Published 2017-18 SGS Calendar for editing purposes only: exported 2017/07/06

Aerospace Studies: Introduction

Faculty Affiliation

Applied Science and Engineering

Degree Programs

Aerospace Science and Engineering

MASc / Emphases:
Aerial Robotics
Robotics and Mechatronics
Sustainable Aviation
Sustainable Energy
MEng / Emphases:
Advanced Manufacturing
Aerial Robotics
Engineering and Globalization
Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in Engineering (ELITE)
Robotics and Mechatronics
Sustainable Aviation
Sustainable Energy
PhD / Emphases:
Aerial Robotics
Robotics and Mechatronics
Sustainable Aviation
Sustainable Energy

Overview

Aerospace science and engineering is a cross-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary field that allows exploration of the broadest and most fascinating fields of engineering, areas that capture the imagination and encourage exploration beyond our terrestrial existence. The University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (UTIAS) is Canada's leader for education and research in aerospace engineering, focusing on the technical fields needed to design aircraft and spacecraft. Faculty perform research in the following areas:
  • Aeronautics: Aircraft design, systems, and control
  • Experimental methods: Laser diagnostics, structural/material analysis, field testing of robotics and aircraft
  • Flight simulation: Full motion-based flight simulation with virtual reality capability
  • Fluid dynamics: Flow of gasses over aircraft and in engines
  • Numerical methods: Computer modeling for fluid flows, structures, design, and optimization
  • Orbital mechanics: Satellite/spacecraft dynamics and control
  • Propulsion systems: Jet and rocket engines, turbomachinery, combustion science
  • Robotics and autonomous systems: Ground, air and space-based systems
  • Spacecraft design and construction: Design, construction, and launch of satellites
  • Structures and materials: Structural design and optimization, material testing.
Much of this research falls into three main themes:
  • Reducing the environmental impact of aviation
  • Aerial robotics, drones and unmanned aerial vehicles
  • Autonomous systems for space exploration.

Contact and Address

Web:
Telephone: (416) 667-7700
Fax: (416) 667-7799
University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies
4925 Dufferin Street
Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T6
Canada

Aerospace Studies: Aerospace Science and Engineering: MEng

Master of Engineering

Program Description
The Master of Engineering (MEng) is a course-based program designed to lead to employment in the aerospace industry. Students select from the wide range of UTIAS courses, as well as courses offered by other University of Toronto departments, to create a personalized curriculum. Students can also opt to follow one of several emphases, which provide more concentrated teaching in a specific area, and which are recorded on the student's transcript.
The MEng program can be taken on a full-time, extended full-time, or part-time basis. Transfer between the full-time, extended full-time and part-time programs is not permitted after registration. The default registration is the extended full-time program.

Full-Time Option

Minimum Admission Requirements
  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy UTIAS's additional admission requirements stated below.
  • An appropriate bachelor of applied science degree in engineering, or an equivalent four-year degree from a recognized undergraduate engineering program.
Program Requirements
  • Coursework. Completion of 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) (10 half courses) as follows:
  • A minimum of seven half courses (3.5 FCEs) must be technical.
  • A minimum of half the courses must be offered at UTIAS.
  • A maximum of three 500-level courses (1.5 FCEs) is permitted.
  • Students must achieve at least a B- average to be in good academic standing. Failure in any course taken for credit may result in termination of the student's registration.
  • Students deemed to have insufficient background may be required to complete supplementary coursework in addition to the required 5.0 FCEs. A maximum of 5.5 FCEs may be taken; permission must be granted by the graduate office to exceed 5.0 FCEs.
  • Students must complete all the required courses within three sessions (one year).
  • Once students are registered, transfer between the full-time, extended full-time, or part-time option is not permitted.
  • Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Advanced Manufacturing; Aerial Robotics; Engineering and Globalization; Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in Engineering (ELITE); Robotics and Mechatronics; Sustainable Aviation; or Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details below.
Program Length
3 sessions (typical registration sequence: F/W/S)
Time Limit
3 years

