Units / MEC2405
MEC2405 · Thermodynamics
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 2Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
This unit introduces concepts of heat, work, energy, temperature and pressure. The properties of pure substances, steam tables and phase diagrams and their use in thermodynamics problems, first and second laws of thermodynamics and their use in steady and unsteady state problems, Carnot cycle, gas power cycles, vapour and combined power cycles are introduced. Use of T-s diagrams for power cycle analysis, P-h diagrams in refrigeration cycle analysis and simple combustion processes are covered. Renewable energy such as solar, hydro, wind and biomass, and their use in heating and electricity generation and the environmental benefits of renewable energy conclude study in this unit.
Offerings
The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.
Assessment
The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | In-semester test(s) | Quiz / Test | 20% | — |
| 2 | Lab-based assignments | Demonstration | 20% | — |
| 3 | Final assessment | Examination | 60% | — |
Continuous assessment: 40% Final assessment: 60%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
prerequisite
- ENG1005 — Engineering mathematics
Learning outcomes
- Identify concepts of thermodynamic equilibrium and energy transfer.
- Determine the transfer of energy in ideal engineering devices using the First Law of Thermodynamics.
- Determine the performance and efficiency of ideal and practical engineering devices using the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
- Apply thermodynamics concepts to evaluate the performance of heat engines and refrigeration systems.
- Discern measurements required to evaluate the thermodynamic performance of real engineering systems.
Workload
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
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