0 or 4 credits
Fall 2025 Laboratory Preparation Lecture Laboratory Lower Division
Thermodynamic principles associated with biological systems and processing of biological materials. Emphasis on the first law of thermodynamics. Fundamentals of steady-state mass and energy balances for reacting and non-reacting processes including multiple unit operations emphasizing living systems and bioprocessing. Applications of the first law conservation of energy to biological systems, energy conversion systems, and the environmental impacts of energy production. Development of engineering problem solving skills via MathCad and MatLab software. Laboratory emphasizes combining technical engineering skills with professional skill development through computer and laboratory exercises including two extensive projects that result in a biological product design.
Learning Outcomes1Analyze problems and use a systematic approach to problem solving in the engineering of biological systems.
2Develop mass balances for systems with and without biochemical reactions for in vivo and in vitro biological systems.
3Characterize the properties of solids, liquids, and gases common to biological systems.
4Estimate gas/vapor properties using gas laws.
5Understand the relationships between pressure, partial pressure, and humidity.
6Apply the basic thermodynamic concepts to quantify phase and chemical equilibrium parameters for food and biological systems.
7Use models to predict the physical behavior of materials at equilibrium in multi-component, multi-phase systems.
8Use computational software to solve problems in biological systems.
9Able to apply science and math skills to develop a new product and the processes required to transform the input materials into the final product.
10Able to apply engineering fundamentals and analytical skills, specifically mass and energy balances and thermodynamics, to product and process development projects.
11Able to communicate technical information, oral and written.
12Develop leadership and teamwork skills through personal awareness and reflection, and team experiences.
13Develop an innovative and a strong work ethic through new product development.
14Have increased awareness of ethical responsibility through evaluating case studies and classroom discussion.
15Be more curious and persistent learners through self-directed team projects.
Prerequisites
made by Purdue students.