Conduction & Convection Heat Transfer Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. Suman Chakraborty
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 223 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Mechanical Engineering, Energy Systems |
| 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 | 25 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlock the Fundamentals of Thermal Energy Transfer
Heat transfer is the lifeblood of modern engineering and biological systems. From designing efficient engines and electronics to understanding biological processes, the principles of how thermal energy moves are fundamental. If you're an engineering student or professional looking to solidify your understanding of these critical concepts, a comprehensive course from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur offers an unparalleled opportunity.
This detailed 12-week course, titled Conduction and Convection Heat Transfer, is meticulously designed to build a strong foundational knowledge. Led by distinguished professors, the course balances theoretical concepts with practical applications, ensuring you can apply the laws and equations to real-world scenarios.
Learn from Renowned IIT Kharagpur Faculty
The course is taught by two eminent professors, bringing decades of research and teaching excellence to your learning experience.
Prof. Suman Chakraborty is an Institute Chair Professor and Head of the School of Medical Science and Technology at IIT Kharagpur. A recipient of the prestigious Santi Swaroop Bhatnagar Prize and a Fellow of multiple international academies including the American Physical Society, his research in microfluidics and biomedical transport is world-renowned. With over 380 journal publications, his insights bridge fundamental heat transfer with cutting-edge applications.
Prof. Sankar Kumar Som, an emeritus professor, is a stalwart in thermo-fluid sciences. An acclaimed author of textbooks on Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics, and a recipient of the INSA Teachers Award, he has played a pivotal role in curriculum development at IIT Kharag. His expertise in combustion science and his extensive experience in creating NPTEL courses ensure the material is both authoritative and accessible.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is ideally suited for:
- Undergraduate (BE/B.Tech) and Postgraduate (ME/M.Tech/MS) students in Mechanical, Chemical, Aerospace, and Energy Engineering.
- MSc and PhD scholars researching thermal sciences.
- Practicing engineers looking to refresh core principles.
- Anyone with a background in basic Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics seeking deeper knowledge in heat transfer.
What You Will Learn: A 12-Week Journey
The course is structured to progressively build your expertise from basic concepts to advanced applications.
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Introduction to Conduction, 1-D Steady State Analysis |
| Week 3-4 | Conduction in Cylindrical/Spherical Geometries, Heat Transfer from Fins (Extended Surfaces) |
| Week 5-6 | 2-D Steady State Conduction, Transient (Lumped & Semi-Infinite) Analysis, Introduction to Convection |
| Week 7-8 | Review of Fluid Mechanics, Energy Conservation, Thermal Boundary Layer Theory |
| Week 9-10 | Internal Forced Convection, Viscous Dissipation, Introduction to Natural Convection |
| Week 11-12 | Natural Convection, Boiling & Condensation, Heat Exchanger Fundamentals |
Course Outcomes and Benefits
Upon successful completion, you will:
- Gain a strong physical and mathematical understanding of conduction and convection modes.
- Be able to derive and apply governing equations (like Fourier's Law, Newton's Law of Cooling) from fundamental principles.
- Develop problem-solving skills for practical engineering challenges involving heat exchangers, electronic cooling, insulation, and more.
- Have a solid foundation to pursue advanced topics or research in thermal-fluid sciences.
Essential Reference Materials
The course aligns with classic textbooks, including:
- Principles of Heat and Mass Transfer by Incropera, DeWitt, Bergman, & Lavine.
- Introduction to Heat Transfer by S.K. Som.
- Heat Transfer – A Basic Approach by M. Necati Ozisik.
This Conduction and Convection Heat Transfer course is more than just a series of lectures; it's a guided journey through the core principles that govern thermal energy movement. With expert instruction from IIT Kharagpur, a logical curriculum, and a focus on application, it represents a significant opportunity to master a subject vital to innovation in engineering and science. Enroll today to build your expertise and advance your academic or professional career.
Enroll Now →