About this course
Thermodynamics deals with the interplay between heat, temperature, energy, and work. It is instrumental in the design of a multitude of engineering applications, from crafting efficient engines and regulating heating and cooling systems, to designing chemical reactors and bioreactors. Moreover, it is at the core of how living organisms operate.
This course will cover fundamental concepts of thermodynamics, first law, second law, properties and behavior of pure substances, closed system and control volume analyses. You’ll gain an understanding of scientific concepts and their practical application in engineering design. The course will conclude with an exploration of engineering systems such as refrigeration and heat pump systems.
Syllabus
Fall 2025
Go to syllabusThis is a draft syllabus. The final syllabus will be available here a few days prior to the new course’s first start date.
Pre-requisites
One course in general chemistry, two courses in general physics (Physics I and II or equivalent), a course in multivariate calculus or differential equations, all at university level.
Faculty
Mackay Salley
Professor of Physics at Wofford College (2002–present). Previously Visiting Scientist in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Washington (2021), Visiting Researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technologies (2019) and Erskine Fellow in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Canterbury (2017). Ph.D. in Physics, The University of Georgia (2000). With DIS since 2025.