The module descriptors for this programme can be found below.
Modules shown are for the current academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.
Please note that the curriculum of this programme is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.
Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.
Emerging Technology for Green Aviation
Module aims
The aim is to introduce the key technological advances, and the corresponding underlying principles, for a greener aviation. This includes the potential advantages of alternative configuration, structural weight-reduction strategies and aircraft end of life and recycling. The module will consist of timetabled lectures and tutorials, delivered by academics with the relevant research expertise. Lectures on emerging research topics will be complemented by in-class structured discussions reviewing recent and upcoming research relevant to aviation sustainability.
Learning outcomes
Upon completing this course you will be able to:
1. Appraise concepts for greener operating aircraft
2. Appraise processes for manufacturing and disposing of aircraft
3. Interpret the system-level interactions between structural, aerodynamics and control systems in advanced air vehicles
4. Assess application of novel techniques and technologies in pursuit of net-zero aviation
Module syllabus
Alternative configurations: Blended wing-body, forward swept wing, canard and multiple lifting surface configurations; novel propulsion systems; advantages, disadvantages and barriers to adoption of such configurations
Greener airline operations: next generation air transport systems, cruise descents and direct approaches, Single European Sky ATM Research.
Aircraft end of life: Environmental, safety and economic case; decommissioning; disassembly and dismantling; component management; recycling; life cycle thinking; aircraft End of Life market; R&D trends and challenges.
Climate change and the aviation sector: Basics of climate change; IATA climate-related regulations; current roadmaps to meet a net-zero target; technological and operational approaches to achieving net-zero.
Emerging research and technologies enabling a more sustainable aviation sector (seminar series topics will vary annually).
Pre-requisites
As this is primarily an MSc course taken by students of various backgrounds, no other course is a formal pre-requisite
Teaching methods
Traditional classroom lectures and tutorials, complemented by seminars on current research supporting sustainable aviation.
Assessments
50% exam (alternative configurations, greener airline operations and aircraft end of life), 50% coursework (enabling a sustainable aviation sector)
Formative assessment is provided through an in-class quiz and related discussion.
If module is failed, the typical reassessment offered will be exam only. Alternative reassessment may be offered in exceptional circumstances.
Students are provided with written feedback and a detailed breakdown of the marks for the coursework elements of the module. Additional feedback is provided through online Blackboard discussion forum.
Cohort-level feedback (in the form of an examiner's report) will be provided for written examinations.
| Assessment type
|
Assessment description
|
Weighting
|
Pass mark
|
| Examination
|
Closed-book written examination
|
50%
|
50%
|
| Coursework
|
Coursework
|
50%
|
50%
|