What is Aerospace Science and Engineering?
Aerospace science and engineering is the branch of engineering that applies scientific knowledge to the design, manufacture and operation of aircraft. Our Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Science and Engineering provides a broad background and fundamental education in mathematics, the physical sciences and the engineering sciences. These fundamentals, when complemented by the required technical courses, prepare students for employment in government or industry, while simultaneously establishing an excellent foundation for graduate studies.
The fundamental disciplines of this branch of engineering apply to all bodies and vehicles whose applied loads are influenced by aerodynamic forces. Within this context, aeronautical engineers are involved with automobiles, trains, ships and submarines, aircraft, rockets and missiles, sports equipment and a variety of energy systems. Courses in fundamental engineering principles are supplemented with courses in propulsion, aerodynamics, performance, stability and control, aircraft preliminary design, aeronautical structures and aeroelasticity.
A broad range of technical elective courses is available. Some students choose these electives from different areas of study in order to begin developing a specialty. Others choose from several areas in order to broaden their background in the sciences and engineering. Typical aerospace science and engineering specialties include aero-thermodynamics, propulsion systems, aircraft performance, stability and control, aeronautical structures, aeroelasticity, flight testing, space systems design or component and mechanism design. Students should consult with a faculty advisor before selecting technical electives.
Academic Planning Resources
The documents below are for reference only and do not replace the guidance of an Academic Advisor. Learn more about meeting with an advisor.
Aerospace Science and Engineering Degree Worksheet
View our curriculum at a glance. This includes the pre-requisites and course subjects.
Sample Academic Plan for First Year Students
View the sample four year academic plan for incoming First Year Students/Students who entered as Freshman with UC Davis.
Sample Academic Plan for Transfer Students
View the sample two year academic plan for incoming First Year Students/Students who entered as Freshman with UC Davis.
Senior Design Capstone Requirement
Students in the department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering are required to complete a senior design capstone in their final year of study as part of their graduation requirements. These courses provide an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge of the primary principles and concepts of engineering in an experiential learning based environment. This series is completed during the final Winter and Spring quarter, with the final projects being presented at the yearly Engineering Design Showcase, which is hosted by the College of Engineering.
- Aircraft Performance & Design and Aircraft Performance & Design - EAE 130AB
- ENG 102 - Dynamics, is strongly encouraged to be completed in the Fall quarter of the Junior year.
Pre-requisites: EAE 127, AND EAE 129 (can be concurrent)
Description: The objective of this capstone design course in aerospace science and engineering is to develop the methods of describing aircraft performance and to allow the student to integrate this knowledge with previously learned disciplines in conducting an aircraft design study from an initial specification of requirements the design must meet (including relevant engineering standards) to an overall aircraft layout, its performance, cost, weight, structure & materials, propulsion system, aerodynamics, and handling qualities. The design studies are typically conducted in teams of 4-6 students and have addressed a wide range of requests for proposals from electric vertical takeoff and landing urban air mobility vehicles to advanced hydrogen-powered civil transport airplanes, efficient regional jets, and electric personal air vehicles. - Space Vehicle and Mission Design - EAE 143AB
- ENG 102 - Dynamics, must be completed in the Fall quarter of the Junior year.
Pre-requisites: EAE 140 and EAE 142
Description: Governing equations and operational practices of robotic and human space travel. Principles of Systems Engineering are introduced and are used as a basis for a team project in spacecraft reverse-engineering and design. Intro to space systems design including space project organization, requirements definition & specification, concepts formulation, system tradeoffs, subsystem design. Prototype space mission concepts & multidisciplinary mission design.