Correlation between Students' Understanding on Derivative and Integral Calculus with Thermodynamics

摘要

This research was conducted in order to find the correlation between students' understanding on derivative and integral calculus with thermodynamics. The instrument used in this research was a test comprising of essays and interview questions. The participants in this research were 69 prospective physics teachers who studied in Physics Education Department. The result indicated that there was a correlation between students' understanding on calculus with thermodynamics. Results from interview also indicated that understanding of calculus is essential in order to understand thermodynamics. Therefore, this research suggests the needs for further improving learning process in calculus subject in order to improve other subjects that implemented calculus such as in thermodynamics. Therefore, the students could understand both the concept and the mathematical representation.