Course overview
This course will teach students how energy is converted to useful forms and managed in a sustainable fashion. Energy sources, conversion and utilisation; environmental and economic issues; Review of basic thermodynamic concepts; Applications of the first law of Thermodynamics to non-flow and flow processes; Introduction to the second law of thermodynamics, entropy, heat engines and refrigeration; Thermodynamic cycles; Principles of thermal energy conversion in boilers, internal combustion engines and gas turbines; Energy recovery methods; Energy management in industry, transport and buildings; Energy audits; Environmental and economic evaluation.
Course learning outcomes
- Apply the first law of thermodynamics to open and closed thermal systems and use the second law to evaluate the energy conversion efficiencies of ideal and real cycles. (PO1) (EA 1.1, 1.3)
- Analyse thermodynamic cycles for heat engines and refrigeration systems and analyse combustion processes for conventional and alternative fuels. (PO1, 4) (EA 1.1, 1.3. 2.1, 2.2)
- Assess the environmental impact of exhaust emission and evaluate methods for their reduction. (PO1) (EA 1.2, 1.3)
- Select appropriate energy recovery methods for thermal energy systems. (PO1) (EA 1.2, 1.3)
- Identify energy conservation potential in building, transport and industrial sectors. (PO 1, 4, 7) (EA 1.3, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2)
Fee calculator
To display course fees, please select your status and program below:
We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.
Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.
Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.
The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.