

M-TECH in Thermal Engineering at COEP Technological University


Pune, Maharashtra
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About the Specialization
What is Thermal Engineering at COEP Technological University Pune?
This Heat Power Engineering (Thermal Engineering) program at COEP Technological University focuses on advanced concepts in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and power generation. It addresses the critical need for skilled professionals in India''''s rapidly growing energy and manufacturing sectors, with an emphasis on sustainable and efficient thermal systems. The program differentiates itself by integrating advanced research methodologies and practical application.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for mechanical, automobile, and production engineering graduates seeking entry into the energy sector, or working professionals looking to upskill in thermal design, analysis, and management. It also caters to those aspiring for research roles or pursuing further doctoral studies in thermal sciences, leveraging their B.Tech background and a valid GATE score.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding India-specific career paths in power generation, automotive R&D, HVAC system design, energy auditing, and manufacturing. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, growing to INR 8-15+ LPA for experienced professionals. The curriculum often aligns with competencies required for roles in public sector undertakings (PSUs), R&D organizations, and leading private engineering firms.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Thermal Fundamentals- (Semester 1)
Dedicate significant effort to building a robust foundation in Advanced Thermodynamics, Advanced Fluid Mechanics, and Applied Numerical Methods. Actively solve complex problems, participate in discussions, and seek conceptual clarity beyond textbook definitions. Form study groups to tackle challenging topics and reinforce understanding.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Standard textbooks (e.g., Cengel, White), MATLAB/Python for numerical methods, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals are crucial for tackling specialized subjects and project work, directly impacting problem-solving abilities vital for R&D and design engineering roles.
Initiate Research Mindset and Skills- (Semester 1)
Actively engage in Research Methodology and Seminar I. Focus on thorough literature review, identifying research gaps, and developing effective technical presentation skills. This early exposure to research methods will be invaluable for your future project and dissertation work.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, LaTeX for technical writing, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing
Career Connection
Cultivates critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and communication skills, essential for both academic research and advanced engineering roles in industry.
Leverage Lab Experience- (Semester 1)
Maximize learning from Lab Practice I by actively participating in experiments, understanding the theoretical basis, and meticulously analyzing results. Focus on experimental techniques, data acquisition, and interpretation to build practical skills.
Tools & Resources
Experimental setups in thermal labs, Data acquisition systems, Excel/Origin for data plotting and analysis
Career Connection
Develops hands-on experimental skills and a practical understanding of thermal systems, highly valued in testing, validation, and R&D roles.
Intermediate Stage
Strategically Choose and Master Electives- (Semester 2)
Select professional and open electives (like Computational Fluid Dynamics or Renewable Energy Systems) aligning with your career aspirations. Dedicate time to master the tools and software associated with these specializations, such as CFD software for fluid flow analysis.
Tools & Resources
ANSYS Fluent/STAR-CCM+ tutorials, MATLAB toolboxes, Specialized software for energy systems, Online courses on Coursera/edX
Career Connection
Allows for deeper specialization, making you a more attractive candidate for niche roles in specific thermal engineering domains like simulation, design, or renewable energy.
Engage Actively in Project Stage I and Lab Practice II- (Semester 2)
Translate theoretical knowledge into practical application through Project Stage I and Lab Practice II. Focus on problem definition, methodology planning, and initial experimental/simulation work. This is the stage to develop a strong project proposal and hands-on expertise.
Tools & Resources
Project management tools (Trello/Asana), Research papers on similar projects, Advanced lab equipment, CFD/FEA software
Career Connection
Builds project management skills, fosters independent problem-solving, and provides tangible experience that can be showcased in interviews for R&D or core engineering positions.
Build Professional Networks- (Semester 2)
Attend guest lectures, workshops, and seminars organized by the department or industry. Network with faculty, industry experts, and senior students. Explore opportunities for summer internships to gain early industry exposure.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional conferences/webinars, COEP alumni network events, Industry association meetings
Career Connection
Opens doors to internship opportunities, mentorship, and potential job leads, critical for navigating the Indian job market and understanding industry expectations.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation Research (Project Stage II & III)- (Semester 3-4)
Devote maximum effort to your major project/dissertation. Focus on rigorous experimental work or simulation, detailed data analysis, critical interpretation of results, and high-quality thesis writing. Aim for publications in reputed conferences or journals if possible.
Tools & Resources
Advanced scientific software (MATLAB, LabVIEW, Aspen Plus), Statistical analysis tools, Professional editing services for thesis, Conference paper templates
Career Connection
Demonstrates advanced research capabilities, problem-solving skills, and deep domain expertise, making you highly competitive for R&D roles, academic positions, or further studies (PhD).
