Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

A-level Chemistry

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

Thermodynamics is the science of energy, entropy, heat, and work, and underpins the concepts used in a wide range of chemical engineering subjects like reaction engineering, transfer processes, and separation processes. The aims of this module are:
•       To introduce and develop the fundamental principles of thermodynamics
•       To apply these fundamental principles to solve a range of introductory processes and systems commonly encountered by chemical engineers

Outline Of Syllabus

The course will introduce a range of fundamental thermodynamic concepts and their relationships, such as Properties of Matter, the Fundamental Laws, Equations of State, Heat Capacity, Energy Conservation, Enthalpy, Entropy, Gibbs Energy, and Equilibrium.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to understand and explain the fundamental thermodynamic principles that govern all physical processes and should be able to use these fundamental thermodynamic principles to solve basic chemical engineering problems.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students will be able to:
•       Define and explain fundamental thermodynamic properties
•       Use fundamental thermodynamic properties and concepts to solve chemical engineering problems (M1)
•       Provide basic interpretation of calculated results (C2)
•       Use, and convert between, different thermodynamic units

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will develop the required knowledge base, and tutorial classes will enhance the understanding of this knowledge base whilst developing problem solving skills. These will be supplemented with online content where appropriate in diverse formats such as bonus lecture materials, text articles, links to videos, and discussion boards. Students will be expected to engage in independent study to enhance the subject matter delivered in the lectures and tutorial classes.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

CME1021 will be assessed via 1 formative and 1 summative assessment. The summative assessment will be in the form of an in-person written examination (or equivalent) and will test the ability of the students to define, explain and use the principles of thermodynamics, with opportunity to interpret the results. The assessment will be appropriate to the intended skills outcomes. The formative assessment will be in the form of an online quiz that will run prior to the winter break after the lectures/tutorial classes are finished. The results of this test will guide revision by identifying areas of strength/weakness in the thermodynamics content.

General Notes

N/A