Freshers’ Handbook: Aeronautics Edition

Academic Representatives:
Erica Keung (Dept. Rep)
Roshan Frost (Most Recent 1st Year Rep)
Akshat Sethi (Most Recent 1st Year Rep)
erica.keung22@imperial.ac.uk
roshan.frost23@imperial.ac.uk
akshat.sethi23@imperial.ac.uk

Wellbeing Representatives:
Hasan Rashid (Dept. Rep)
Brendan Frain (Most Recent 1st Year Rep)
hasan.rashid21@imperial.ac.uk
brendan.frain23@imperial.ac.uk

This document contains information that would be beneficial to know prior to

commencing your first year in MEng Aeronautical Engineering. It draws upon the
experiences of students of the past to provide valuable insights. Using this guide
effectively should enhance your academic performance.

This handbook is intended for 2024-25.

Contents
Iterations & Updates 2

1 About this Handbook 3

2 Course Outline 3
2.1 Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.2 Personal Tutor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.3 Assessment Breakdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3 General Tips 4

4 Equipment 5
4.1 iPads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.2 Laptops & PCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

5 Modules 6
5.1 Aerodynamics 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.2 Introduction to Aerospace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5.3 Computing & Numerical Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5.4 Engineering Practice 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
5.5 Materials 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5.6 Mathematics 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5.7 Mechanics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5.8 Structures 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
5.9 Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

6 Statistics 15

7 Final Remarks 16

Important & Useful Contacts 17

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Iterations & Updates

Author Year Changes Made Contact

Haider T 10/2023 Document Created mrh21@ic.ac.uk
Haider T 08/2024 Updated Information mrh21@ic.ac.uk
Roshan F 08/2024 Updated Information rf1223@ic.ac.uk

Source code available upon request.

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1 About this Handbook
First year comprises nine distinct modules, each focusing on specific aspects within the field of
aerospace. The guide will commence by presenting an overview of the course structure, followed
by general advice, and finally, module-specific recommendations.

Note
This advice may not be universally applicable due to differing learning styles among indi-
viduals. Additionally, yearly changes to the course content could render some information
outdated. This handbook pertains to the official handbook of 2023-24, so for the most
current details, kindly refer to the corresponding year’s official handbook.

2 Course Outline
The course is structured around lectures and tutorial classes, where students attend approxi-
mately one hour of small/large class tutorial sessions for every four hours of lectures. Addition-
ally, there are labs, project work, and computer lab sessions. In the labs, you collaborate in
smaller groups, typically consisting of 3 to 6 students.

F.A.Q.

Q: What are lectures and tutorials?

A: Lectures are essentially lessons that are typically ≈ 1 to 2 hours long, where the theory
is covered by lecturers. Whereas, tutorials serve as a support system to complement the
formal instruction received in lectures. They offer an opportunity for you to seek guidance
from either the lecturer or GTAs regarding any challenges they might encounter with the
subject matter. To make the most of tutorials, you are expected to prepare beforehand
by working through the problems provided by the lecturer. It is advisable to dedicate ≈
4 to 5 hours for such preparation ahead of each tutorial session.

Table 1: Module Breakdown

Module Term Taught Exam Held Credits

AERO40001 Aerodynamics 1* 1 3 7.5
AERO40002 Intro to Aerospace* 2 3 5
AERO40003 Computing & Numerical Methods 1* 1&2 CW only 5
AERO40004 Engineering Practice 1 1, 2 & 3 CW only 10
AERO40005 Materials 1 1 2 5
AERO40006 Mathematics 1* 1&2 3 7.5
AERO40007 Mechanics 1 2 7.5
AERO40008 Structures 1* 2 3 7.5
AERO40009 Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer* 2 3 5
Total 60

Key: CW = coursework, * = refers to small/large class tutorials

2.1 Groups
Group work plays a vital role in engineering, and the course is designed to emphasise and develop
your teamwork abilities right from the beginning. During the first year, you will be assigned to

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two groups: the Tutorial group and the EP group (Engineering Practice).

