Course profile

Thermodynamics : Energy and the Environment (ENGG1500)

Study period
Sem 1 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Chemical Engineering School

Basic concepts in thermodynamics, forms of energy; properties of pure substances, phase diagrams and phase transitions; first law of thermodynamics and applications - mass and energy balances in open and closed systems; entropy and second law of thermodynamics, exergy; topical engineering case studies.

Thermodynamics is at the heart of many engineering processes and many of the important technical and environmental problems that engineers tackle. This course will help you understand the answers to the following questions:

(1) Will clever engineers one day construct an engine that converts heat into work with one hundred per cent efficiency?

(2) Why is it so hard to reverse the effects of pollution?ﾠ

(3) Why does a hot cup of coffee always cool down and never warm up?

(4) Why are heat pump hot water systems so much more efficient than electrical heaters?

Furthermore, understanding thermodynamics will help you see how all these questions are actually related. Thermodynamics gives a quantitative description of the conversion of different forms of energy such as heat, mechanical and chemical energy and tells us which processes are allowed by physical laws and what are not. It is the basis for most engineering disciplines.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Students are assumed to have completed Mathematical Methods. This gives students a suitable mathematics backgrounds for the type of calculations and mathematical manipulations used in this course.ﾠ

Students are assumed to have completed at least one of Senior Chemistry or Senior Physics. This gives a student a suitable background in scientific modelling and analysis. Turning a physical process or system into a model is a core skill of this course and you will have started developing this skill in either of Senior Chemistry or Senior Physics. So we will be building upon this foundation.ﾠ

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

( Mathematical Methods or Maths B or MATH1040) and (High School Physics or High School Chemistry)

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Tutor

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Timetables are subject to change during the beginning of semester. ﾠFor up to date timetable information please check your timetable online.

The basic course structure is:

  • Online modules on LearnX (self-paced). Block approx. 1h in your timetable every week to watch the modules before the Workshop.
  • One 2h Workshop. This is an active session with questions and problem solving so is best to do live.ﾠ
  • One 2h tutorial during the week. You will need to sign up to a specific tutorial. These tutorials are very important, prioritise making it to these each week.ﾠ
  • Pracs run only in specific weeks.ﾠ You will need to sign up to a specific practical time. Prac Location: Advanced Engineering Building, Refer to Blackboard for information and directions.ﾠ
Aims and outcomes

Aims and outcomes

This course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to help solve energy related problems in engineering and science. Since energy is a key part of so many natural and engineered processes, this can be applied across a huge range of fields. Through systems thinking, thermodynamic fundamentals, and a modelling mindset, what is learnt in this course is truly transferable. Specifically this course aims to:ﾠﾠ

1. Give a foundation in the fundamentals of thermodynamics (conservation of mass, 1st law, and 2nd law) and systems thinking in context of thermodynamics.

2. Develop student’s understanding of the important physical properties and processes in thermodynamics.

3. Give students practice in an engineering approach to problem solving and use critical thinking in the context of energy problems.

4. Demonstrate the importance of thermodynamics in solving important engineering issues and using a critical modelling and analysis mindset.

5. Demonstrate the link between energy systems and sustainability and how thermodynamics can help frame and make sustainability decisions. ﾠ

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Define, and describe in terms of everyday phenomena, conservation of mass, conservation of energy (1st law of thermodynamics), and the 2nd law of thermodynamics.

LO2.

Define, and describe the physical basis, of the thermodynamic properties (e.g. internal energy, enthalpy, entropy etc.) and thermodynamic functions (e.g. heat and work).

LO3.

Calculate thermodynamic properties using property tables, property diagrams, the ideal gas equation, and heat capacities.

LO4.

Translate descriptions, and diagrams, of processes into relevant system boundaries, flows, and assumptions for use in thermodynamic modelling and analysis.

LO5.

Apply the conservation of mass, the conservation of energy (1st law of thermodynamics), and the 2nd law of thermodynamics to solve problems for well-defined systems without reactions.

LO6.

Analyse multi-unit systems, predominantly refrigeration and power cycles, using the 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics.

LO7.

Explain the links between energy systems and sustainability and analyse energy systems using thermodynamics and sustainability measures.

