Challenges in Teaching an Introductory Graduate Level Course in Thermodynamics

Teaching an introductory graduate level course in thermodynamics can be a challenge due to unequal students’ undergraduate educational background in thermodynamics. Many of students accepted into a mechanical engineering graduate programs have received their undergraduate degrees from various institutions in the United States or from universities in other countries. The semester credit hours required in thermodynamics for an undergraduate mechanical engineering degree varies among institutions. Some degree programs require only three semester credit hour of thermodynamics; few require a four hour course, while others require a two semester course sequence in thermodynamics, totaling six credit hours. In addition, some mechanical engineering graduate students have received their undergraduate degrees in disciplines other than mechanical engineering, such as civil, aerospace, physics, or chemical engineering. Teaching a course in advanced thermodynamics to students with very diverse background is a challenge. A survey is conducted at the start of semester to gauge students’ perception of their knowledge in thermodynamics. The survey is followed by a quiz to assess students’ actual knowledge of the fundamental concepts in thermodynamics. Based on the survey and the quiz results, the lectures are carefully adjusted to help students with weaker background to catch up without making students with stronger background getting board. Selection of a suitable textbook for the course is also another challenge. This paper describes the challenges faced in teaching an introductory graduate course in thermodynamics, and how these challenges are addressed. Examples of homework problems, exam problems, and a project assignment are included.