Thermodynamics ENGR 381
Section 2: Spring-Embedded Travel to Iceland

Camille George / UST School of Engineering
Spring 2008

Thermodynamics [ENGR 381] will be taught spring semester 2008 and will incorporate an optional off-campus component during spring break 2008.  The course covers the 1st law of thermodynamics (energy conservation) and the 2nd law of thermodynamics (restrictions on energy conservation) as they are applied in many of the common engineering applications around us. The course covers power generation, refrigeration, engines and energy for transportation, and the principles behind heating and cooling building space.

During spring break, the course will travel to Iceland for 10 days. The trip is an interdisciplinary effort between the geology and engineering departments. Students of thermodynamics and oceanography will explore Iceland’s use of its unique geological setting to provide much of its energy needs in a clean and sustainable way. The group will visit Reykjavik University and the University of Iceland for lectures on the impact of climate change on glaciers, carbon sequestration and binding with basalt, hydropower from glacial rivers, geothermal energy and the issues Iceland faces with the management of power in their fishing fleet.

Iceland produces more electricity per capita than any other country in the world and produces all of its electricity using sustainable and environmentally-friendly methods. Students will have several guided tours by Iceland’s internationally acclaimed power company Orkuveita Reykjavikur. Visits will include the Hveragerdi Geothermal power plant which generates 520MW of geothermal power and the Nesjavellir district heating facility outside Reykjavik, considered Iceland’s greatest engineering achievement. The facility transports hot water over 35 km in an above ground system that heats over 85% of all available interior space.

Prerequisites: High School Chemistry and High School Physics
Fulfills: Major or minor course in Engineering
Counts towards: no core requirement
Cost: $3080.00