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School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

Energy, Matter and Thermodynamics (H3052)

Energy, Matter and Thermodynamics

Module H3052

Module details for 2027/28.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 4

Module Outline

Engineering begins with understanding how energy exists, moves and drives real systems. In this module, you will explore the fundamental laws of thermodynamics and how they govern all engineering applications. You will learn how energy interacts with solids, liquids and gases, including phase changes, and how to analyse and improve efficiency in engineering devices. Through practical laboratory work, you will develop skills in data analysis, experimental methods and safe engineering practice. This module builds the scientific foundation needed to design the high-performance, energy-efficient technologies needed for human flourishing in a rapidly evolving world.

C1 Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study
C2 Analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles
C8 Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct
C12 Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems
C16 Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team
C17 Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences

Full Module Description

Engineering begins with understanding how energy exists, moves and drives real systems. In this module, you will explore the fundamental laws of thermodynamics and how they govern all engineering applications. You will learn how energy interacts with solids, liquids and gases, including phase changes, and how to analyse and improve efficiency in engineering devices. Through practical laboratory work, you will develop skills in data analysis, experimental methods and safe engineering practice. This module builds the scientific foundation needed to design the high-performance, energy-efficient technologies needed for human flourishing in a rapidly evolving world.

C1 Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study
C2 Analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles
C8 Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct
C12 Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems
C16 Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team
C17 Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences

Module learning outcomes

Apply knowledge of types of energy and energy transfers to energy balance problems (AHEP4 C1, C2).

Recognise how the macroscopic behaviour of matter relates to molecular-level phenomena (AHEP4 C1, C2).

Apply thermodynamic principles to analyse engineering devices and solve structured engineering problems. (AHEP4 C1 and C2).

Analyse experimental data using thermodynamic principles, and explain results to a technical audience (AHEP4 C12, C16, C17).

TypeTimingWeighting
ReportAutumn Semester Week 9 Thu 16:0030.00%
Unseen ExaminationSemester 1 Assessment50.00%
Practical AssessmentAutumn Semester Week 5 20.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Autumn SemesterLecture2 hours11111111111
Autumn SemesterLecture1 hour11010111111
Autumn SemesterLaboratory2 hours00101000000
Autumn SemesterWorkshop1 hour01010111111

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.

The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.

School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

Education and Students Office:
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine, Chichester 1 Room 002
Email: fosem-info@sussex.ac.uk
Telephone: 01273 (67) 8195