Explore

Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transferring Energy from Here to There

Approx. 16 hours to complete

Save Course

Go to Course

Course Summary

Learn the basics of thermodynamics in this introductory course. Explore the laws of thermodynamics, energy transfer, and the properties of matter.

Key Learning Points

Understand the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics
Learn how to apply thermodynamic principles to real-world situations
Explore the connection between thermodynamics and energy transfer

Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have

- USA: $81,000
- India: ₹10,00,000
- Spain: €40,000
- USA: $81,000
- India: ₹10,00,000
- Spain: €40,000
- USA: $92,000
- India: ₹13,00,000
- Spain: €45,000
- USA: $81,000
- India: ₹10,00,000
- Spain: €40,000
- USA: $92,000
- India: ₹13,00,000
- Spain: €45,000
- USA: $77,000
- India: ₹8,00,000
- Spain: €35,000

Learning Outcomes

Understand the laws of thermodynamics
Apply thermodynamic principles to solve problems
Analyze real-world situations using thermodynamic concepts

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

High school level math and science
Basic understanding of physics

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Self-paced
Online
Video lectures
Assignments
Quizzes

Similar Courses

Introduction to Chemical Engineering
Introduction to Energy and Climate

Related Education Paths

Related Books

Description

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an introduction to the most powerful engineering principles you will ever learn - Thermodynamics: the science of transferring energy from one place or form to another place or form. We will introduce the tools you need to analyze energy systems from solar panels, to engines, to insulated coffee mugs. More specifically, we will cover 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 your 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. You 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 you 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 Basic undergraduate engineering or science student. 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 you be successful in this class. -What will this class prepare me 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 me for in the real world? Energy is one of the top challenges we face 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.

Outline

Week 1
01.01 - Welcome and Introduction to the Course
01.02 - Drivers for Changing the Way We Use Energy
01.03 - The Units of Energy and Power and the Sectors of Energy Supply and Demand
01.04 - Defining Open and Closed Systems
01.05 - Thermodynamic Properties
01.06 - Conservation of Energy for Closed Systems
Help us learn more about you!
Week 1

Week 2
02.01 - Work Transfer Mechanisms
02.02 - Example: the Work Required to Compress Air
02.03 - The First Law of Thermodynamics for a Closed System
02.04 - Heat Transfer
02.05 - Phase Diagrams
02.06 - 2D Phase Diagrams
Week 2

Week 3
03.01 - Thermodynamic Properties and the Saturation Region
03.02 - Internal Energy, Enthalpy, and the Specific Heats
03.03 - The Incompressible Substance and the Ideal Gas Models for Equations of State
03.04 - More Outcomes of the Ideal Gas Model
03.05 - Conservation of Mass for Open Systems
03.06 - Steam Turbine Example - Part 1
Week 3

Week 4
04.01 - Flow Work and the Conservation of Energy
04.02 - Steady State, Steady Flow Devices
04.03 - Another Example: Compressing Water
04.04 - Steam Turbine Example - Part 2
04.05 - Example of Cooling a Microprocessor - Starting the Analysis
04.06 - Steam Tables Discussion
Week 4

Week 5
05.01 - Example of Cooling a Microprocessor - Finishing the Analysis
05.02 - Transient Analysis - Setting Up the Governing Equations
05.03 - Transient Analysis - Reformulating the Problem
05.04 - Cycle Analysis - Power Cycles
05.05 - Refrigeration and Heat Pump Cycles
Week 5

Week 6
06.01 - A Conceptual Introduction to the Second Law of Thermodynamics
06.02 - The Carnot Cycle
06.03 - The Rankine Power Plant
06.04 - A Brief Introduction to Ideal Performance and Entropy
06.05 - More Advanced Methods to Increase the Efficiency of Rankine Power Plants
06.06 - More Discussion on the Concepts and Theory of the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics
Week 6

Week 7
07.01 - Example of Analysis of a Rankine Power Plant - Part 1: Assigning the State Information (or Pin the Tail on the Donkey)
07.02 - Example of Analysis of a Rankine Power Plant - Part 2: Finding ALL the State Information
07.03 - Example of Analysis of a Rankine Power Plant - Part 3: Putting it all Together, Cycle Analysis
07.04 - Example of Analysis of a Rankine Power Plant - Part 4: What the Results Tell Us
07.05 - How we can Dramatically Improve Thermal Efficiencies - An Introduction to Waste Heat Recovery
07.06 - Let's Look Inside a Jet Engine
Week 7

Week 8
08.01 - Air Standard Power Cycles - The Brayton Cycle
08.02 - More Waste Heat Recovery - Combined Cycles
08.03 - Carbon Reserves and Global Warming
08.04 -Energy Carriers
08.05 - Setting the Bar for Performance
08.06 -The Hardware of Our Internal Combustion Engines
Post-course Survey
Keep Learning with Michigan Online
Week 8

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the principles of thermodynamics with this introductory course on Coursera. Students rave about the engaging lectures and the clear explanations that make complex concepts easy to understand. The course has received high praise for its practical applications and its ability to prepare students for further study in the field.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

engaging lectures

Pros from User Reviews

Clear explanations that make complex concepts easy to understand
Practical applications that prepare students for further study
Engaging lectures that keep students interested
Flexible schedule allows students to learn at their own pace
Expert instruction from a knowledgeable professor

Cons from User Reviews

Some students found the course content to be too basic
The course may be challenging for students without a strong background in math
Limited interaction with other students and the professor
No certification or accreditation upon completion
The course may not be suitable for those looking for a highly technical approach

Recommended for you

The Complete Public Speaking Certification Program (Part 2)

The #1 Most Powerful Public Speaking and Presentations Certification System in the World! (Beginner to Advanced) Attention: Public Speakers Finally, You’ll Have a Proven, Step-By-Step Hands-On Plan To…...

Save Course