B.S. Degree
Semiconductor Engineering
A bachelor of science that builds on the semiconductor associate core and adds junior- and senior-level engineering depth: semiconductor device physics, advanced photolithography and patterning, thin film deposition and etch engineering, process integration and yield engineering, metrology and defect analysis, statistical process control for fabs, packaging, test and reliability, fab equipment engineering and automation, contamination control, and a senior process improvement capstone.
Outcomes
What you will be able to do
- 01Model semiconductor device behavior from first principles
- 02Engineer lithography, deposition, and etch processes to specification
- 03Integrate process modules and drive measurable yield improvement
- 04Apply statistical process control and defect analysis in a fab setting
- 05Plan, execute, and defend a senior process improvement project
Careers
Where graduates work
- Process engineer
- Yield engineer
- Integration engineer
- Equipment engineer
- Failure analysis engineer
Curriculum
Term 1
Semiconductor Fundamentals and Devices
This course introduces fundamental semiconductor physics, device operation, and essential concepts for a career in semiconductor engineering technology.
DC and AC Circuits for Semiconductors
Foundational course covering DC and AC circuit theory and analysis essential for semiconductor devices and systems.
Technical Mathematics
This course provides essential mathematical tools for semiconductor engineering technology, focusing on algebra, trigonometry, and their applications to electrical circuits and device characteristics.
Term 2
Semiconductor Materials and Wafer Fabrication Overview
This course introduces fundamental semiconductor materials, their properties, and the essential steps involved in transforming raw materials into functional silicon wafers, providing foundational knowledge for advanced study.
Digital Logic for Integrated Circuits
This course introduces digital logic fundamentals, Boolean algebra, combinational and sequential circuits, their design, analysis, and implementation in integrated circuits.
Cleanroom Protocols, Safety, and ESD Control
This course provides essential training in cleanroom environments, emphasizing safety, contamination control, and electrostatic discharge (ESD) prevention critical for semiconductor manufacturing.
Term 3
Semiconductor Manufacturing Processes I: Deposition
This course introduces fundamental thin-film deposition techniques, their underlying principles, and critical applications in semiconductor device fabrication, preparing students for cleanroom environments.
Photolithography
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to photolithography, a critical process in semiconductor manufacturing, covering principles, techniques, and practical applications.
Etch Processes
This course provides a foundational understanding of etch processes critical in semiconductor manufacturing, covering essential techniques, equipment, and characterization methods for device fabrication.
Term 4
Vacuum Technology and Gas Delivery Systems
This course provides an in-depth understanding of vacuum generation, measurement, and maintenance, alongside the safe handling and delivery of gases crucial for semiconductor manufacturing processes.
Diffusion, Ion Implantation, and Thermal Processing
This course explores fundamental semiconductor fabrication techniques, including diffusion, ion implantation, and various thermal processing methods critical for device manufacturing.
Manufacturing Processes II: CMP and Metallization
This course explores advanced semiconductor manufacturing, focusing on Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) and various metallization techniques essential for integrated circuit fabrication and device performance.
Term 5
Process Control, SPC, and Yield Engineering
This course teaches essential principles of process control, statistical process control (SPC), and yield engineering critical for semiconductor manufacturing success and defect reduction.
Metrology and Inspection for Manufacturing
This course provides a comprehensive overview of metrology and inspection techniques essential for quality control and process optimization in semiconductor manufacturing.
IC Packaging and Assembly
Explore the critical processes of integrated circuit packaging, from fundamental materials to advanced assembly techniques, ensuring functional and reliable semiconductor devices.
Term 6
Semiconductor Test and Device Characterization
This course provides a comprehensive overview of semiconductor testing methodologies and device characterization techniques essential for quality assurance and performance validation.
MEMS, Sensors, and Emerging Device Technologies
Explore the principles, fabrication, and applications of MEMS, various sensor types, and cutting-edge device technologies shaping modern electronics and smart systems.
Capstone: Fab Operations and Troubleshooting
This capstone course integrates prior learning to simulate real-world semiconductor fab operations, emphasizing troubleshooting and process optimization for entry-level technicians.
Term 7
Semiconductor Device Physics
This course introduces fundamental semiconductor physics principles and their application to modern electronic devices, essential for semiconductor engineering technologists.
Advanced Photolithography and Patterning
This course offers an in-depth exploration of advanced photolithography techniques and patterning processes critical for semiconductor manufacturing.
Thin Film Deposition and Etch Engineering
This course provides a comprehensive overview of thin film deposition and etch engineering principles and technologies crucial for semiconductor device fabrication.
Process Integration and Yield Engineering
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of semiconductor manufacturing process integration, yield analysis, and reliability engineering to optimize production and quality.
Metrology, Inspection and Defect Analysis
This course provides a comprehensive overview of metrology, inspection techniques, and defect analysis essential for semiconductor manufacturing and quality control.
Term 8
Statistical Process Control for Fabs
This course provides a comprehensive overview of Statistical Process Control (SPC) techniques essential for monitoring and improving semiconductor manufacturing processes.
Packaging, Test and Reliability
This course covers the fundamental principles of semiconductor device packaging, testing methodologies, and reliability assessment critical for semiconductor engineering technology.
Fab Equipment Engineering and Automation
This course covers semiconductor manufacturing equipment, automation, and control systems crucial for modern fab operations, focusing on practical engineering applications and industry best practices.
Contamination Control and Cleanroom Systems
This course covers principles of contamination control, cleanroom design, operation, and maintenance essential for semiconductor manufacturing and other critical environments.
Senior Capstone: Process Improvement Project
This capstone integrates semiconductor engineering technology knowledge to execute a real-world process improvement project, culminating in a professional report and presentation.
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