What do we want? I am an u/g at Imperial, and what disruntles me the most is that there is not a single aspect of the course (except management) that is not entirely maths based! I knew before I came here that the course had a large maths content, but I was never made aware that it is all maths! I only did single maths a-level, and I feel that you should really be asking for double maths.
Secondly, the lecturers teach third order homogeneous equations in the same amount of time as they spend on resolving forces! This is ludicrus (spelling??)
Thirdly, don't penalise people for wanting to spend a year in europe! I plan to go to France in my third year, and yes understand that I need to have lots of regular french classes to get up to an exceptable standard. Year abroad is recognised by the RAeS, but those not doing a language must do management. I have 3hours of French a week plus at least 1 piece of 'homework' a week for 3 terms, and 3 exams over the year. Management people have 1 hour a week, plus 1 essay, and 1 exam in the first term. Surprisingly, the amount assigned to management is the same as french yet I have a great deal more work!
Also, when I return from France in my third year, I must do some of the modules that are taught at Imperial in the third year, but not taught in France! Why should I have to do this extra work on top of all my fourth year modules. Also, why do I need at least one year of management to be recognised by the RAeS - again, I will have to do this management when I return from France!!
Next, why are there no hands on, real life, practical examples. I know that the 1st years probably don't know enough for an industry visit, but surely a trip to BA at LHR or something similar - a day out of lecture theatres and in real life will be hugely advantageous.
We are led to believe (from what we see at Imperial) that Aero Eng is all about maths, and sitting at a desk using CAE. This does not reflect the truth!!
This year, over 50% of the people in my year have contemplated quitting! We have exams in a week, and very few have the motivation to revise - because it is all maths!
Over the year, we have lost around 10 students because they have quit! We only have 66 in the year in the first place.
Aero Eng has nothing to do with aircraft in day to day life. I am sure it is great if you want to be Airbus' specialist in aerodynamics of engine intakes etc. What about all those who joined the course believing that it was about aircraft, how they work, why they work etc. We are led to believe, from the course prospectuses that this is what Aero Eng is about! We are mis-lead!
Why doesn't someone somewhere realise that students do this course to learn about aircraft! Why doesn't someone create a course which encorporates aerodynamics, thermo, mechanics, aircraft performance, aircraft maintenance, air transport management - all the things that would be useful to someone who wants to work with aircraft (and have detailed knowledge about them), but doesn't want to design them from scratch!
Airline don't want design engineers, they want someone who doesn't mind getting his hands dirty, and someone who knows where to find the ******* on a B747-400.
[This message has been edited by splonguk (edited 25 May 2001).]