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This free online course introduces the basic thermodynamic principles that are widely used in many engineering fields. It will prepare you for degree-level study, by helping you understand and apply thermodynamic fundamentals through real-world, problem-solving exercises.
Understand the first and second laws of thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is concerned with heat and work, and the conversion of energy between the two. The course will introduce two important laws of nature that govern this conversion – the first and second laws of thermodynamics – and discuss the usefulness of energy and entropy functions in relation to them.
We will also explore the influence of several physical variables on the change of energy and entropy functions, and introduce additional functions, such as enthalpy, which are useful in dealing with physical and chemical equilibrium.
Discover how thermodynamics governs the universe and our everyday lives
By the end of the course, you will be comfortable discussing the laws of thermodynamics and how they govern the largest thermodynamic system of all – the Universe.
You may think that engineering theory is difficult to understand, but this course will help you master it with ease, through examples from our everyday lives.
This course is designed for anyone who wants to know more about thermodynamics and the behaviour of energy in our world. You will need a basic knowledge of chemistry and physics.
