University of Sydney Handbooks - 2020 Archive

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Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Aeronautical)

Stream Overview

Aeronautical engineering is the study of the design, development, manufacture, maintenance and control of machines or vehicles operating in the earth’s atmosphere or in outer space. You will develop a complex understanding of the design of a flight vehicle and a knowledge of aerodynamics, propulsion systems, structural design, materials, avionics, stability and control systems.

You will also learn that maintaining and operating a flight vehicle requires an understanding of materials, reliability and maintenance, structural analysis for necessary repairs, together with knowledge of the disciplines within the design process.

The Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Aeronautical) includes the opportunity to undertake practical flying training. Specialisation in areas like helicopter design, structural optimisation and experimental aerodynamics may be part of a thesis in the final year of the course. You will complete work experience and practical simulation using wind tunnel technology and flight simulators, and work on actual aircraft and aircraft components to measure structural and aerodynamic characteristics. The course offers an exchange program with leading aerospace universities in the northern hemisphere.

Course Requirements

To meet requirements for the Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Aeronautical), a candidate must successfully complete 192 credit points, comprising:

  1. 36 credit points from the Engineering Core Table, including all required units
  2. The Professional Engagement Program (PEP). Details of the requirements of PEP can be found on the Faculty of Engineering Student Portal
  3. 108 credit points from the Aeronautical Stream Core Table, including all required units
  4. A minimum of 48 credit points of additional units from the Aeronautical Stream Specialist Table, including satisfying any additional requirements specified for the Specialist Table
  5. A maximum of 6 credit points of general electives may be taken

The completion of a major is not necessary. If a student chooses to do a major, aligned majors can be completed within the 192 credit points described above.

The best aligned majors with the Aeronautical Stream are:


For a standard enrolment plan for Aeronautical Engineering visit CUSP (https://cusp.sydney.edu.au) / Sydney Curriculum.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the Aeronautical Engineering stream students will be able to:

No. Mid-Level Learning Outcomes
1 Demonstrate mastery of aeronautical engineering analytical skills including the applications and limitations of flight.
2 Demonstrate proficiency with the tools, methods, principles, technical knowledge and conceptual frameworks of aeronautical engineering, including propulsion and flight performance, fluids and aerodynamics; solids and structures; flight mechanics and control.
3 Respond effectively to non-routine, complex aeronautical engineering problems, within the required regulatory environment.
4 Apply diverse strategies to develop and implement innovative ideas in aeronautical engineering systems.
5 Plan, design, analyse, and review safe and efficient aeronautical systems, structures, services and policies to meet contemporary industry requirements and regulatory environment.
6 Recognise and respond to the inherently inter- and multi-disciplinary nature of aeronautical systems.
7 Find, interpret, evaluate and manage research to support aeronautical engineering decision making.
8 Present compelling oral, written and graphic evidence to communicate aeronautical engineering concepts and solutions.
9 Contribute as an individual to multidisciplinary and multicultural teams to deliver projects related to aeronautical engineering.
10 Apply relevant values, standards and judgement to contribute to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of aeronautical engineering systems.