Program Overview

Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transferring Energy from Here to There

Description

This course provides an introduction to the most powerful engineering principles - Thermodynamics: the science of transferring energy from one place or form to another place or form. The course introduces the tools needed to analyze energy systems from solar panels, to engines, to insulated coffee mugs. Specifically, it covers the topics of mass and energy conservation principles; first law analysis of control mass and control volume systems; properties and behavior of pure substances; and applications to thermodynamic systems operating at steady state conditions.

Course Format

The class consists of lecture videos, which average 8 to 12 minutes in length. The videos include integrated In-Video Quiz questions. There are also quizzes at the end of each section, which include problems to practice analytical skills that are not part of video lectures. There are no exams.

Grading Policy

Each question is worth 1 point. A correct answer is worth +1 point. An incorrect answer is worth 0 points. There is no partial credit. Students can attempt each quiz up to three times every 8 hours, with an unlimited number of total attempts. The number of questions that need to be answered correctly to pass are displayed at the beginning of each quiz. Following the Mastery Learning model, students must pass all 8 practice quizzes with a score of 80% or higher in order to complete the course.

Estimated Workload

If students follow the suggested deadlines, lectures and quizzes will each take approximately ~3 hours per week each, for a total of ~6 hours per week.

Target Audience

The course is designed for basic undergraduate engineering or science students.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the prerequisites for taking this course?
  An introductory background (high school or first year college level) in chemistry, physics, and calculus will help students be successful in this class.
• What will this class prepare students for in the academic world?
  Thermodynamics is a prerequisite for many follow-on courses, like heat transfer, internal combustion engines, propulsion, and gas dynamics, to name a few.
• What will this class prepare students for in the real world?
  Energy is one of the top challenges faced as a global society. Energy demands are deeply tied to the other major challenges of clean water, health, food resources, and poverty. Understanding how energy systems work is key to understanding how to meet all these needs around the world. Because energy demands are only increasing, this course also provides the foundation for many rewarding professional careers.

Course Details

Rating

Based on 2846 ratings

Subject

• Science

Language

English

Duration

8 weeks

Status

Available

U-M Credit Eligible

No

Instructor

• Margaret Wooldridge Arthur F. Thurnau Professor

Ratings & Reviews

4.8 2846 ratings

• 83% of learners gave a 5-star rating.
  • 16% of learners gave a 4-star rating.
  • 2% of learners gave a 3-star rating.
  • 1% of learners gave a 2-star rating.
  • 1% of learners gave a 1-star rating.