Scientific schools of universities and character-building work

Department SM-13, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 5/1, 2nd Baumanskaya st., Moscow, 105005, Russia

^* e-mail: sreznik@bmstu.ru

Abstract

Scientific schools shape the image of universities, while the activity of the scientific schools enables sustainable and dynamic development of the universities. This paper is devoted to the role of scientific schools in characterbuilding work in the context of leading aerospace engineering universities of Russia. The paper stresses the value of building the students’ character based on the example of the older senior counterparts capable of transferring their experience and teaching the cutting-edge methods of educational and scientific work. Among these methods, the paper highlights a historical approach in the description of the logic and evolution of design and manufacturing solutions and the method of size effect, allowing in-depth comprehension of the true scale and composition of complex aerospace equipment. Aerospace universities of Russia implement these methods with special study laboratories called demonstration halls. Having unique specimens of spacecrafts in these laboratories helps preserve the historical memory of the forefront research of Russian scientists and engineers. Practical classes in such laboratories are a fine example of transferring the scientific legacy and positively affecting the motivation for professional growth.