NAME: MANABAT, EZEKIEL B.

                Student #:19-0066

YEAR & SECTION: BSCE 3-1                                                                   DATE:12/10/21

Final Term Quiz and Exam

I. Make a narrative (1paragraph each term) of what you have learned in all the covered
topics of the course.

For the first term, we’ve reviewed some basic fundamental concepts that are
relevant to the subject, such as the various units and conversion factors for pressure,
volume, among others, as well as a review on the specific volume, specific gravity,
mass flow, and pressures. Next, we discussed about energy and the First Law of
Thermodynamics, which states the conservation of mass and energy, and from where
the steady state flow equations are derived, which depicts the flow of energy, mass, and
work/heat in a steady flow. Lastly, we discussed again the ideal gas law and the gas
equations; namely, Boyle’s Law, Gay-Lussac’s Law, and Hooke’s Law, albeit with extra
details concerning pressures in gauges and atmospheres. We also discussed a bit
about specific heat there.

In the second term, the topic revolves around the three means of heat transfer. First,
there’s conduction, which involves heat transfer by direct contact. The heat transfer is
impeded by a certain resistance coefficient, and in surfaces with multiple layers, this
thermal resistance can be thought of as akin to the resistance in a series circuit,
allowing for easier analysis. Next, we have convection, which is the heat transfer via the
flow of fluids like water, air, or whatever else. This one also relies on a certain
convective transfer coefficient, and can similarly be applied with the electric circuit
analogy. These two heat transfer formulas can be combined into a combined heat
transfer equation for solving cases such as heat transfer from fluids traveling pipes to
the outside. Lastly, we have radiation; which involves heat transfer via electromagnetic
waves. Ideally, objects capable of absorbing and emitting radiation are known as black
bodies, using which we solve for non-black bodies.

For the third term, I learned about the general concept of refrigeration. Various types
of refrigeration exist, but as for the most common one (which is vapor compression), it
makes use of four processes; first, the compression of the refrigerant which increases
pressure and temperature at the compressor. Second, under constant pressure, the
refrigerant releases heat as it passes the condenser. Third, the pressure is relieved as it
passes through the expansion valve, and lastly, it absorbs heat as it converts again into
vapor at the evaporator, at which point the cycle repeats. The ideal cooling system is
known as the reverse Carnot cycle. Various types of refrigeration exists, and the
processes amongst air conditioners, refrigerators, and other cooling devices seem to
deviate only by a bit, namely refrigerators having heat exchangers to ensure total phase
changes through the evaporator and condensers. Finally, air conditioning differs from
refrigeration in that it not only involves cooling air, but also includes heating it, as well as
manipulation of humidity.
 II. Enumerate all difficulties encountered in learning during the course’s whole duration and
what adjustments you have made to cope with these difficulties.

All throughout, I’ve suffered from a constant deficiency of time. That is especially worst
in the first term, when it seems it the thought that this is not going to be like any of the past
few years, hasn’t completely sunk in yet, and I was sucker-punched by the sheer load of
works that this semester has put in my shoulder. As such, I wasn’t able to make sufficient
time to study the materials, only the first module, and even then not too well. As much as it
irks me to admit, I really had to resort to unethical ways to get through that term.

However, I was somewhat learning the ropes in the second term, and as such I
promised myself, I wouldn’t let a repeat of the first term happen. This time, I was able to
study the materials a lot better, and I can somewhat say that a lot of the knowledge then still
is stuck with me. I still had to search up some answers, but I only do that to check if my
solution is correct, and needless to say, I nailed them most of the time.

But the final term has been quite difficult as well, considering that the time for the term
has been cut by a few weeks due to the academic ease. As such, while I have been able to
watch most of the lectures, I couldn’t dedicate sufficient time to completely try to understand
and familiarize the concepts. I did as best as I could with solving, however I find myself
grasping for straws over the many formulas, and I only wound up being confused. This
certainly wasn’t my best work, and I really do wonder if things would be any different if the
we would be back at the four corners of the classrooms.

III. Make a conclusion based on I & II.

All in all, I’d say that I did as best as I could; studied as much as I could, and
watched as much lessons as I could, but it appears that all these are still quite
insufficient. I can blame the inadequate time all I want, but it really does appear that
somehow, someway, the online class has really made me into something of a slob, and
I have engendered a sense of complacence that I can get through these things in a bit
of a breeze. As it is now, I’m already being proven wrong, and as it seems now, I will
continue to be proven wrong, especially with the looming return to face-to-face classes
next semester. I will have much work cut out for me, undoing all the “damage” the online
setting has caused me.

IV. Make your recommendations that may improve the teaching-learning methods
and process for the coming semesters/years.

I suppose the teaching methods have been somewhat adequate, and that all the
failings have been largely on my part. I think it would be nice, however, to add some
extra visual aids, such as animated videos that more clearly present the topics being
discussed. But then again, such videos may be easily searched, and as such is not
entirely the professor’s responsibility, rather ours for self-study, thus that is one thing I
can do to improve my learning methods.
Mahalaga ang inyong tinig upang higit na mapahusay ang kalidad ng aming paglilingkod. 

  May we all have a blessed and safe Christmas and year-end break. God Bless

Prepared by:

Efren A. Dela Cruz