Energy: Thermodynamics in Everyday Life
Understand the laws of thermodynamics – and how they govern how we use and lose energy everyday – in this free online course.
Duration
5 weeksWeekly study
3 hours
Energy: Thermodynamics in Everyday Life
Other courses you might like
This course isn't running right now. We can email you when it starts again, or check out these other courses you might like.
Browse more in Nature & Environment and Science, Engineering & Maths
Energy is essential to life at many levels and its transformation from one form to another – whether in the cells of our bodies or the machines that enable modern society – is governed by the laws of thermodynamics.
This free online course provides you with an introduction to these laws, and the application of thermodynamics to both everyday examples and issues of global concern.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the course can visit our Thermodynamics Facebook page
Thermodynamics, sustainability and nature’s limits
Over five weeks, you will explore some of the challenges associated with energy supply and consumption. You will also perform simple experiments in your kitchen, to develop your appreciation of the significance of the laws of thermodynamics. These will help you discover new ways of thinking about energy, and how we use it and lose it.
Gaining new perspectives on the sustainable energy debate is an important skill you will develop, and this will help you to comprehend how we are limited by the laws of nature. You will also discuss new research that explores the boundaries of these limitations.
Understand thermodynamics with a global network of learners
You will learn with me, Eann Patterson, the AA Griffith Chair of Structural Materials and Mechanics at the University of Liverpool. I will bring my experience of teaching and lecturing in the UK, USA and China, and give you the chance to work alongside University of Liverpool undergraduates, who will be taking this online course as part of their degree course.
If you are interested in reading more before the course starts, you can find background information in Peter Atkin’s book “The Entropy Vector: Connecting Science and Business”, although this is not compulsory. You can also visit my blog.
Develop your skills or career as an engineer
The knowledge you gain from this course may prompt you to consider a career as a professional engineer.
You may even wish to take your learning further, with the University of Liverpool’s Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering degrees.
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
Who is the course for?
The course is aimed at anyone with a need or desire to learn more about the laws governing energy. Some knowledge of physics and mathematics will be assumed.
Who will you learn with?
Engineer, educator & author. I hold the AA Griffith Chair in Structural Materials & Mechanics at the University of Liverpool. Read my blog at RealizeEngineering.Wordpress.com to find out more.
Who developed the course?
University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool is ranked in the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide.
Established
1881World ranking
Top 160Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn
Do you know someone who'd love this course? Tell them about it...
You can use the hashtag #FLThermodynamics to talk about this course on social media.