The introduction project in aerospace engineering

The BSc programme in aerospace engineering at Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands is considered one of the most difficult studies in the country. Students have to take many classes in mathematics, physics and general engineering before they can start-the nice part of the programme: the aerospace engineering courses. This often leads to high dropout rates, delayed progress through the programme and loss of interest. To counter this; an introduction project was set up that runs for the first seven weeks of the first semester as a part-time programme next to other courses. Students are given lectures in five aerospace disciplines and have to do exercises related to these lectures. Visits to aircraft and spacecraft museums are included. The project concludes with a test; students who pass this take a demonstration flight in a general aviation aircraft. The pilot demonstrates all relevant issues taught in class during this flight, which clearly displays the link between theory and practice for students. The project results in higher student motivation to continue with the basic courses. Furthermore, it gives a broad overview of the courses that also provides an early opportunity for students to judge whether they are capable of completing the programme.