Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer

The course will cover the following:

• Temperature and pressure measurement
• Gas laws and gas processes
• Thermal expansion
• Mass and energy conservation
• Change of phase Ice/water/steam
• Heating of solids, liquids and gases, specific heat
• Thermal efficiency
• Refrigeration
• Heat exchangers
• Heat Transfer
• Energy sources, generation in NZ

On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of thermodynamics principals for temperature, pressure, gas laws, thermal expansion, conservation of energy, change of phase, heating and thermal efficiency
• Apply thermodynamics principals to practical applications for air compressors, refrigeration, heat exchanger, and solar collectors
• Calculate rates of heat transfer through multiple layers and combined modes
• Evaluate and compare the sources on energy in NZ

Assessment

• Internal assessment 50%
• Examination 50%

For more information and a full list of exam times see our examinations page.

Labs requirements

A 2 ½ day practical Laboratory held in Wellington is a requirement for this course.

Trimester 1 Laboratories will be held during the term 1 school holidays,  

Trimester 2 Laboratories will be during the term 3 school holidays.

Your course leader will confirm the actual dates within the first week of the trimester, however you can click here for school holiday dates to give you a guideline for planning.

Computer and internet requirements

This course is delivered online, so you will access the course and do your study online, which generally includes reading and doing activities, watching videos, downloading content, and writing and submitting assessments online.

For online learning you need:

• Access to a laptop or desktop computer
• Reliable broadband internet and a data plan

Find out more about online learning

If you are unsure if your current computer or internet access will allow you to study online please contact us.