Published 08.20.

2015

ME 331 Thermodynamics
Course Syllabus
Fall, 2015 Semester
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: Math 241
Class Location: Estabrook 111
Class Time: 09:05-09:55 MWF
Instructor: Dr. J. Mark Barker
Office: Dougherty 312
Email: jbarke16@utk.edu (Please include ME 331 in the subject line.)
Phone: 865.974.7699
Office Hours: 10:30-11:30 MWF; 10:30-11:30 TR; others by appointment
Course Website: Blackboard will be used as the course website.
Textbook: Thermodynamics. An Engineering Approach, 8th Edition, Cengel and Boles, 2015,
McGraw-Hill. Please bring your textbook to each class meeting.
Instruction Outcomes: (from the ABET Syllabus for ME 331)

Students will be able to demonstrate their ability to determine thermodynamic properties of

substances using tabular values and various equations of state
Students will demonstrate their ability to apply the First law of Thermodynamics to closed
systems and control volumes
Students will demonstrate their ability to apply the Second Law of Thermodynamics to determine
whether processes or cycles are reversible, irreversible, or impossible
Students will demonstrate their ability to apply the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics to
engineering cycle analyses of power and refrigeration cycles
Students will demonstrate their ability to determine properties of ideal-gas mixtures

Criterion 3 Outcomes: (from the ABET Syllabus for ME 331)

a) Apply knowledge of mathematics (ODE) and engineering
e) An ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems
Academic Integrity
All students are required to read and abide by the Standards of Conduct and the UT Honor
Statement. All work submitted for grading is to be the original work of the person under whose name
the work is submitted. This includes examinations, quizzes, homework, and laboratory exercises.
Specifically prohibited is the use for any purpose of textbook solution manuals intended for instructor
use only. Any instances of academic misconduct will be considered serious offenses and will be
punished with a penalty which may include an "F" in the course.
Honor Statement: An essential feature of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a
commitment to maintaining an atmosphere of intellectual integrity and academic honesty. As a student of
the university, I pledge that I will neither knowingly give nor receive any inappropriate assistance in
academic work, thus affirming my own personal commitment to honor and integrity. This statement can
be found in the UTK Undergraduate Catalog and in Hilltopics.

Published 08.20.2015

Special Needs
Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should
contact me privately to discuss specific needs. Please contact the Office of Disability Services
(ods.utk.edu) at 865.974.6087 in 2227 Dunford Hall, or by video phone at 865.622.6566, to coordinate
reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.
Attendance
Attendance is expected and may be recorded. The university attendance policy is found in the Academic
Policies and Procedures section of the 2015-2016 Undergraduate Catalog. I have noticed a positive
correlation between class attendance and academic performance.
All students are expected to attend class regularly and punctually. Students will be responsible for the
material presented in class. Examinations (and other graded course work) missed during an unexcused
absence will result in a score of zero for the exam. To submit an absence for consideration as an excused
absence, present your excuse in writing via email to the instructor describing the circumstances. Verbal
presentations are not sufficient.
Grading
Homework, Projects, Quizzes
Exams (3; evenly weighted)
Comprehensive Final Exam (1)

10%
60%
30%

Homework may be collected. If so, it will be due at the beginning of class. Late homework will not be
graded. Homework must follow a format that will be identified on the first homework assignment.
Homework that does not follow the format will not be graded. Selected problem(s) from the homework
assignment may be graded. An in-class quiz similar to a selected homework problem(s) may be given on
the homework due date. Late homework is NOT accepted and missed in-class assignments may NOT be
made up. Excused absences will not count against your homework/in-class grade averages.
Grading Scale
90-100%
80-89%
70-79%
60-69%
0-59%
Cheating

A
B
C
D
F
F

Professionalism and Policies

The instructor and students are expected to conduct themselves as professionals. Characteristics of
professionals include punctuality, preparedness, respect, and proper dress. Important communication
should be in writing (email). I have noticed a positive correlation between attention in class and academic
performance.
A proper learning environment should be maintained:
private conversations should be held outside the classroom
cell phones should be silent and put away during class
tablets and laptop computers should be used only for taking notes or electronic textbook access
photography or audio or video recording of classroom activities is strictly prohibited
Offenders may face academic penalties.
This syllabus may be modified at any time by the instructor. Notice of syllabus changes will be provided
verbally in class, in writing (email), and by modifications to the syllabus posted on the course website
(Blackboard).