Each group will consist of approximately 3 to 6 individuals. In the tutorial group, you will
collaborate on laboratory work, including oral exams and coursework. Additionally, all EP
assignments, including the year-end project of constructing a wind turbine, will be carried out
within the EP group. The EP group will change before the summer project, whilst your tutorial
group will remain the same all year round.

2.2 Personal Tutor

Your primary point of contact with the academic staff in the department will be your Personal
Tutor. The Personal Tutor is typically a faculty member assigned to you for the duration of
your program to offer assistance and support regarding academic or personal matters. They
will closely monitor your academic progress throughout the program, ensuring you stay on the
path to success. They also serve as a point of contact if you encounter any difficulties. Your
Tutor is usually available for private discussions at unscheduled times, but it is recommended
to schedule an appointment beforehand.

2.3 Assessment Breakdown

Considering the assessments from all modules, the distribution of grades can be approximately
categorised as follows:

Practical

9% Coursework

20%

71%

Exams

Figure 1: Breakdown of grades.

F.A.Q.

Q: How much is year 1 worth?

A: The first year constitutes 7.5% of the overall degree. This means there is a certain
margin for mistakes, but it is recommended to give your best effort and pick up the skills
that will benefit you in the following years.

3 General Tips
Understand that this course is challenging, as indicated by the fact that over third of the year
had failed at least one module and had to retake exams during the summer holidays. These are

4
students, like yourself, who achieved A*s at A-Level and still faced difficulties. However, this
doesn’t mean you should give up; instead, it requires you to avoid complacency throughout the
year, even if others seem to succumb to it. Therefore, keep up a consistent level of effort and
learning effective study techniques.

To increase productivity, consider making significant lifestyle changes to tackle this challenge
effectively. Some immediate actions you can take to give yourself an advantage include removing
most social media apps such as Instagram, TikTok etc. from your phone to minimise distractions,
waking up early at the same time daily to work during your most productive hours.

Throughout the year, it is beneficial to stay in touch with older year students, especially those in
Aeronautics, as they can provide valuable insights and advice. Never fall behind on tutorials, as
it may lead to problems in the end-of-year exams. As Robert J. Oppenheimer once said, ”Theory
will take you only so far”, therefore devoting all your time to memorising lecture material is not
highly beneficial in engineering. Relying solely on this approach will likely lead to failure and a
significant waste of time. Instead, it is recommended to allocate 75% of your focus to solving
practice questions and 25% to retaining the key points from the lecture content.

F.A.Q.

Q: Can I print my lecture notes?

A: Yes, it is worth to print out lecture notes for certain modules. At the start of each
year, you receive £25 printing credit, which typically covers all your printing needs for
the entire year.

4 Equipment
4.1 iPads
Each Aeronautics student is provided with a free iPad, Apple Pencil, and a case for the tablet,
at the beginning of their time at Imperial. The iPads are new, but usually not the latest
model/generation. The department provides each student with a subscription to GoodNotes 5,
a note-taking app. The iPads are extremely useful for taking notes, answering questions, and
writing logbooks.

4.2 Laptops & PCs

Whilst a personal computer is not strictly required, having a laptop or desktop PC is extremely
useful for the work you will have to complete as part of the course. The Department has
dedicated computer rooms (CAGB 203, CAGB 761 & CAGB 762) for students who need access
to software on campus. Students can log in to the system using their own College account.
Remote desktop connections are also possible if students want to access the College computers
from their laptops or computer at home.

Most engineering software applications such as CAD software are not supported on macOS.
Students with Macs should access a College computer should they need to use the appropriate
software. The most commonly used applications can be accessed through the Software Hub.

A recommended minimum specification for a laptop would be:

CPU: Anything with at least 4 cores

RAM: At least 8GB, recommended 16GB
Storage: 512 GB
Dedicated GPU: Recommended if you want to do projects like ICLR and ICAV

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Weight: Less than 4.5kg incl. power brick
Ports (or adaptors): HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A

Further information on software, computing facilities, accounts, and more, can be found here.