Course overview
Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Tutorial/ Problem Set Tutorial Exercises
  • Online
 30%

by 2pm Monday*
Examination Online in-semester Exam
  • Online
 5%

14/04/2025 - 16/04/2025

Online exam. Duration: 100min (10min planning + 80min writing + 10min scan&upload). Only one submission allowed per student.
Paper/ Report/ Annotation Sustainability Measures for Energy Systems
  • Online
 20%

21/05/2025 4:00 pm
Examination Exam During Exam Period (Central)
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
 45% Hurdle

End of Semester Exam Period

7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Tutorial Exercises

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Tutorial/ Problem Set
Weight
30%
Due date

by 2pm Monday*

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Task description

  • Tutorial exercises. The questions are available on Blackboard.
  • Your best 10 submissions (of 11) will count to the 30% total. 
  • These are generally due each week. Weeks where no submission is required will be flagged on Blackboard.
  • Tutorials must be submitted by 2pm Monday* after your tutorial via Gradescope as a single PDF.
  • The PDF must be clear and legible. Use a PDF scanning app on your phone. If you don't have a suitable phone, you can scan to PDF in the library. Do NOT take photos and paste into a word document. 
  • These can be submitted individually or in pairs (maximum 2 students). If you submit as a pair, only one of the pair needs to submit online but the second student must be linked to the submission when uploading the work on Gradescope (details instructions provided on Blackboard). Both students will receive the same mark as long as they are both linked to the submission. 
  • You are encouraged to attend and complete all submissible questions during the tutorial, when help is at hand, and get on with the other things in your life!

* Note: due date on the week of 5 May (public holiday) is Tuesday 6 May 2pm.

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Submitted via Gradescope as a single PDF. The PDF must be clear and legible. Use a PDF scanning app on your phone or a scanner to create the PDF.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Late submission

Late Penalty without an approved extension - 10% penalty per day up to 2 calendar days. After 2 calendar days submissions will receive 0.

Max Extension Period - 2 Days

Rationale - Solutions are released after 2 days.

Adjustment - If more than 2 days extension is needed for a Tutorial Exercise, an exemption will apply instead (same application process using link above). If an exemption is approved, your "best of" count will be reduced by one when calculating your overall Tutorial Exercise marks.

Online in-semester Exam

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
5%
Due date

14/04/2025 - 16/04/2025

Online exam. Duration: 100min (10min planning + 80min writing + 10min scan&upload). Only one submission allowed per student.

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

  • In-Semester Exam completed in week 8.
  • This is an online exam to be conducted in similar conditions as the final exam, and it is intended to give students the opportunity to assess how they are doing in the course.
  • The exam will be released on Monday 9am and will be open until Wednesday 4pm. Once started, students have exactly 100min to finish (10min planning+80min writing+10min scan & upload). Only one submission is allowed per student.
  • Covers Weeks 1 to 6. All outcomes from those weeks can be tested. 
  • The exam will be closed book and non-invigilated. The exam style will be equivalent to the final exam. Students should sit the exam using only the calculator and provided equations/tables booklet.
  • Further details about doing the exam will be confirmed on Blackboard. 
  • Working / communicating with other people during the exam is not permitted. This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
  • Casio FX82 series or UQ approved and labelled calculator ONLY can be used in all exams for this course.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 80 minutes
Calculator options

(In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator
Open/closed book Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted
Exam platform Other
Invigilation

Not invigilated

Submission guidelines

Submission instructions will be available on Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Late submission

Late Penalty without an approved extension - 10% penalty per day up to 2 calendar days. After 2 calendar days submissions will receive 0.

Max Extension Period - 2 Days

Rationale - Solutions are released after 2 days.

Adjustment - If more than 2 days extension is needed for the online exam, an exemption will apply instead (same application process using link above). If an exemption is approved, the final exam will have a weight of 50% instead of 45%.

Sustainability Measures for Energy Systems

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
20%
Due date

21/05/2025 4:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L03, L06, L07

Task description

The report will include two parts:

(a) A short visit worksheet of AEB energy flows (conducted after a site visit) (weight 5%, including 1% for attendance to the visit), and

(b) A small individual project analysing the energy and carbon intensity of a system, and comparing alternative scenarios (weight 15%).

