The undergraduate curriculum at the University of Michigan is designed to convey a clear understanding of the fundamental aspects of the fields most pertinent to aerospace engineering. Real-life problems in aerospace and related areas are emphasized in the applications of theory. In the senior year, students select a design course in which they are given an appreciation of the interrelation of the various areas of study in the design of an overall system.

Aerospace Engineering Program

The degree program gives the student a broad education in engineering by requiring basic courses in aerodynamics and propulsion (sometimes collectively referred to as "gas dynamics"), structural mechanics, flight dynamics and control systems. These courses cover everything from the fundamentals to the design and construction of aircraft, spacecraft and other vehicular systems and subsystems.

Courses in gas dynamics treat fluid and gas flow around bodies and through turbojet engines and rocket nozzles. Also involved is the study of large- and small-scale air motion in the atmosphere and its relationship to environmental and noise problems.

Courses in structural mechanics emphasize lightweight structures are studied not only from the strength point of view but also in their elastic dynamic behavior.

Flight dynamics and control systems deal with the dynamical behavior of vehicles and systems as a whole, their stability and controllability both by human pilots and autonomous systems.

Integration of all this material takes place in the design course. Students can select either aircraft or spacecraft design.

The Aerospace Engineering Program offers considerable flexibility through technical and general electives in which the student has an opportunity to study in greater depth any of the basic areas mentioned earlier.