Extended Full-Time Option

Minimum Admission Requirements
  • Applicants holding an appropriate bachelor of applied science degree in engineering are considered for admission under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies.
  • An appropriate bachelor of applied science degree in engineering, or an equivalent four-year degree from a recognized undergraduate engineering program.
Program Requirements
  • Coursework. Students must complete 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) (10 half courses).
  • A minimum of seven half courses (3.5 FCEs) must be technical.
  • A minimum of half the courses must be offered at UTIAS.
  • A maximum of three 500-level courses (1.5 FCEs) is permitted.
  • A maximum of three half courses (1.5 FCEs) may be taken in any session.
  • A maximum of six half courses (3.0 FCEs) may be taken in any academic year.
  • Students must achieve at least a B- average to be in good academic standing. Failure in any course taken for credit may result in termination of the student's registration.
  • Students deemed to have insufficient background may be required to complete supplementary coursework in addition to the required 5.0 FCEs. A maximum of 5.5 FCEs may be taken; permission must be granted by the graduate office to exceed 5.0 FCEs.
  • Students must complete all the required courses within six sessions (two years).
  • Once students are registered, transfer between the full-time, extended full-time, or part-time option is not permitted.
  • Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Advanced Manufacturing; Aerial Robotics; Engineering and Globalization; Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in Engineering (ELITE); Robotics and Mechatronics; Sustainable Aviation; or Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details below.
Program Length
6 sessions (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)
Time Limit
3 years

Part-Time Option

Minimum Admission Requirements
  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy UTIAS's additional admission requirements stated below.
  • An appropriate bachelor of applied science degree in engineering, or an equivalent four-year degree from a recognized undergraduate engineering program.
Program Requirements
  • Coursework. Students must complete 5.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) (10 half courses).
  • A minimum of seven half courses (3.5 FCEs) must be technical.
  • A minimum of half the courses must be offered at UTIAS.
  • A maximum of three 500-level courses (1.5 FCEs) is permitted.
  • A maximum of two half courses (1.0 FCE) may be taken in any session.
  • A maximum of four half courses (2.0 FCEs) may be taken in any academic year.
  • Students must achieve at least a B- average to be in good academic standing. Failure in any course taken for credit may result in termination of the student's registration.
  • Students deemed to have insufficient background may be required to complete supplementary coursework in addition to the required 5.0 FCEs. A maximum of 5.5 FCEs may be taken; permission must be granted by the graduate office to exceed 5.0 FCEs.
  • Students must complete all the required courses within nine sessions (three years).
  • Once students are registered, transfer between the full-time, extended full-time, or part-time option is not permitted.
  • Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Advanced Manufacturing; Aerial Robotics; Engineering and Globalization; Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Innovation and Technology in Engineering (ELITE); Robotics and Mechatronics; Sustainable Aviation; or Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details below.
Program Length
9 sessions
Time Limit
6 years

Aerospace Studies: Aerospace Science and Engineering: MASc

Master of Applied Science

Program Description
The MASc degree is a research-based program focused on the completion of a research thesis. The MASc is considered to provide basic training in research for students subsequent to an undergraduate program. Under the direction of a faculty supervisor, students will select a research topic, perform experiments, computation, or analysis relevant to the topic, and report their results in a thesis. Upon completion of the thesis, students will be prepared for further academic research or employment in industry, including in research and development settings. Top students may have the opportunity to transfer directly to the PhD program after their first year of MASc studies.
Minimum Admission Requirements
  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy UTIAS’s additional admission requirements stated below.
  • An appropriate four-year undergraduate degree in in engineering, mathematics, physics, or chemistry from a recognized university.

