Thermodynamics concerns the study of energy. In this course, the student will gain a basic engineering knowledge of energy applications and limitations. This course provides the groundwork for subsequent studies in engineering sciences and an appreciation of numerous problems associated with energy. Emphasis is placed on practical application to power generation, thermal and air pollution, refrigeration, air conditioning, automotive and aircraft engines, and combustion. Laboratory exercises are integrated into classroom work. This course includes completion of a comprehensive, out-of-class design problem. This design problem provides the opportunity to apply the principles of thermodynamics which are taught in the classroom to a realistic problem encountered by practicing engineers.