5 Modules
5.1 Aerodynamics 1
Lecturer(s): Jonathon Morrison, Kostas Steiros

Aerodynamics is a fundamental aspect of aerospace engineering. This course will provide an

introduction to essential aerodynamic principles, including the basic laws governing the mo-
tion of incompressible fluid flow, the conservation of mass and momentum, and the influence
of viscosity. Aerodynamics may appear more challenging than it actually is, especially con-
cerning memorisation, as the lectures are concise and straightforward. However, the perception
of difficulty arises because it is a completely new topic for most individuals. Aerodynamics
heavily relies on practical applications and demands thorough understanding, often requiring
deep thinking. Exam questions can be particularly tough, involving complex scenarios where
aerodynamic principles are applied.

F.A.Q.

Q: Is aeronautics same thing as aerospace?

A: While it may seem a little confusing, at Imperial, aeronautics and aerospace mean the
same thing. The reason its called ’Departments of Aeronautics’ is due to it being formed
in 1919, long before space exploration became a prominent field. The department chose
to retain its original name instead of changing it. Also, remember that there are no stupid
questions, just like this one.

Lecture slides generally contain detailed notes, making them a valuable resource for revision. Yet,
occasionally, important explanations may be missing, like the unsteady continuity equations, so
attending lectures is crucial.

For this module, it is crucial not to fall behind on tutorials, as lab coursework and exams
throughout the year contribute to your final grade. Keeping up with the content is vital to
handle these tasks effectively. Aim to complete at least one aerodynamics tutorial per week.

This module also introduces you to CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), which will be your
first experience with computer programs widely used in engineering. Additional sessions led by
GTAs will focus on CFD, with the ultimate goal of conducting a series of simulations for a lab
report. Attending each session is highly recommended for any queries or extra support.

You’ll be required to complete one lab report for this module. It is advisable to dedicate approx-
imately 8 hours to each report, as this equates to about 1 hour for each percentage worth since
reports typically contribute 8% to the module grade. Be cautious not to get overly immersed in
spending a whole week on a report; it may not be worth the excessive time investment.

For success in this module, consider the following general advice:

• Whenever possible, utilise diagrams to visualise the scenario, and employing colours can
help distinguish different elements.

• Based on the question’s context, develop an understanding of which equations to apply in

order to find the necessary values.

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 • Perform calculations without incorporating numerical values until the final step to maintain
efficiency.

• When uncertain about which equations to use, consider employing Bernoulli’s equation.

Examination

80%

8%
CW (Lab Report)
12%

Practical

Figure 2: Breakdown of Aerodynamics 1.

Recommended Books
1. Multimedia fluid mechanics, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 0-521-60476-1, 1st
and 2nd Editions

2. White FM. Fluid mechanics. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2016.

5.2 Introduction to Aerospace

Lecturer(s): Errikos Levis

In this module, you are introduced to a wide range of vehicles in operation, each with diverse
missions and design specifications. The course begins by examining the forces and moments
that affect aerial vehicles and developing models to predict them. This leads to the derivation of
several equations that can be employed to forecast crucial aircraft performance metrics, including
cruise range, operating envelope, and take-off/landing capabilities.

This module could be considered the most challenging or enjoyable one you will come across
during the year, depending on who you ask of course. The subject matter will be entirely new for
everyone, making it crucial to read ahead before lectures so that you can ask relevant questions.
Dr. Levis, the lecturer for this module, is highly supportive and readily available to address any
queries, so make the most of this opportunity. While there will be a extensive book-style lecture
notes document, it is recommended to create your own concise notes.

For this module, there will be five large-class tutorials that you should attend without fail. When
reviewing past papers, refer to the papers for Aircraft Performance (Year 1 pre-2019) and the
static stability section (typically Q1) of Mechanics of Flight (Year 2, pre-2020).

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 F.A.Q.

Q: What is the difference between small/large class tutorials?

A: Small-class tutorials typically consist of 25 to 30 students and are facilitated by GTAs.
In contrast, large-class tutorials are conducted by the lecturers themselves and resemble
a livelier and more interactive version of a lecture.

Moreover, it is recommended to derive every relation from first principles, even though a formula
sheet with necessary formulae will be provided. This skill will prove invaluable, as in second
year, you won’t receive any formula sheets for Flight Dynamics (second year version of this
module). Deriving from first principles not only enhances your problem-solving abilities but
also fosters a deeper understanding of the content.

