Semiconductor Full Curriculum Course Descriptions

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Semiconductor Full Curriculum Descriptions
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CH 677M / PHYS 677M: Semiconductor Device Physics

Credits: 4           
Instructors: Mark Lonergan        
Term: Summer

In this course students will learn what "motivates" electrons to move around in solids and across interfaces. Application of that knowledge is used to predict and control the flow of electrons in semiconductor devices, enabling technical feats such as converting sunlight into electricity, producing powerful lasers, and performing lightning-fast calculations and data transmissions.

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CH 678M / PHYS 678M: Semiconductor Processing Technologies

Credits: 4              
Instructors: Benjamin Aleman           
Term: Summer

Through the application of both physics and chemistry concepts, students learn how to build billions of nanometer-scale devices on a silicon wafer using versatile processes such as etching, doping, thin film deposition, and photolithography. The technology also enables the fabrication of advanced MEMS, photonics, and microfluidic devices.

Three people in PPE gear in a lab

CH 610 / PHYS 610: Introduction to Semiconductor Processing Lab

Credits: 4            
Instructors: Mark Lonergan and Don Clayton         
Term: Summer

Students practice applying what they have learned from the processing technologies course in lab and design experiments to characterize and optimize essential processes of wafer cleaning, thin film growth/deposition, plasma and wet etching, doping, and photolithography. They also learn metrology techniques such as interferometry and profilometry.

Scientific equipment

CH 610 / PHYS 610: Device Integration and Characterization Lab I

Credits: 2               
Instructors: Fuding Lin            
Term: Summer

In this project-based course, students integrate and apply their learnings from previous coursework to projects where they design and carry out complete process flows to build functional solar cells and transistors from a piece of bare silicon. Some projects such as laser diode fabrication and characterization involve collaboration with other tracks (optical materials & devices). Additionally, experts in the industry will give guest talks that connect what students are learning to what they may be doing in future careers.

Two people work at a computer

CH 610: Professional Communication in Science

Credits: 1             
Instructors: Stacey York          
Term: Summer

Students learn and apply foundational skills critical for career progression of scientists and engineers. Core elements include: composing a competitive resume; sharing impactful answers during behavioral and technical interviews; and building a strong professional network.

People in PPE gear in a clean room

CH 679M / PHYS 679M: Device Integration and Characterization Lab II

Credits: 2                 
Instructors: Fuding Lin              
Term: Fall

This project-based course is a continuation of the Device Integration and Characterization Lab I course. Students integrate and apply their learnings from previous coursework to projects where they design and carry out complete process flows to build functional solar cells and transistors from a piece of bare silicon. Some projects such as laser diode fabrication and characterization involve collaboration with other tracks (optical materials & devices). Additionally, experts in the industry will give guest talks that connect what students are learning to what they may be doing in future careers.

A person working in a lab

Electives: PHYS or CHEM related discipline Graduate Electives

Credits: 8 total                  
Instructors: Varies               
Term: Fall

Students further specialize or broaden their knowledge through 8 credits of elective coursework. Popular electives amongst semiconductor/PV students include: Design of Experiments, Electron Microscopy, Introduction to Surface Analysis and Electron Probe Microanalysis.

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CH 601: Research Internship

Credits: 10 per term, 30 total                     
Instructors: Fuding Lin                  
Term: Winter, Spring, Summer

Within an academic, clinical, industrial, or national lab setting, students gain hands-on experience in the application of their knowledge. Each term, students write a review paper to demonstrate advancement of technical knowledge and development of written communication skills. Learn more about the internship by visiting our website at internship.uoregon.edu/semiconductors-internships/.