Book excerpt: This is the first modern approach to thermodynamics written specifically for a first undergraduate course. It covers the fundamental formalism with some attention given to its history; describes basic applications of the formalism and continues with a number of additional applications that instructors can use according to their particular degree program – these chapters cover thermal radiation, biological systems, nano systems, classical stability theory, and principles of statistical thermodynamics. A wide range of examples appear throughout the book from biological, engineering and atmospheric systems. Each chapter contains a bibliography and numerous examples and exercises. An accompanying web site will provide students with information and links to data sources and other thermodynamics-related sites, and instructors will be able to download complete solutions to exercises.