Additionally, there is one lab exercise divided into two parts: a wind tunnel and a flight simulator
component. This presents an exciting opportunity for those eager to try the flight simulator,
and it is the impressive full-motion one. Make sure not to waste time during the flight sim
session since you will require the data obtained from it, along with the wind tunnel data, to
derive many relations. Furthermore, the group coursework runs through the Easter holidays,
and it’s important to manage and split time between exam preparations and the CW.

Examination

75%

25%

CW (Lab Report)

Figure 3: Breakdown of Introduction to Aerospace.

5.3 Computing & Numerical Methods

Lecturer(s): Maria Ribera Vicent, Masoud Seifikar, Roderick Lubbock

This course introduces fundamental computing and programming skills that are geared towards
solving engineering problems. Assuming no prior knowledge, the course covers the essential
concepts and thought processes required to develop complex algorithms using the MATLAB
and Python scripting languages. The course is divided into three parts: MATLAB Basics,
Python, and Numerical Methods.

Before the Christmas break, you will have a MATLAB Mastery test, which is typically straight-
forward as it focuses on programming basics, such as if-else statements. To prepare for the
course, It is recommended to use MATLAB Onramp course, which is available online and covers
about half of the first term’s content in just two hours of work. The lectures follow a flipped-
classroom approach. Before each tutorial session, you will review a pre-recorded lecture and
test your understanding through online exercises. During the 2-hour in-class tutorial, you’ll
discuss the solutions to the online self-assessment with the tutor and clarify any doubts. You’ll

8
then attempt a problem sheet, with tutors available to answer questions. For the section of
the module focused on numerical methods, large whole-class lectures introduce the fundamental
ideas, followed by half-class tutorial sessions in computer labs to apply and reinforce your un-
derstanding. This section concludes with a multiple-choice test that doesn’t involve coding but
requires you to answer code-based questions.

The Python part of the module covers similar content to MATLAB part, but now in the context
of Python programming. After learning about concepts in Python, you’ll undergo a Python
Mastery test, which is also relatively straightforward if you grasp the basics. Note, the Python
part is taught in a small timeframe, only 2 weeks long, and so it is ideal to stay on top of it.

Finally, the coursework is a significant component, accounting for half of the module’s weight,
where you get to apply everything you’ve learned in both MATLAB and Python. The coursework
can be challenging as it doesn’t follow a given structure, leaving it up to you to approach it
in your own way. It is advisable to start the coursework as soon as it is released rather than
waiting until it is due, as it allows you to seek help if you encounter any difficulties.

Python Mastery MATLAB Mastery

10%
Numerical Methods MCQ 30%
10%

50%

Coursework

Figure 4: Breakdown of Computing & Numerical Methods 1.

Recommended Books
1. Moin P. Fundamentals of Engineering Numerical Analysis. 2nd ed. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press; 2010.

2. Yang, W.Y. et al. (2020) Applied Numerical Methods using MATLAB. Newark:
John Wiley; Sons, Incorporated.

5.4 Engineering Practice 1

Lecturer(s): Roderick Lubbock

This module is both strenuous and enjoyable, making it one of the most engaging experiences
in the year. It provides a well-rounded understanding of engineering beyond theoretical applica-
tions and mathematical problem-solving. Instead, it emphasises the importance of practicality,
legal and ethical considerations, manufacturing constraints, creative problem-solving, effective
communication, collaboration, planning, and project management.

Throughout the year, you will work in your EP groups, where the coursework plays a crucial role
as there is no final exam. Proper time management is essential to ensure all tasks are completed

9
before deadlines.

Worth the highest credits, this module can be viewed as two separate modules due to its division
between terms. In the first term, you will work with an RC car, engaging in disassembling and
reassembling, creating engineering drawings (by hand) for specific parts, and learning measure-
ment techniques for threads and more. Additionally, you will be introduced to Computer-Aided
Design (CAD), a valuable skill in engineering. Your EP group will have the opportunity to CAD
various objects, including an EV, before the Christmas break. Although it is easy to fall behind,
breaking tasks into manageable chunks and tackling them daily can ease the workload.