This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.

More details are provided on Blackboard.

Submission guidelines

Submission through Turnitin via Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.

Penalties Apply for Late Submission

Refer to PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)

A Student Access Plan (SAP) can only be used for a first extension. Extensions based on an SAP may be granted for up to seven (7) days, or the maximum number of days specified in the Course Instance (CI), if it is less than seven (7) days. Any further extensions will require additional supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate.

Exam During Exam Period (Central)

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
45% Hurdle
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Task description

Closed book and invigilated examination. 

Student receive the equation and data booklet in the exam paper.

Casio FX82 series or UQ approved and labelled calculator ONLY can be used in all exams for this course.

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Hurdle requirements

Students must typically obtain at least 45% on the final exam to receive a grade of 4 or higher.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

(In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator
Open/closed book Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted
Exam platform Paper based
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Description
1 (Low Fail)

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Little or no knowledge demonstrated, major assessment items missed. Typically an overall mark of less than 20%.
2 (Fail)

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Poor knowledge, poor process. Typically an overall mark of 20-44.9% OR an overall mark >=45% but < 25% on the final exam.
3 (Marginal Fail)

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: Fails to satisfy basic requirements for a passing grade. THIS IS A FAILING GRADE. Typically an overall mark of 45-49.9% OR an overall mark >=50% but < 45% on the final exam.
4 (Pass)

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Good knowledge; basic process and reasoning skills demonstrated. Typically a mark of 50-64.9% AND at least 45% on the final exam. Students must typically obtain at least 45% on the final exam to receive a grade of 4 or higher.
5 (Credit)

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Good knowledge; good process and reasoning skills. Typically an overall mark 65-74.9% AND at least 55% on the final exam.

6 (Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Very good knowledge plus good complex reasoning skills. Typically an overall mark of 75-84.9% AND at least 65% on the final exam.

7 (High Distinction)

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: Excellent knowledge with excellent process and complex reasoning skills. Typically an overall mark of 85-100% AND at least 75% on the final exam.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

We can change marks within 4 weeks of returning assessment to students (as opposed to when the assessment is viewed). We cannot change marks after 4 weeks. It is your responsibility to check that your mark on Blackboard is correct and to retain assessment items (this is also sensible for revising).

Aims and outcomes
Learning resources

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

There is a very similar version of the text book that is also available in Australia that is fine to use in the course and may sometimes be cheaper:

Cengel, Y.A. & Boles, M.A., ﾠ2018. Thermodynamics: An engineering approach (International Student edition), 9th Edition, McGraw Hill, New York. (ISBN 9781260092684, also available electronically)

Other engineering thermodynamics text books are available if you want some different examples/explanations/problems to work on. Any edition of these excellent books can be used. I have just listed the latest version available in the library.ﾠ

Moran, M. J., et al., 2018, Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics, 9th ed, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ, USAﾠ (available online from library, other editions available in hard copy)

Borgnakke, C., Sonntag, R.,ﾠ 2020, Fundamentals of Thermodynamics, 10th ed, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ, USAﾠ (available online from library, other editions available in hard copy)

Assessment
Learning activities

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks
Workshop

2h workshop each week

Workshops use active learning to develop student's understanding of that week's topics. That week's videos (on LearnX) should be viewed before the workshop.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Tutorial

2h tutorial each week

Tutorials working on material following videos and workshop. Submissions are required from work.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Practical

AEB plant visit

Visits takes place on Week 10. Sign on required. Visit to AEB bldg energy system, in groups of 20. Worksheet to be completed and submitted as part of the Sustainability Report. There will be support at the end of the visit to fill in your worksheet.

Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05, L06, L07
Learning resources
Policies and procedures

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

School guidelines

Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:

  • Safety Induction for Practicals

Course guidelines

Anyone undertaking courses with a practical component must complete the UQ Undergraduate Student Laboratory Safety Induction and pass the associated assessment.

Specific instructions, usage guidelines and rules for each of the undergraduate laboratories will be delivered as part of each course.

In some cases, students may be required to attend a specific face-to-face laboratory induction/training session.

Learning activities