E82: Chemical & Thermal Processes

E82 formally introduces students to energy conversion, inherent in the chemical and thermal processes all around us. Leveraging the four fundamental laws of thermodynamics, we will connect work and heat transfer to changes in state variables, like internal energy, temperature, and entropy. We will apply closed control mass and open control volume analyses to reactive and non-reactive engineering systems, providing real-world context for using thermodynamics.

Since this is a fundamental science course, we will emphasize building sound problem-solving habits that you can leverage in other courses, and your careers.

The objectives of this course are:

to provide the fundamental background of thermodynamics principles.
to develop analytic ability in real-world engineering applications.

Specific student learning outcomes include:

strengthening critical thinking skills necessary for improving your understanding of the world and existing thoughtfully within it.
practice identifying, formulating, and solving important problems.
continual consideration of the impact of engineering solutions using your global, social, economic, environmental, and technical lenses.
connecting ethical responsibility to your professional duties.
cultivating a desire for engagement in life-long learning.