The highlight of this module is the end-of-year project, where you will build a working prototype
of a wind turbine. This challenging and realistic engineering task will put your teamwork skills
to the test. To succeed in this project, it is essential to start early on the BEM (Blade Element
Momentum) theory code, as solid BEM predictions are fundamental to the project’s success.
For guaranteed convergence, refer to the paper by Andrew Ning.

Ethics Presentation
Design Assessments
10%

25%

45% 10%
Logbook
DBT Exercise and Manufacture Report 10%

DBT Exercise Performance

Figure 5: Breakdown of Engineering Practice 1.

5.5 Materials 1
Lecturer(s): Vito Tagarielli, Qianqian Li

This module places a significant emphasis on memorisation, and there is a considerable amount
of material to remember. As such, it is essential for you to determine the most effective revision
method for this course. The module delves into the microstructure and mechanical behaviour
of both engineering and natural materials. The lecture notes are concise, making it beneficial
to print them for easy reference.

10
 Examination

90%

10%
Practical

Figure 6: Breakdown of Materials 1.

Attending lectures is not crucial since all the lectures are based entirely on Volumes 1 and 2
of ’Engineering Materials’ by Ashby and Jones, allowing you to use the books for note-making.
For the exams, there is a specific structure, so the more past papers you practice, the better
prepared you’ll be and the more familiar you’ll become with the format.

Recommended Books
1. Ashby MF, Hunkin JDR. Engineering materials 1: An introduction to proper-
ties, applications and Design. Oxford, UK; Cambridge, MA, US: Butterworth-
Heinemann; 2019.

2. F. J DRH ASHBY, MICHAEL. Engineering materials 2: An introduction to mi-

crostructures and processing. BUTTERWORTH-HEINEMANN LTD; 2018.

5.6 Mathematics 1
Lecturer(s): Sylvain Laizet, Peter Vincent, Anirudh Rao

This module holds the most significance in the year. Every module in the course is based on
maths, so it will provide a basis for the more advanced mathematical techniques which are
required in later years of the course. Like aerodynamics, it is essential to stay on track with
weekly tutorials, as maths assessment takes place throughout the year and covers three main
parts: calculus, linear algebra, and ODEs.

The first two weeks of the module are taught at an accelerated speed, covering fundamentals
from school to account for differing maths curriculums taught around the world, ensuring that
every student is starting at the same level. There is a formative (does not count towards your
grades) assessment after these two weeks to help you gauge your knowledge level. The speed of
the first two weeks is not a reflection of the speed of the rest of the module.

Calculus is the starting point in first term. It holds the most weight in the end-of-year exam.
To excel in calculus, focus on memorising or, ideally, deriving the necessary formulae from first
principles. Both linear algebra and ODEs sections are straightforward since there is order and
structure to the questions you may be asked.

If you find the lectures challenging to grasp, do not worry too much, as things often fall into
place when attempting the tutorial questions. While the lecture notes may seem daunting with
complex symbols and derivations, they may not be entirely essential for answering questions.

11
For most people, skimming through the lecture notes and identifying critical information needed
to answer tutorial questions suffices.

Tutorials 1-5 usually require minimal time, but tutorials 6 on-wards may be more time-consuming.
Tutorials 8 and 9, which involve integration, can particularly take a while, so allocate extra time
for them.

Overall, high grades for this module is quite achievable if you have a strong grasp of the content.
As mentioned before, the key to excelling in maths is practice - the more maths you do, the
better you’ll get at it.

Examination 100%

Figure 7: Breakdown of Mathematics 1.

5.7 Mechanics
Lecturer(s): Masoud Seifikar, Gustavo Quino Quispe

This module encompasses classical mechanics, specifically Statics, Kinematics, and Dynamics.
It serves as a foundation for future courses in structures, dynamics, and flight mechanics that
are taught in later years.

In terms of difficulty, this module is considered challenging, mainly due to Kinematics and
Dynamics being new concepts for many students. Statics is essentially a review of Further
Mechanics from A-Level Further Maths, which should be relatively straightforward. Attending
lectures and completing the tutorials are crucial. The tutorials are generally more demanding
compared to other modules, so it is essential to work on them ahead of time to seek necessary
help.