Program Requirements

  • Coursework to be completed in Year 1. Students must complete a minimum of 2.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) (five half courses) as follows:
  • All courses must be technical.
  • At least half of the required FCEs must be courses offered at UTIAS.
  • Complete AER 1800H Research Seminar in Aerospace Science and Engineering (0.5 FCE).
  • Students must achieve at least a B- average to be in good academic standing. Failure in any course taken for credit may result in termination of the student's registration.
  • Students deemed to have insufficient background may be required to complete supplementary coursework in addition to the required 2.5 FCEs.
  • Complete the non-credit course JDE 1000H Ethics in Research.
  • Attend a total of 12 approved seminars.
  • Have research performance assessed by a Research Assessment Committee (RAC), which includes the student's supervisor. For students making excellent research progress, the RAC may recommend that a student be considered for direct transfer to the PhD program.
  • Write a thesis based on research performed during the period of registration for the MASc based on a topic selected in consultation with the student's supervisor.
  • Present a seminar on the student's research at the UTIAS Departmental MASc Seminar (DMS).
  • Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Aerial Robotics, Robotics and Mechatronics, Sustainable Aviation, or Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details below.

Program Length

5 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

Aerospace Studies: Aerospace Science and Engineering: PhD

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The Doctor of Philosophy degree is a research-based program leading to the production of a research thesis. Doctoral research at UTIAS is expected to be internationally recognized for its originality, rigour, and importance. Supervised by a faculty member, students select a research topic, develop a plan to address the topic, and implement this plan, leading to a major research thesis and contributions to the academic literature. This is the pinnacle of academic achievement, and holders of the PhD are well prepared for academic positions and leadership roles in industrial research and development.
Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of two routes: 1) following completion of an MASc degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or chemistry; 2) transfer from the University of Toronto MASc program.

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy UTIAS’s additional admission requirements stated below.
  • An MASc degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or chemistry and demonstrated ability to perform advanced research.

Program Requirements

  • Students must maintain full-time, continuous registration for every session, including the Summer session, until all degree requirements are completed.
  • Students starting with an MASc degree must spend a minimum of two years in the PhD program.
  • Students with an MASc in a discipline relevant to the field of PhD study are expected to complete the PhD program in less than four years.
  • Coursework. Students must complete a minimum of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) (four half courses) in Years 1 and 2.
  • All courses must be technical.
  • At least half of the required FCEs must be courses offered at UTIAS.
  • Students must achieve at least a B- average to be in good academic standing. Failure in any course taken for credit may result in termination of the student's candidacy.
  • Students deemed to have insufficient background may be required to complete supplementary coursework in addition to the required 2.0 FCEs.
  • Students must complete the non-credit course JDE 1000H Ethics in Research.
  • Students must attend a total of 24 approved seminars.
  • Students undertake a program of research under the guidance of a Doctoral Examination Committee (DEC), which includes the student's supervisor and two other UTIAS professors. The DEC shall:
  • ascertain the suitability of the student for advanced research
  • assess the thesis topic
  • conduct formal reviews of the student’s thesis progress at least once per year; unsatisfactory progress may result in the termination of the student’s registration)
  • determine whether a student qualifies as a candidate for the PhD degree at the second DEC meeting (qualifying DEC), approximately 1.5 years after program start
  • provide the first assessment of the PhD thesis.
  • Students must complete a thesis based upon research carried out during the period of registration for the PhD degree.
  • Students must present the thesis work at a seminar at the UTIAS Departmental Doctoral Seminar (DDS).
  • Students must defend the thesis at the Doctoral Final Oral Examination pursuant to the SGS Degree Regulations.
  • Students must prepare at least one formal manuscript for publication in a refereed journal or refereed conference proceedings.
  • Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Aerial Robotics, Robotics and Mechatronics, Sustainable Aviation, or Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details below.

Program Length

4 years

Time Limit

6 years

PhD Program (Transfer)

Transfer Requirements

  • Students who have achieved excellent performance in the MASc program at UTIAS at the end of Year 1 are recommended to transfer directly into the PhD program under the same supervisor. Approval for transfer is based on the student’s research ability, research progress during Year 1, and academic standing.

