BIOE 313
Bioengineering Thermodynamics (3) Chemical processes, including material and energy balances and phase equilibria, with emphasis on biological applications.
BIOE 313 Bioengineering Thermodynamics (3)
The course provides and introduction to thermodynamics, including the fundamentals of material and energy balances with specific emphasis placed on physiological applications. This course will cover equations of state, the first and second laws of thermodynamics in both open and closed systems, Maxwell Relations and chemical and phase equilibrium. Specific biological applications considered are the application of thermodynamic analyses to understanding thermoregulation, muscle movement cycles, respiratory gas exchange, cell potentials and to osmosis. This course also covers heat transfer including Fourier's law of conduction, convective and radiative heat transfer. Specific biological examples discussed include applications to bioinstrumentation, thermoregulation and tissue heating by radiation for cancer therapy. This is a lecture course, graded by means of weekly homework, quizzes, and a final exam. A general knowledge of physiology and chemistry are prerequisites; the analytical approach of the course will also require an ability to work with basic differential and multivariable calculus.
Note : Class size, frequency of offering, and evaluation methods will vary by location and instructor. For these details check the specific course syllabus.