Similarly to Mathematics 1, it is vital to either memorise or understand how to derive the

required formulae, especially those related to Orbital Mechanics. Also, akin to Mathematics 1,
this module relies entirely on the exam, making it crucial to practice numerous past papers to
avoid potential pitfalls, at least 5 practice papers in the study leave before your final exams. It
is important not to become complacent and to take it very seriously.

Recommended Books
1. Kreyszig E, Kreyszig H, Norminton EJ. Advanced engineering mathematics. Hobo-
ken, NJ: John Wiley; Sons, Inc.; 2011.

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 Examination 100%

Figure 8: Breakdown of Mechanics.

5.8 Structures 1
Lecturer(s): Matthew Santer, Ferri Aliabadi

This module presents the fundamental concepts of structural analysis, covering equilibrium,
compatibility, and the stress/strain law. It demonstrates the application of these principles to
solve simple problems, mainly involving frameworks and beams, in tutorials and lab practicals.

Structures 1 consists of two parts: Nodal Analysis and Beam Theory. While the process for
answering structures questions is straightforward, many students struggle due to a lack of speed.
The key to mastering structures lies in extensive practice, more so than any other module, until
it becomes almost instinctual. Nodal analysis questions follow a specific structure (no pun
intended), so even if you understand the theory thoroughly, insufficient practice may lead to
slower answers.

Beam theory lectures may appear complicated as they involve derivations, but the crucial aspect
is understanding and using the actual equations. Don’t worry excessively if derivations confuse
you; as an engineer, embrace challenging and complex concepts, and they will eventually become
more manageable.

When doing past papers, you’ll notice that the best order for answering questions is often to
start with the beam theory section before moving on to nodal analysis. However, this order may
vary in your paper, so carefully review the questions.

Surprisingly, the first question usually takes considerably more time than the other questions,
which may be counter-intuitive. For the second half of the paper, they often use questions very
similar to those in past papers. Therefore, completing as many past papers as possible for this
module provides a significant advantage, as you’ll be familiar with the questions.

The module includes labs, and it is crucial to score well in them by conducting lab work effec-
tively. Additionally, you will be introduced to Finite Element Analysis (FEA), which involves
using computer programs widely used in engineering. Extra sessions led by GTAs will focus on
FEA, and you’ll be expected to conduct a series of simulations for a lab report. Attending these
sessions is highly recommended to seek any necessary guidance or additional support.

13
 Examination

80%

8%
CW (lab report)
12%

Practical

Figure 9: Breakdown of Structures 1.

5.9 Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer

Lecturer(s): Denis Doorly

The course offers an integrated introduction to thermodynamics, gas dynamics, and heat transfer
specifically designed for aeronautics students. It lays the groundwork for more advanced courses,
particularly propulsion and aerodynamics, which are part of the second and third years of the
degree program. This module presents its own set of challenges, as the content is entirely new
to all students.

Examination
95%
5%
Short Online Tests

Figure 10: Breakdown of Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer.

The lecture notes are concise and contain all the necessary information, making it advisable to
print them out for easy reference. The key to excelling in thermodynamics lies in understanding
how to use the formulas to solve the questions. The questions are often structured in layers,
requiring you to progress through different levels to arrive at the answers, similar to the structure
of A-Level Physics questions. While memorisation plays a role in this module, much of it is
intuitive, and it is recommended to sketch the problems to aid understanding.

When preparing for exams, working on past papers is beneficial, as they follow a specific format.
Attempting at least 5 or 6 past papers will help you become familiar with the question style and
improve your exam readiness.

Throughout the year, there will be short MCQ tests. It is essential to take these tests seri-

14
ously and attempt them properly to become familiar with the course content and improve your
performance.

6 Statistics
Following the release of all marks by Registry each year, the year averages and moderations
are made available to the students. Provided below are the statistics from the academic year
22-23 and 23-24, as this information may not be accessible to you as a fresher. Reviewing these
statistics will offer insights into which modules students found challenging, giving you a heads-up
as you embark on your academic journey.