Program Requirements

  • Students must maintain full-time, continuous registration for every session, including the Summer session, until all degree requirements are completed.
  • Students transferring directly from the MASc program must spend a minimum of three years in the program from the date of initial MASc registration.
  • Students are expected to complete the PhD program in less than five years.
  • Coursework. Students must complete a total of 3.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:
  • 2.5 FCEs already completed during the MASc program.
  • A minimum of 1.0 FCE (two half courses) in the PhD program.
  • At least half of the required FCEs must be courses offered at UTIAS.
  • Students must achieve at least a B- average to be in good academic standing. Failure in any course taken for credit may result in termination of the student's registration.
  • All required courses must be completed in the first two years of the program, starting from the initial registration in the MASc program.
  • Students must complete the non-credit course JDE 1000H Ethics in Research.
  • Students must attend a total of 24 approved seminars.
  • Students undertake a program of research under the guidance of a Doctoral Examination Committee (DEC), which includes the student's supervisor and two other UTIAS professors. The DEC shall:
  • ascertain the suitability of the student for advanced research
  • assess the thesis topic
  • conduct formal reviews of the student’s thesis progress at least once per year; unsatisfactory progress may result in the termination of the student’s registration
  • determine whether a student qualifies as a candidate for the PhD degree at the second DEC meeting (qualifying DEC), approximately 1.5 years after program start
  • provide the first assessment of the PhD thesis.
  • Students must present the thesis work at the UTIAS Departmental Doctoral Seminar (DDS).
  • Students must defend the thesis at the Doctoral Final Oral Examination pursuant to the SGS Degree Regulations.
  • Students must prepare at least one formal manuscript for publication in a refereed journal or refereed conference proceedings.
  • Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Aerial Robotics, Robotics and Mechatronics, Sustainable Aviation, or Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details below.

Program Length

5 years

Time Limit

7 years

PhD Program (Flexible-Time)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy UTIAS’s additional admission requirements stated below.
  • An MASc degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or chemistry and demonstrated ability to perform advanced research.

Program Requirements

  • Students must maintain full-time, continuous registration for the first four years of study. Part-time registration is expected for the remaining period of study within the normal length.
  • Students starting with an MASc degree must spend a minimum of two years in the PhD program.
  • Students with an MASc in a discipline relevant to the field of PhD study are expected to complete the PhD program in less than six years.
  • Coursework. Students must complete a minimum of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) (four half courses) in Years 1 and 2 as follows:
  • All courses must be technical.
  • At least half of the required FCEs must be courses offered at UTIAS.
  • Students must achieve at least a B- average to be in good academic standing. Failure in any course taken for credit may result in termination of the student's candidacy.
  • Students deemed to have insufficient background may be required to complete supplementary coursework in addition to the required 2.0 FCEs.
  • Students must complete the non-credit course JDE 1000H Ethics in Research.
  • Students must attend a total of 24 approved seminars.
  • Students undertake a program of research under the guidance of a Doctoral Examination Committee (DEC), which includes the student's supervisor and two other UTIAS professors. The DEC shall:
  • ascertain the suitability of the student for advanced research
  • assess the thesis topic
  • conduct formal reviews of the student’s thesis progress at least once per year; unsatisfactory progress may result in the termination of the student’s registration)
  • determine whether a student qualifies as a candidate for the PhD degree at the second DEC meeting (qualifying DEC), approximately 24 months after program start
  • provide the first assessment of the PhD thesis.
  • Students must complete a thesis based upon research carried out during the period of registration for the PhD degree.
  • Students must present the thesis work at a seminar at the UTIAS Departmental Doctoral Seminar (DDS).
  • Students must defend the thesis at the Doctoral Final Oral Examination pursuant to the SGS Degree Regulations.
  • Students must prepare at least one formal manuscript for publication in a refereed journal or refereed conference proceedings.
  • Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Aerial Robotics, Robotics and Mechatronics, Sustainable Aviation, or Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details below.

Program Length