Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
Department of Aeronautical Engineering
SYNOPSIS FOR AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
The aeronautical engineering degree represents the branch of engineering that deals with the
research, design, development, construction, testing, science and modification of the
components and systems of all types of flight vehicles. The program is divided into two
specialties; Aviation Mechanics and Avionics. More specific aeronautical engineering topics
that are covered under these specializations include:
Aerodynamics
Propulsion
Control and Stability
Avionics
Navigation
Structures.
Graduates in Aeronautical engineering will apply scientific, technological and mathematical
principles to research, develop, maintain and test the performance of civil and military
aircraft. They will also work on modifying the different components that make up these
aircraft and systems. The main aims are to improve flight safety, to improve fuel efficiency,
to reduce system costs and to address the environmental impact of air travel.
Graduates of the program will have the professional and scientific education that allows them
to be successful as career engineers and in the most demanding graduate programs.
Specifically, after completing the program they will be able to:
1. Use their breadth and depth of knowledge and skills in the fundamental disciplines of
aeronautical engineering to pursue successful professional careers;
2. Function in professional environments in industry, government, and academia
applying and building upon engineering science knowledge, problem-solving skills,
and communication skills;
3. Function as members of teams and in leadership roles applying ethical standards
including the AIAA code of ethics within and beyond traditional Aerospace
Engineering disciplines;
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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
1. Research and Development
2. Air Zimbabwe
3. Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe
4. Airforce of Zimbabwe
5. Renewable Energy (Wind Energy)
SYNOPSIS FOR AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEERING
Automotive engineering, along with aerospace engineering and naval architecture, is a branch
of vehicle engineering, incorporating elements of mechanical, electrical, electronic, software,
and safety engineering as applied to the design, manufacture and operation of motorcycles,
automobiles, and trucks and their respective engineering subsystems. It also includes
modification of vehicles. The study of automotive engineering is to design, develop,
fabricate, and test vehicles or vehicle components from the concept stage to production stage.
Production, development, and manufacturing are the three major functions in this field. The
following areas of study are covered.
Automobile dynamics (Mechanical vibrations)
Automotive electronics
Engine parts
Diesel engine theory
Alternative energy sources
Fuel cell systems
Powertrain dynamics.
The main objectives are to improve safety, fuel economy/emissions and performance of
automobiles.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Automotive engineers can work for a wide range of businesses, institutes and agencies. They
can be active in the research and development, manufacturing or sales of products associated
with Automobiles or transport.
Graduates get jobs as:
• Vehicle development engineer
• Engine development engineer
• Safety engineer
• Vehicle test engineer
• Engine test engineer
