Chemical and molecular thermodynamics for engineers, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This course will give the students a deep understanding of thermodynamic principles, emphasizing their application in developing sustainable and efficient chemical engineering solutions. The course will provide a foundation in thermodynamics, focusing on terminology and key principles. Further the different forms of energy and how energy is transferred and transformed in chemical processes will be explored. Thermodynamic principles will be applied to analyze energy changes within closed systems and control volumes, respectively, which is essential for designing efficient and sustainable chemical processes. The entropy changes in various processes to understand irreversibility and efficiencies will be investigated". In addition, the course provides a practical understanding and application of thermodynamic principles in common chemical engineering units such as turbines, compressors, nozzles and correlate the thermodynamic concepts with sustainable chemical processes or systems.

Expected learning outcomes

 By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding:

The student should be able to: 

• Define and explain basic principles and laws of thermodynamics in chemical engineering contexts.
• Identify various forms of energy and describe mechanisms of energy transfer and transformation in chemical processes.
• Use thermodynamic principles to determine energy and exergy in closed and open systems.
• Use thermodynamic principles to evaluate efficiency, feasibility, and sustainability.
• Understand the concept of entropy and use it to predict spontaneity of chemical processes

Skills and Abilities:

The student should be able to 

• Analyze thermodynamic processes, such as phase changes, based on physical properties of pure substances.

 
Evaluative Ability and Approach:

The student should be able to 

• Communicate complex thermodynamic concepts and their implications for sustainable and efficient engineering solutions.

Required Knowledge

Fundamentals of chemistry15hp and Calculus in One Variable 1 and 2. English 6/B and Swedish are general entry requirements (if the course is offered in swedish)

Form of instruction

The course will be given as part-time study (50%). It contains:

Lectures: Introduce theoretical concepts and principles.
Tutorials: Problem-solving sessions focused on applying concepts to real-world scenarios.
Laboratory Work: Experiments demonstrating thermodynamic principles, with an emphasis on sustainability. The laboratory work will be performed in groups and summarized in a written report.
Group Project: Design of a sustainable process or system, applying thermodynamic principles presented orally.

Examination modes

Examinations are conducted through written exams, written presentations of laboratory work, and group projects. For the written exam, students are given one of the following grades: Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG). Laboratory work is graded Pass (G) or Fail (U) based on the written report. Group projects are graded Pass (G) or Fail (U) based on the group presentation. The written exam is assessed based on the written response to a given question in the final exam and is graded Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG). To pass the course, all examinations and the above-mentioned compulsory sections must be passed. The final grade is based on the results of the written exam. In the case of absence from any compulsory section of the course, the examiner will decide whether the student will be given compensatory assignments or will have to redo the missing parts at a later time. Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaption of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaption of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 workdays before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaption of the examination, after which the student will be notified.

Other regulations

In the event that the syllabus ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examinations (including the regular examination opportunity) according to the regulations in the syllabus that the student was originally registered on for a period of a maximum of two years from the time that the previous syllabus ceased to apply or that the course ended.