This course is an introduction to thermodynamics for engineering students. It concentrates upon basic principles, so that students can apply their understanding to a wide range of thermodynamics problems relevant to modern engineering. To demonstrate the principles lecturers on the course will provide examples of relevance to aerospace, biomedical, civil, electrical and mechanical engineers.

2 lectures per week

None

None

Assessment

100% Examination

Reassessment

In accordance with the University's Code of Assessment reassessments are normally set for all courses which do not contribute to the honours classifications. For non honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students, and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions are listed below in this box.

The aims of this course are to:

■ provide students with the basic analytical tools for the rigorous treatment of problems where thermodynamics issues are a requirement;

■ examine a thermodynamic problems in terms of its systems and their relationships, the energy interactions and the processes that occur.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ perform engineering and scientific calculations completely, accurately and with rigour;

■ demonstrate clear thought in the analysis of a thermodynamic problem, break it down into its constituent systems and recognise how the energy interactions occur;

■ use correct terminology in thermodynamics;

■ describe the basic thermodynamic models of heat engines and heat pumps;

■ explain what sources of energy there are in a thermodynamics system;

■ explain how an engineering thermodynamics solution can affect the environment;

■ identify when an open or closed system analysis is appropriate;

■ develop the theory of the First Law of Thermodynamics, and demonstrate its application to closed system problems;

■ analyse basic steady flow processes.

Students must attend the degree examination and submit at least 75% by weight of the other components of the course's summative assessment.

Students must attend the timetabled laboratory classes.

Students should attend at least 75% of the timetabled classes of the course.

Note that these are minimum requirements: good students will achieve far higher participation/submission rates.  Any student who misses an assessment or a significant number of classes because of illness or other good cause should report this by completing a MyCampus absence report.