Abstract
Introductory thermodynamics is a topic which is covered in a wide variety of science and engineering educations. However, very different teaching traditions have evolved within different scientific specialties. In this study we examine three courses in introductory thermodynamics within three different scientific specialties: physics, chemical engineering and mechanical engineering. Based on a generalization of Kuhn’s theory of disciplinary matrix, and the idea of boundary objects we analyse how basic thermodynamics theory is conceived in the different scientific specialties. The study is based on interviews with teachers and analysis of the different textbook traditions. It is concluded that teachers need to take into account how subject matter is conceived in other related scientific specialties when designing courses. Two examples demonstrating how this may be done are given.
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Notes
Our translation of the Danish text.
The terminology of control mass/volume is standard in mechanical engineering, and is of German origin. Vincenti points out, that the German word ‘Kontroll’ means ‘auditing’ (as in bookkeeping) as well as ‘regulation’, and it is the former meaning in particular which is aimed at with the term (Vincenti 1990, p. 284, n. 2).
Vincenti has given a thorough description of the principles and history of the methodology (Vincenti 1990, Chapter 4).
A good discussion of this can be found in Bucciarelli (1996).
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Christiansen, F.V., Rump, C. Three Conceptions of Thermodynamics: Technical Matrices in Science and Engineering. Res Sci Educ 38, 545–564 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-007-9061-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-007-9061-x