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Unit description

Introduces students to the fundamental concepts of engineering thermodynamics, including the units, definitions and physical basis of thermodynamic functions, and the first and second laws of thermodynamics.  Students engage in individual modelling and analysis of thermodynamics systems applied to engineering.

Unit content

1. Introduction to thermodynamics and basic concepts  
 
2. Energy and energy transfer, first law of thermodynamics  
 
3. Thermodynamic properties of substances    
 
4. Mass and energy balances in open and closed systems  
 
5. Entropy, second law of thermodynamics  
 

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1Explain basic concepts, including the definition, units and physical basis of thermodynamic functions such as internal energy, entropy, enthalpy and specific heat.
2Apply thermodynamic tables, phase diagrams and equations of state to obtain thermodynamic property data.
3Identify and explain the thermodynamic system of interest in a given engineering problem, and the relevant thermodynamic properties that describe the system.
4Apply the first and second laws of thermodynamics for closed and open systems.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. Explain basic concepts, including the definition, units and physical basis of thermodynamic functions such as internal energy, entropy, enthalpy and specific heat.
  2. Apply thermodynamic tables, phase diagrams and equations of state to obtain thermodynamic property data.
  3. Identify and explain the thermodynamic system of interest in a given engineering problem, and the relevant thermodynamic properties that describe the system.
  4. Apply the first and second laws of thermodynamics for closed and open systems.

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every teaching period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the teaching period.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

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