3 credits
Spring 2025 Lecture Lower Division
Thermodynamic principles and their applications to biochemical and biological systems with emphasis on the second law of thermodynamics and use of molecular interpretations of energies and entropies. Concept of entropy balances and process efficiency. Free energy and chemical equilibrium. Equilibrium between phases, colligative properties, binding of ligands and formation of biological membranes. Molecular motion and transport properties and their application in biochemical analytical methods. Development of physical chemical problem solving skills using MathCad and MatLab software.
Learning Outcomes1Understand basic principles of Mass, Energy, and Entropy balance equations to macro scale thermodynamic processes.
2Apply the following concepts to solve problems in the biological engineering and biomedical engineering disciplines (First & Second Law of Thermodynamics; Open vs closed systems o Balances of mass, heat, work, and entropy/energy flow; Reversibility/irreversibility; Path dependence/independence).
3Gain knowledge of main factors that determine numerical values of physical-chemical properties associated with bioprocesses.
4Solve multiphysics and multi-scale problems for thermodynamic processes using the computer.
5Develop the attitudinal dimensions of computational thinking.
6Gain experience in working with non-linear systems and systems away from equilibrium.
Prerequisites
Attachments
made by Purdue students.