Does this sound like VERY basic Thermodynamics (course description included)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the content and workload of a Thermodynamics course (ENGR 251) and its compatibility with other courses in a semester. Participants explore the nature of the course, its depth, and the feasibility of taking it alongside other technical subjects.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the course description aligns with their experience of a first semester thermodynamics course, suggesting it provides a decent introduction without extensive detail.
  • Another participant questions whether taking the course alongside Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE) and Statics would be excessive.
  • A later reply indicates that taking the thermodynamics course with ODE and Statics is manageable, depending on the overall course load.
  • Additional courses mentioned include Environmental Engineering Principles and Ethics/Responsibility of an Engineer, which may influence the workload perception.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the course's depth and the feasibility of taking it alongside other subjects, indicating that there is no consensus on whether it would be overkill.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not specify the exact challenges or workload associated with the courses mentioned, leaving some assumptions about individual capacity and course difficulty unaddressed.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a Thermodynamics course alongside other technical classes, particularly those in engineering or related fields.

ZenOne
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I plan on adding a 5th class to my semester (which is already quite packed), however I was wondering if this sounded like the Thermodynamics class that everyone on PF always complains about:

"ENGR 251 Thermodynamics I (3 credits)
Prerequisite: MATH 203 (Cegep Mathematics
103 [Calculus 1]). Basic principles of thermodynamics and
their application to various systems composed
of pure substances and their homogeneous
non-reactive mixtures. Simple power production
and utilization cycles. Lectures: three hours per
week. Tutorial: two hours per week."

Thanks in advance.
 
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It sounds very much like my first semester thermodynamics course. I don't see anything particularly wrong with it, although it won't go into a ton of detail. Of course, no introductory course (on pretty much any topic) will, so I don't see that as a problem. If you really want an understanding of thermodynamics, you'll probably need at least another semester of it after that course, but it looks like a decent introduction.
 
Would you say it would be overkill to pack it into a semester with ODE and Statics?
 
Anyone?
 
ZenOne said:
Would you say it would be overkill to pack it into a semester with ODE and Statics?

That depends on what else you're taking, but if those are your only other technical courses, not at all. I took my first semester thermo course simultaneously with DiffEQ/linear algebra and statics (and one other course I don't remember), and it was completely doable.
 
Other courses include Environmental Engineering Principles and Ethics/Responsibility of an Engineer.
 
Thank you for your input BTW.
 

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