Table 2: Exam statistics from 2022-23 academic year

Module Average Below 40

AERO40001 Aerodynamics 1 55.00 27
AERO40002 Intro to Aerospace 55.00 25
AERO40003 Computing & Numerical Methods 1 74.68 4
AERO40004 Engineering Practice 1 62.73 8
AERO40005 Materials 1 55.00 18
AERO40006 Mathematics 1 73.70 8
AERO40007 Mechanics 58.20 10
AERO40008 Structures 1 55.00 18
AERO40009 Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer 61.21 13

Table 3: Exam statistics from 2023-24 academic year

Module Average
AERO40001 Aerodynamics 1 56.39
AERO40002 Introduction to Aerospace 55.00
AERO40003 Computing and Numerical Methods 70.32
AERO40004 Engineering Practice 1 59.43
AERO40005 Materials 1 59.08
AERO40006 Mathematics 1 67.38
AERO40007 Mechanics 59.03
AERO40008 Structures 1 59.40
AERO40009 Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer 57.55

Key: = Moderated Upward

F.A.Q.

Q: What is moderation?
A: Ideally, the distribution of marks should follow a normal curve, with the mean around
65%. However, in practice, this may not always be the case, and marks might deviate
from this average. The variations could be due to exams being either too challenging or
too lenient. To address this, the exam board considers moderation of exam results for
core modules if the module average falls below 55% or exceeds 75%. In cases where the
module is deemed too easy, the marks may be moderated down, and if it is too difficult,
the marks may be moderated up; thus reducing the number of fails for said module.
Please note, if you were on a passing grade pre-moderation, you won’t be pushed down
to a failing grade (nor can you be pushed up to 100%).

15
Universities use numerical scale rather than letter grades that you are used to at A-Level. The
grading system varies slightly between universities, but generally:

Table 4: Grading system at UK universities

Degree Class Average

First-Class > 70%
Upper Second-Class Degree (or 2:1) 60% – 69%
Lower Second-Class Degree (or 2:2) 50% - 59%
Third Class Degree 40% - 49%
Fail < 40%

7 Final Remarks
Finally, maintaining friendships, whether within the department or throughout the College,
is crucial. AeroSoc provides an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals.
Having peers to collaborate and work with is essential during university life, while university can
be independent, having someone who has already tackled that tutorial question or past paper
and can help you is invaluable. Therefore, investing time in building strong relationships with
others is vital. Additionally, joining clubs and societies, particularly academic or departmental
ones like ICLR and ICAV, as well as sports or social clubs, can enrich your university experience
as a whole. Imperial offers a diverse range of societies, so please consider joining at least one.

Keep up an optimistic mindset, break difficult problems down into manageable steps, and seek
help when needed. Prioritise finishing most of the tutorials, even if not achieving perfection,
before study leave to avoid burnout. Finally, don’t forget to maintain a healthy lifestyle by
ensuring sufficient sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet.

The End

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Useful Contacts
Contact details for all personal tutors (and all academic staff) can be found on the Department
SharePoint Student Portal, under Academic Staff Office Hours.

Aeronautics Department

Name Role Contact

Errikos Levis Director of Undergraduate Studies errikos.levis03@imperial.ac.uk
Siti Ros Shamsuddin Senior Tutor, Departmental Disability aero.seniortutor@imperial.ac.uk,
Officer s.shamsuddin07@imperial.ac.uk
Amy Picton Student Wellbeing Adviser a.picton@imperial.ac.uk
UG Office Undergraduate Office ae.office@imperial.ac.uk

Student Representatives

Name Role Contact

Erica Keung Department Academic Rep erica.keung22@imperial.ac.uk
Hasan Rashid Department Wellbeing Rep hasan.rashid21@imperial.ac.uk
Parth Gore AeroSoc President parth.gore21@imperial.ac.uk
Roshan Frost AeroSoc Marketing Officer roshan.frost23@imperial.ac.uk
Shreya Ramteke Women in Aero Society Liaison shreya.ramteke21@imperial.ac.uk

Further Department staff contact details can be found below:

Academic and Teaching Staff

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/aeronautics/people/academic/
Professional Services Staff
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/aeronautics/people/professional-services-staff/
Technical and Operations Staff
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/aeronautics/people/technical-and-operations-staff/

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