Historical Geol
Fundamentals of Nutrition
Wellness Dynamics
Microorganisms and Disease
General Physics I
General Physics II
Laboratory for PHYS 2320
Laboratory for PHYS 2321
Introductory Mechanics
Introductory Electromagnetism
Total Hours 6

VI. Political Science  (six hours)

Courses in this category focus on consideration of the Constitution of the United States and the constitutions of the states, with special emphasis on that of Texas. Courses involve the analysis of governmental institutions, political behavior, civic engagement, and their political and philosophical foundations.
Required Courses:
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
Total Hours6

VII. Social and Behavioral Sciences  (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on the application of empirical and scientific methods that contribute to the understanding of what makes us human. Courses involve the exploration of behavior and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, and events, examining their impact on the individual, society, and culture.
Select one of the following:3
Intro-Phys Anth/Archeolog
Intro-Cultural Anthropology
Cultural Geography
Intro to Linguistics
Econ for Engrs & Scientists
Intro to Chicano Studies
Asian American Studies
Interpersonal Communication
Mass Media and Society
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Introduction to Ed Psychology
Action Research in Classrooms
Introduction to Linguistics
Cultural Geography
Community Service
An Intro. to Linguistics
Lang. Inside & Out: Sel Topics
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Cultural Geography
Total Hours3

VIII. Creative Arts (three hours)

Courses in this category focus on the appreciation and analysis of creative artifacts and works of the human imagination. Courses involve the synthesis and interpretation of artistic expression and enable critical, creative, and innovative communication about works of art.
Select one of the following:3
Art Appreciation
History of Art I
History of Art II
Chicana/o Fine Arts Appreciat
Dance Appreciation
Intro-Art of Motion Pict.
Music Appreciation
Jazz to Rock
Music, Culture, and Society
Introduction to Theatre
Total Hours3

IX. Component Area Option (six hours)

a. A minimum of 3 SCH must meet the definition and corresponding Core Objectives specified in one of the foundational component areas. b. As an option for up to 3 semester credit hours of the Component Area Option, an institution may select course(s) that: (i) Meet(s) the definition specified for one or more of the foundational component areas; and (ii) Include(s) a minimum of three Core Objectives, including Critical Thinking Skills, Communication Skills, and one of the remaining Core Objectives of the institution's choice.
Intro to Global Business
Public Speaking
Business/Profession Comm
Intro-Computational Thinking
Computer Programming Sci/Engr
Eng Innovation and Leadership
Introduction to Leadership
Inquiry in Math & Science
Seminar/Critical Inquiry
Total Hours0

4-Year Sample Degree Plan

 BS Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering (Starting with Calculus)

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AEROSPACE AND AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
FRESHMAN
Fall
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I +3
UNIV 1301Seminar/Critical Inquiry +3
PHYS 2320Introductory Mechanics3
PHYS 2120Laboratory for PHYS 23201
MATH 1411Calculus I +4
MECH 1305Graphic & Design Fundamentals +3
Spring
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 1865 +3
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 2 +3
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305 +
4
MECH 1321Mechanics I-Statics +3
MATH 1312Calculus II +3
SOPHOMORE
Fall
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 1865 +3
MECH 2322Mechanics of Materials +3
AERO 2331Aerospace Materials +3
AERO 2131Aerospace Materials Lab +1
MATH 2313Calculus III +3
Science Elective +, 14
Spring
CE 2326Econ for Engrs & Scientists +3
MECH 2340Mechanics II -Dynamics +3
MECH 2311Intro to Thermal-fluid Sci +3
MECH 2342Electro Mechanical Systems +3
MECH 2103Engineering Computations +1
MATH 2326Differential Equations +3
JUNIOR
Fall
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics +3
AERO Concentration Course3
AERO 3312Aerodynamics 13
MECH 3352Engineering Analysis3
Laboratory Experience 21
Math Elective +,33
Spring
COMM 1302Business/Profession Comm +3
AERO 3323Aerospace Structures I3
AERO 3343Systems Modelling and Control3
Aero Concentration I 53
Science/Math Elective +,43
Laboratory Experience 21
SENIOR
Fall
Language, Philosophy, and Culture Course +3
AERO 4322Aerospace Propulsion3
AERO 4365Aerospace Systems Engineering3
Technical Elective 3
Aero Concentration III 53
Spring
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics +3
Creative Arts Course +3
AERO 4366Aerospace Senior Design3
AERO 4364Aerospace Communications3
Technical Elective3
Notes:
+Grade of C or better required
1. Must be either CHEM 1306 with CHEM 1106, PHYS 2421 or by permission of advisor.
2. From the department approved list of Laboratory Experience courses.
3. Selected from MATH 3323, 3335, 4326, 4329, 4336, STAT 3320. By completing 3 of these electives you may be eligible for a Mathematics minor, interested students· should consult the Department of Mathematics.
4. Approved courses are: PHYS 2325, PHYS 3351, PHYS 4348 or any course listed in NOTE 3 (not already taken). Also, as per the UTEP core curriculum requirements two of your science classes must be in the same area (either PHYS, OR CHEM).
5. Must take at least three classes from one aerospace concentration area.
6. Two technical electives selected from any MECH or AERO 3XXX or 4XXX courses. At least one elective must be at the 4XXX level.
Total Hours128

 BS Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering (Starting with Precalculus) 

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN AEROSPACE AND AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
FRESHMAN
Summer
MATH 1508Precalculus5
Fall
RWS 1301Rhetoric & Composition I3
UNIV 1301Seminar/Critical Inquiry3
PHYS 2320
PHYS 2120
Introductory Mechanics
and Laboratory for PHYS 2320
4
MATH 1411Calculus I4
MECH 1305Graphic & Design Fundamentals3
Spring
HIST 1301History of U.S. to 18653
RWS 1302Rhetoric & Composition 23
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1105
General Chemistry
and Laboratory for CHEM 1305
4
MECH 1321Mechanics I-Statics3
MATH 1312Calculus II3
SOPHOMORE
Fall
HIST 1302History of U.S. Since 18653
MECH 2322Mechanics of Materials3
AERO 2331Aerospace Materials3
AERO 2131Aerospace Materials Lab1
MATH 2313Calculus III3
Science Elective4
Spring
CE 2326Econ for Engrs & Scientists3
MECH 2340Mechanics II -Dynamics3
MECH 2311Intro to Thermal-fluid Sci3
MECH 2342Electro Mechanical Systems3
MECH 2103Engineering Computations1
MATH 2326Differential Equations3
JUNIOR
Fall
POLS 2310Introduction to Politics3
Aero Concentration Course3
AERO 3312Aerodynamics 13
MECH 3352Engineering Analysis3
Math Elective3
Lab Experience 1
Spring
COMM 1302Business/Profession Comm3
AERO 3323Aerospace Structures I3
AERO 3343Systems Modelling and Control3
Aero Concentration Course3
Science/Math Elective3
Lab Experience 1
SENIOR
Fall
Language, Philosophy, and Culture3
AERO 4322Aerospace Propulsion3
AERO 4365Aerospace Systems Engineering3
Technical Elective3
Aero Concentration Course3
Spring
POLS 2311American Gover & Politics3
Creative Arts 3
AERO 4366Aerospace Senior Design3
Technical Elective3
AERO 4364Aerospace Communications3
Total Hours133