ME 105B: Thermodynamics and Biothermodynamics (3 units)
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Students will receive no credit for C105B after taking 105.
Description: This course introduces the basic principles of thermodynamics and their application to a variety of biological processes and systems. Some coverage of conventional engineering applications is also included. Also listed as Bioengineering C105B. |
COURSE PREREQUISITES
Chemistry 1A, Mathematics 53, Physics 7A, and Engineering 77, or equivalents.
TEXTBOOK(S) AND/OR OTHER REQUIRED MATERIAL
-
Thermodynamics, an Engineering Approach,
Y. A. Cengel and M. A. Boles, McGraw Hill,
Fifth Edition, New York, 2006.
-
Biological Thermodynamics, D.T. Haynie, Cambridge University
Press, Cambridge, UK, 2001.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This introductory class provides students
with an understanding of thermodynamic principles
and their application to analysis of biological
processes and systems. It also provides
students with the background required for
thermodynamic analysis of systems and
processes that arise in other technological
applications. Material covered in this course
provides a foundation for many other courses
in the engineering sciences.
Students develop an undersatnding of the theoretical framework of classical equilibrium thermodynamics and how it applies to energy conversion in technological applications and biological systems. Students develop the capability to analyze the energy conversion performance in a variety of modern applications and in biological systems.
This course begins with introductory level coverage of basic principles of thermodynamics: conservation of mass, conservation of energy and the Second Law of thermodynamics, as well as material property relations that relate to heat, work, energy and Second Law analysis. The course follows these fundamentals with an introduction to the thermodynamics of multicomponent systems with and without chemical reactions. Students are introduced to free energy and chemical potential and their use to analyze systems that operature at constant temperature and pressure. The course also introduces students to non-classical aspects of small systems and nonequilibrium thermodynamics, both of which are important in biological processes. The second half of the course describes the application of thermodynamics to life processes at the molecular level and at the level of organisms interacting with their environment. Application of thermodynamic principles to ecosystem analysis and evolution is also discussed. Some conventional engineering applications are also examined to facilitate a comparison of biological and non-biological energy conversion mechanisms.
CLASS/LABORATORY SCHEDULE
Three hours of lecture and one hour of discussion per week.
CONTRIBUTION OF THE COURSE TO MEETING THE PROFESSIONAL COMPONENT
The course provides students with analysis tools that can be used for design analysis of the perfromance of systems that manipulate power, convert energy from one form to another, or control temperature.
RELATIONSHIP OF THE
COURSE TO ABET PROGRAM OUTCOMES
An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern
engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT PROGRESS TOWARD COURSE OBJECTIVES
Students have graded weekly homework problems sets, two midterm exams and a final exam.
