Thermodynamics and Transport

The course starts with covering the various aspects of phenomenological Thermodynamics, as applicable to various biological systems. We cover this in a unique way where we do start from the microscopic perspective of Thermodynamics then transitioning into and staying at the macroscopic phenomena.

Thermodynamics:

• First law of thermodynamics; Equation of States; Changing States

• Entropy and second law of thermodynamics; Reversible process and work/heat;

• Entropy, Enthalpy and Gibbs Free Energy; Chemical potential

This course then subsequently deals with transport of mass (or moles), and energy - the basic quantities in classical physics - at the level of cell. Most processes involve transport- or transfer in general - of these quantities. Mass, fluid and heat transport processes are fundamental to virtually all aspect of life. For example, living systems need energy to survive. Moreover, they need new material, in the form of specific molecules to grow and reproduce or get their energy from.

Transport phenomena:

• Microscopic theory of Diffusion; Brownian motion; Random Walks

• Macroscopic description of diffusion; Fick's equation; Diffusion through pores

• Mass transport across a thin film; Reaction-Diffusion system;

• Life at low Reynolds number; Diffusion with drift; Stokes flow; Flow through a channel; Sedimentation flow

Separate exams for Thermo (week 5) and Transport (week 10): both containing open, problem solving type questions. In the Thermodynamics exam, there are a few conceptual, multiple choice type questions as well.

In addition, during the course two assignments will be handed out.
The first assignment is from the thermodynamics part, and includes the results from a practical experimental session (to be carried out by the students themselves in Week 3 of Quarter 1).
The second assignment is related to transport phenomena. These assignments are graded; the grading forms part of the final mark.

Final mark = (10%) assignment-1 (Thermo) + (10%) assignment-2 (Trans) + (40%) midterm exam (Thermo) + (40%) final exam (Trans)

The grades for the assignment are also valid for the next academic year. That means you can keep the assignment grades if you are taking the resits offered in 2026-2027. In case you have to resit, only the exams can be resit, and only a combined resit exam covering both topics can be taken.

Students who are unable to meet the deadlines of the assignments must discuss this with the academic counsellor before the deadline to make arrangements.