3 credits
Spring 2025 Lecture Lower Division
The major objective for this course is to understand and exploit basic principles of thermodynamics as they apply to biological systems and biological processes. Specifically, the course will focus on biological processes across scales: from the nanometer scale of biomolecules, the micrometer scale of cells, the millimeter and meter scales of tissues and organisms, all the way up to the 100+ meter scale for bioprocess equipment and industry-scale production with a focus on dynamic behaviors of systems. The course can be loosely classified into two parts: (i) guiding principles and fundamental equations for thermodynamics in biological and biomedical engineering, and (ii) applications of engineering principles to the study of biological systems.
Learning Outcomes1Understand basic principles of Mass, Energy, and Entropy balance equations that describe thermodynamic processes. (SO 1, 6, 7)
2Apply the following concepts to solve problems in the biological engineering and biomedical engineering disciplines: First & Second Law of Thermodynamics; Open vs closed systems; Balances of mass, heat, work, and entropy/energy flow; Reversibility/irreversibility. (SO 1, 6, 7)
3Gain knowledge of main factors that determine numerical values of physical-chemical properties associated with bioprocesses. (SO 7)
4Solve problems for thermodynamic processes using the computer. (SO 1, 2, 5, 7)
5Develop the attitudinal dimensions of computational thinking: Confidence in dealing with complexity; Persistence in working with difficult problems; Tolerance for ambiguity; The ability to deal with open-ended problems; The ability to communicate and work with others to achieve a common goal or solution. (SO 2)
6Gain experience in working with non-linear systems and systems away from equilibrium. (SO 1, 6)
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made by Purdue students.