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Lismore
Session1
Session1
Online
Session1
Session1

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  
 
6. Vapour, Combined Power and Refrigeration Cycles
 
7. Gas Mixtures, Gas-Vapour Mixtures and Air-Conditioning

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.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1Describe basic concepts, including the definition, units and physical basis of thermodynamic functions such as internal energy, entropy, enthalpy and specific heatIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
2Use thermodynamic tables, phase diagrams and equations of state to obtain thermodynamic property dataIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
3Define the thermodynamic system of interest in a given mechanical engineering problem, and the relevant thermodynamic properties that describe the systemIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
4Apply the first and second laws of thermodynamics for closed and open systemsIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
5Apply thermodynamics in mechanical systems, including power cycles, refrigeration cycles and air conditioning systems.Intellectual rigourKnowledge of a discipline
6Develop skills in effectively using engineering simulation, in a team environment, for modelling of thermodynamic systems, and in reporting findings.Intellectual rigourCommunication and social skills

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

  1. Describe basic concepts, including the definition, units and physical basis of thermodynamic functions such as internal energy, entropy, enthalpy and specific heat
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  2. Use thermodynamic tables, phase diagrams and equations of state to obtain thermodynamic property data
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  3. Define the thermodynamic system of interest in a given mechanical engineering problem, and the relevant thermodynamic properties that describe the system
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  4. Apply the first and second laws of thermodynamics for closed and open systems
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  5. Apply thermodynamics in mechanical systems, including power cycles, refrigeration cycles and air conditioning systems.
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  6. Develop skills in effectively using engineering simulation, in a team environment, for modelling of thermodynamic systems, and in reporting findings.
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA6: Communication and social skills

Prescribed texts

  • No prescribed texts.
Prescribed texts may change in future study periods.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method
Structured online learning 2 hours (12 weeks)
Tutorial on-site 2 hour (12 weeks)
Assessment
Quiz20%
Calculations Portfolio20%
Modelling Report20%
Problem Solving Case Study40%

Teaching method
Structured online learning 2 hours (12 weeks)
Tutorial online 2 hour (12 weeks)
Assessment
Quiz20%
Calculations Portfolio20%
Modelling Report20%
Problem Solving Case Study40%
Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. 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 study session.

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

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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