Course Title: Rocket Science

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Rocket Science

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

PHYS2183

City Campus

Undergraduate

171H School of Science

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2021,
Sem 2 2022,
Sem 2 2023,
Sem 2 2024,
Sem 2 2025

Course Coordinator: Valentina Baccetti

Course Coordinator Phone: -

Course Coordinator Email: valentina.baccetti@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Assumed Knowledge

It is assumed that you have completed courses in mathematics OR physics OR engineering at the first year university level. In particular, the following concepts are required:

  • Vector operations such as summation, subtraction, scalar product, and vector product.
  • Reference frames and transformations between reference frames.
  • First year mechanics, including how position, velocity, momentum, and accelerations are related; Newton’s laws of motion, Newton’s law of gravitation, Kepler’s law; concept of work, conservative forces, conserved energy, kinetic energy, and potential energy: angular momentum and torque.
  • Algebraic resolution of mechanics problem and algebraic manipulation of equations.
  • First year calculus, including concepts of derivatives and integrals in 1 and more dimensions.
  • Trigonometric operations and Pythagoras theorem.


Course Description

This course is an introduction to orbital mechanics and astrodynamics. The course will cover escape velocities and associated rocket and launcher aerodynamics. The course includes problem-solving activities related to calculating orbits and trajectories, orbit matching, gravity assists, docking and berthing.

The course expands on basic space instrumentation knowledge to include landing on astronomical bodies and the instrumentation required in order to perform scientific measurements far from Earth. Students will design and build their own rocket within this course.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following program(s):

BP330 - Bachelor of Space Science

PLO 1.2 Understanding science and engineering - You will demonstrate an understanding of the role and relevance of science and engineering in the field of space science and technology.
PLO 2.1 Knowledge capability - You will have broad knowledge in space science and technology with deep knowledge in its core concepts.
PLO 3.3 Inquiry and Problem Solving - You will be able to choose appropriate tools and methods to solve scientific problems within your area of specialisation.
PLO 3.4 Inquiry and Problem Solving - You will demonstrate well-developed problem solving skills, applying your knowledge and using your ability to think analytically and creatively.
PLO 5.1 Personal and professional responsibility - You will develop a capacity for independent and self-directed work.
PLO 5.2 Personal and professional responsibility - You will work responsibly, safely, legally and ethically.
PLO 5.3 Personal and professional responsibility - You will develop an ability to work collaboratively.

BP330P23 - Bachelor of Space Science

PLO 1 Apply a broad and coherent knowledge of scientific theories, principles, concepts and practices, relevant to the field of space science and technology with multi-disciplinary collaboration
PLO 2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence using methods, technical skills, tools and emerging technologies in a range of scientific activities.
PLO 3 Analyse and apply principles of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation to address real-world scientific challenges and inform evidence- based decision making.

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.


Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Analyse and solve problems in fields of planetary science.
  2. Utilise orbital mechanics formulas to calculate satellite trajectories.
  3. Design landers for delivering payloads to astronomical bodies.
  4. Calculate thrust quotients for launchers.
  5. Design rocket components which would enable successful launch of powered rockets


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.

Weekly learning resources are set up and available in Canvas.

A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, which may include books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Online Tests
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs: 2 - 5

Assessment Task 2: Laboratory Assessments
Weighting 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs 4 - 5

Assessment Task 3: Invigilated Tests
Weighting 40%
This assessment task supports CLOs 1 - 5

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.