| Unit name | Semiconductor Device Physics and Technology |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHYSM0048 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Sarua |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Core Physics units in years 1, 2 and 3 |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Physics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
We cannot imagine our lives without advances in computing, communication and energy harvesting, or minimising our impact on the environment via electric cars, smart grids or efficient lighting. At the heart of all these lies the physics of semiconductor devices.
In this unit you will learn how material properties and physical phenomena are combined to create functional devices, and you will explore their basic functions. You will explore the building blocks of the modern electronic world and learn the principles of semiconductor technology in the form of lectures and group discussions, and through the hands-on skills in semiconductor device technology. You will have the chance to create and test your own device in our cleanroom and reflect on your experience.
This unit will be interesting for those who wish to become creators of our modern technological world and to promote your general curiosity in this area and to use resources more sustainably and effectively.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This optional level 7 unit will continue to develop your knowledge and skills in solid-state physics, as well as drawing on understanding from quantum physics, properties of matter and electrodynamics, giving context and insight into practical applications from these areas. The unique aspect of this unit is to combine lectures on semiconductor device physics with practical sessions on device technology.
An overview of content:
This unit will provide you an insight into the design and function of semiconductor devices, from their manufacture to the underlying physics. You will draw upon your experience across core physics learning in previous years in order to understand carrier transport in semiconductors, the importance of such devices in real-world applications, and to gain practical insights into the manufacture of devices which will support you follow a career in areas related to modern semiconductor device physics and their fabrication.
Topic areas in this unit will include:
ALongside this you will be allocated to a group of ~4-8 students to complete work in the cleanroom and manufacture a semiconductor device which you will then characterise. This will form the basis of the practical assessment.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit:
By the end of this unit, you will have command of the theory and practical skills in semiconductor device physics, and be aware of the practical skills required for modern semiconductor device manufacturing and testing. You will also be able to explain the underlying physics to others and have increased confidence in the application of your physics knowledge to semiconductor devices.
Learning outcomes:
By the end of this unit, you should be able to:
The learning is achieved via combination of
Assessment on the unit
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
There will be regular formative problems classes, allowing you to ask questions of the facilitator to help you quantify your own understanding and that of others, and to gain verbal feedback on your problem solving skills.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
You will complete:
When assessment does not go to plan:
If you do not pass the unit, you may have the opportunity to retake any failed components in the next available assessment period. *
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHYSM0048).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
