Delivery of Aircraft Design Curriculum through Problem-Based Learning Approach

Abstract

Aircraft Design is a multidisciplinary subject. It requires knowledge in the subject areas of aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, stability and control, to name a few. Many universities in the United Kingdom teach aspects of Aircraft Design, as a part of the Aeronautical Engineering curriculum, in the final year of their degree programme. By this stage, the students have acquired basic skills in the fundamental aeronautical science. The methodology of teaching Aircraft Design, which has been applied for undergraduate aeronautical engineering students for many years, is based on Problem-Based Learning (PBL) methodology. It is a concept used to enhance multidisciplinary skills using planned project scenarios. In this methodology, students work in small collaborative groups and learn what they need to know in order to solve a problem. In this paper the role of PBL is examined in delivering Aircraft Design as a PBL scenario.