USAFA course questions/help

mnolan

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My daughter, currently a 3rd class (sophomore) studying mechanical engineering at the US Coast Guard Academy was selected as an exchange student and will attend the USAFA next fall. She has to file her plan of study by early next week. She has room to take an elective or two while out there, but it's hard to figure out from a course catalog what really goes on in the course and at what level is it taught.

Her goal is to eventually become a helicopter pilot and eventually an astronaut. There are no aero or astro type courses at the CG Academy. Based on everyones knowledge, are there any specific courses anyone might suggest? She is up to a challenge, doesn’t want to be bored, but wants to make sure she has the prerequisite knowledge before jumping into an upper level course.

From the course catalog, she was looking at these courses. Any insight anyone can provide (particularly concerning the differences between ASTRO ENGR 210 and 410) will be appreciated. Thanks

Astro Engr 201. Technology Skills for Astronautics. 1(1). A self-paced course designed to provide the programming, modeling, and simulation skills required in the various courses in the Astro Engr major.

Astro Engr 210. Introduction to Astronautics. 3(1). Introduction to the history, principles, and challenges of space.

Astro Engr 410. Introduction to Astronautics. 3(1). Introduction to the history, principles, and challenges of space.
 
Well, the core astro class is known as a "firstie killer" here. (i.e. a few seniors will have trouble graduating because of this class...although most who have trouble are decidedly non-technical majors)

If orbital mechanics (like calculating velocity changes, fuel burns, altitudes, and orbital periods) sounds interesting to you, go for it.
 
Class question

Well, the core astro class is known as a "firstie killer" here. (i.e. a few seniors will have trouble graduating because of this class...although most who have trouble are decidedly non-technical majors)

If orbital mechanics (like calculating velocity changes, fuel burns, altitudes, and orbital periods) sounds interesting to you, go for it.

Is the core astro course the 210 or the 410 course? And can you describe the the difference between the two...the descriptions look the same.

Thanks for helping
 
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