Refine Presentation and Communication Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Regularly present your research progress to your guide and peers. Participate in departmental seminars and mock viva sessions. Focus on clearly articulating your methodology, results, and conclusions, preparing thoroughly for your final dissertation viva voce.
Tools & Resources
PowerPoint/Google Slides, Presentation software tutorials, Feedback from mentors and peers, Public speaking clubs
Career Connection
Develops crucial soft skills for technical communication, vital for presenting findings in industry meetings, client interactions, or academic conferences.
Strategize for Career Transition- (Semester 3-4)
Actively prepare for placements or higher studies. Customize your resume/CV and cover letters to highlight your specialization and project work. Practice technical and HR interview questions, and identify target companies or universities based on your specialization.
Tools & Resources
COEP Placement Cell resources, Online interview preparation platforms, Alumni network for guidance, GATE/UGC-NET preparation (if academia bound)
Career Connection
Ensures a smooth transition from academia to industry or further research, maximizing opportunities for securing desired roles in thermal engineering or related fields.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering / Technology (Mechanical/Automobile/Production/Industrial etc.) with minimum 50% Marks and valid GATE score (as per M.E./M.Tech. Academic Ordinance 2019).
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 70 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30% (In-Sem for Theory, Term Work for Practical), External: 70% (End-Sem for Theory, Practical/Oral for Lab/Project)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 501901 | Applied Numerical Methods and Optimization | Core | 4 | Numerical Solution of ODE & PDE, Finite Difference Method, Numerical Optimization, Linear Programming, Non-Linear Programming, Calculus of Variation |
| 501902 | Advanced Thermodynamics | Core | 4 | Review of Laws of Thermodynamics, Availability and Irreversibility, Chemical Thermodynamics, Multi-component Systems, Non-Reacting Mixtures, High Temperature Thermodynamics |
| 501903 | Advanced Fluid Mechanics | Core | 4 | Conservation Equations, Viscous Flow, Laminar and Turbulent Flow, Boundary Layer Theory, Compressible Flow, Potential Flow |
| 501904 | Research Methodology & IPR | Core | 3 | Introduction to Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Statistical Analysis, Technical Report Writing, Intellectual Property Rights |
| 501905(A) | Professional Core Elective – I (Advanced Heat Transfer) | Elective | 4 | Conduction Heat Transfer, Convection Heat Transfer, Radiation Heat Transfer, Heat Exchangers, Phase Change Heat Transfer, Boiling and Condensation |
| 501906 | Seminar I | Project/Seminar | 1 | Literature Review, Topic Selection, Technical Presentation Skills, Report Writing, Research Gap Identification |
| 501907 | Lab Practice I | Lab | 2 | Experimental Methods, Data Acquisition and Analysis, Thermal System Testing, Fluid Flow Measurement, Heat Transfer Experiments, Uncertainty Analysis |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 501908 | Advanced Internal Combustion Engines | Core | 4 | Engine Cycles and Performance, Combustion Chemistry and Kinetics, Fuel Injection and Ignition Systems, Emissions Formation and Control, Alternative Fuels, Engine Design and Testing |
| 501909 | Advanced Power Plant Engineering | Core | 4 | Steam Power Plants, Gas Turbine Power Plants, Combined Cycle Power Plants, Nuclear Power Plants, Renewable Energy Power Plants, Power Plant Economics |
| 501910(A) | Professional Core Elective – II (Computational Fluid Dynamics) | Elective | 4 | Governing Equations of Fluid Flow, Finite Difference Method, Finite Volume Method, Discretization Techniques, Grid Generation, CFD Solvers and Algorithms |
| 501911 | Open Elective – I (Interdisciplinary) | Elective | 3 | Project Management, Quality Management, Entrepreneurship Development, Sustainable Development, Data Analytics, Societal & Ethical Aspects of Engineering |
| 501912 | Seminar II | Project/Seminar | 1 | Advanced Literature Survey, Problem Definition Refinement, Methodology Development, Interim Presentation, Feedback Incorporation |
| 501913 | Lab Practice II | Lab | 2 | CFD Software Practice, Engine Performance & Emissions Testing, Power Plant Component Analysis, Experimental Setup Design, Advanced Data Analysis, Simulation Tools |
| 501914 | Project Stage I | Project | 3 | Project Proposal Development, Detailed Literature Review, Initial Design and Planning, Methodology Formulation, Objective Setting, Feasibility Study |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 601901 | Project Stage II | Project | 10 | Detailed Project Design and Implementation, Experimental Work / Advanced Simulation, Data Collection and Analysis, Interim Report Preparation, Presentation of Progress, Troubleshooting and Optimization |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 601902 | Dissertation / Project Work (Stage III) | Project | 17 | Comprehensive Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Documentation, Result Validation and Discussion, Dissertation Submission, Pre-Viva Voce Presentation, Final Viva Voce Examination |




