6B047E - Aerospace Technologies: Sustainability, Materials and Propulsion 01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2032 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 6B047E
Module Title: Aerospace Technologies: Sustainability, Materials and Propulsion
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Engineering
Faculty Sub Group: Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Module Leader: Shahrizam Ismail
Module Team: Craig William Thomas
First Intended Intake: SEP 2026 Final Year of Intake: 2031
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100115 - aerospace engineering 100229 - aviation studies
HECOS Code Weighting: 50 50

Document Version Information

Version 0
Valid From 01 Sep 2026
Valid To 31 Aug 2032

Module Aims

The main aims of the module are 

  • Introduce modern technologies, testing and research used to design aircraft, with a focus on sustainable aerospace development and accessible innovation that reflects current industry practices and safety standards. 

  • Explore advances in aircraft propulsion systems, highlighting the importance of environmental accountability and the role of engineering professionalism in driving sustainable performance improvements. 

  • Examine novel aerospace materials and manufacturing processes, including their application in production, maintenance, testing, and end-of-life management, to support responsible development and enhance students’ understanding of sustainability and safety in aerospace engineering 

Content Summary

This module introduces students to advanced research and development within the aerospace industry, with a particular focus on materials, propulsion systems, and emerging technologies that support the sector’s transition towards carbon neutrality. Students will explore the implementation of advanced materials and processes used in aircraft production and maintenance, alongside considerations for end-of-life management of airframes and engines. 

Emphasising sustainability, safety, and accountability, the module encourages students to critically assess the environmental impact of aerospace technologies and apply responsible engineering practices. Through accessible and interdisciplinary learning activities, such as case studies, group research, and interactive presentations, students will explore how innovation across propulsion, materials, and design contributes to sustainable aerospace development. 

The module supports the overall course aims by enhancing students’ technical knowledge, ethical awareness, and professionalism, while preparing them for future roles in the industry. It contributes to graduate employability by equipping students with the skills and insight needed to address real-world challenges in a rapidly evolving, environmentally conscious aerospace sector. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Seminar 40
Tutorials 16
Problem/Challenge based learning 34
Groupwork 30
Summative Assessment 60
Guided Study 55
Demonstration 10
Independent Study 55
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Critically evaluate current and advanced propulsion technologies including electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-based systems within the context of sustainable aviation and demonstrate professionalism and accountability by assessing the potential of these technologies to support safe, responsible, and environmentally conscious aerospace development.
LO2 Assess advanced aerospace materials, manufacturing processes, and maintenance strategies for their efficiency, safety, and environmental impact, and apply an accessible and interdisciplinary approach to evaluate how these innovations contribute to long-term sustainability and uphold professional standards within the aerospace industry.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Individual Presentation (Asynchronous) Group presentation (advanced propulsion including E flight, Hydrogen flight) 10 N/A 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Report Poster Presentation and Written Group Technical Summary Report (advanced materials manufacture, repair and research to include end of life) 2000 max, 5min presentation p/p 5 2000 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Individual Presentation (Asynchronous)
Report

Reading List

Brauer, D. and Cesarone, J. (2022) Total Manufacturing Assurance: Controlling Product Quality, Reliability, and Safety. 2nd edn. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press / Taylor & Francis Group. 

Froes, F.H. & Boyer, R. (2019) Additive Manufacturing for the Aerospace Industry. Elsevier. 

Gibson, I., Rosen, D. & Stucker, B. (2021) Additive Manufacturing Technologies. Springer. 

Giurgiutiu, V. (2015) Structural Health Monitoring of Aerospace Composites. Elsevier. 

Jawaid, M., Hamdan, A. & Sultan, M.T.H. (2021) SHM Systems for Fiber Composites. Springer. 

Kurzke, J. & Halliwell, I. (2018) Propulsion and Power. Springer. 

Mallick, P.K. (2021) Fiber-Reinforced Composites. CRC Press. 

Mattingly, J.D., Heiser, W.H. & Pratt, D.T. (2018) Aircraft Engine Design. AIAA. 

Sultan, M.T.H., Rajesh, S. and Jayakrishna, K. (2022) Repair of Advanced Composites for Aerospace Applications. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press / Taylor & Francis Group. 

Sause, M.G.R. (2021) Structural Health Monitoring – Damage Detection Systems for Aerospace. Springer.