Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. Gargi Das
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 23 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Chemical Engineering, Minor 1 in Chemical, Minor 2 in Chemical, Minor 3 in Chemical |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 26 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Fundamentals: Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics with IIT Kharagpur
Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics forms the bedrock of understanding separation processes, reaction equilibria, and the design of crucial industrial equipment. For students and professionals seeking a rigorous, application-oriented foundation in this vital subject, the Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics course from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IITKGP) stands as a premier educational resource. This detailed guide explores the course structure, instructor expertise, and the significant career benefits it offers.
Course Overview: Building a Strong Thermodynamic Foundation
This 12-week undergraduate-level course is designed as an introductory yet comprehensive journey into the principles of thermodynamics as applied to chemical processes. It serves as a critical prerequisite for understanding complex interfacial mass transfer and separation operations like distillation, absorption, and solvent extraction. The curriculum expertly bridges fundamental physical concepts with their mathematical formulations and practical engineering applications.
The course is structured to take learners from the core laws of thermodynamics to advanced concepts governing multi-component systems. A key outcome is the ability to apply thermodynamic principles to the engineering design of mass transfer equipment, a skill highly valued across process industries.
Your Expert Instructor: Prof. Gargi Das
The course is led by Prof. Gargi Das, a distinguished professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. With over 16 years of dedicated teaching experience in thermodynamics, she has instructed countless students from Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, and Chemistry.
Prof. Das is not only an accomplished educator but also a contributor to the national NPTEL (National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning) initiative, having developed video and web-based courses on Multiphase Flow and Thermodynamics. Her research expertise spans Multiphase Flow, Transport Phenomena, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and Process Intensification, backed by over 50 refereed research papers, two books, and three book chapters. This blend of deep academic knowledge and practical research insight enriches the course content significantly.
Who Should Enroll? (Intended Audience)
This course is meticulously designed for a broad spectrum of learners:
- Core Students: Undergraduate students of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology.
- Interdisciplinary Learners: Students from Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Petroleum Refining, Metallurgy, and Agricultural Engineering.
- Professionals: Engineers and technicians in process industries seeking to solidify their thermodynamic fundamentals.
Pre-requisite: A basic knowledge of Engineering Thermodynamics is desirable but not mandatory, as the course builds concepts from the ground up.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
The course is systematically divided into weekly modules to ensure a logical and thorough learning progression:
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction and First Law |
| Week 2 | Second Law |
| Week 3 | P-v-T Behaviour of Gases |
| Week 4 | Chemical Potential |
| Week 5 | Chemical Equilibrium |
| Week 6 | Fugacity |
| Week 7 | Partial Molar Properties |
| Week 8 | Ideal Solution |
| Week 9 | Non-Ideal Solution |
| Week 10 | Partially/Completely Immiscible Systems, Hydrocarbon Thermodynamics |
| Week 11 | Supplementary Material to First and Second Law |
| Week 12 | Chemical Reaction Equilibrium |
Key Learning Outcomes and Industry Relevance
Upon successful completion, participants will be proficient in:
- Applying the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics to engineering systems.
- Understanding and calculating chemical potential and fugacity—key concepts for phase equilibria.
- Analyzing ideal, non-ideal, and immiscible systems.
- Solving problems related to chemical reaction equilibrium.
- Using thermodynamic principles as a tool for the preliminary design of separation processes.
Industry Support: This course is highly recognized by major players in the energy and chemical sectors, including Refining & Petrochemical Industries (IOC, HPCL, BPCL), GAIL, ONGC, and Shell. The skills taught are directly applicable to roles in process design, optimization, and research within these organizations.
Recommended Textbooks for In-Depth Study
To complement the video lectures and assignments, the following authoritative texts are recommended:
- Molecular Thermodynamics of Fluid Phase Equilibria - J. M. Prausnitz, R. N. Lichtenthaler, E. G. de Azevedo (3rd Ed., Prentice Hall)
- Chemical and Process Thermodynamics - B. G. Kyle (3rd Ed., 1999, Prentice Hall)
- Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics - J. M. Smith, H. C. Van Ness, M. M. Abbott (7th Ed., 2005, McGraw Hill)
In conclusion, the Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics course from IIT Kharagpur, under the expert guidance of Prof. Gargi Das, offers an unparalleled opportunity to master a subject fundamental to the process industries. Its balanced approach between theory and application, combined with IIT's academic excellence, makes it an invaluable asset for students and aspiring engineers aiming to excel in the field of chemical engineering.
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