This course provides both fundamental and practical knowledge on the properties, design, and applications of semiconductor materials and devices. Designed for students in Materials Science and Engineering, this course addresses the essential areas of semiconductor physics, material properties, device fabrication, and system applications. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the semiconducting properties of both traditional materials such as silicon (Si) and gallium nitride (GaN), as well as emerging materials including zero-dimensional (0D), one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D) materials, and organic/polymeric materials. In an era where integrated circuits power the economy, drive the development of AI, and are integral to national security, this course also dedicates substantial coverage to the important area of electronic chips.

The course is structured to cover firstly the fundamental theories of semiconductors, such as junction theory, carrier transport, and recombination mechanisms. Then, students will delve into the design and fabrication of various semiconductor devices, including diodes, field-effect transistors (FETs), photodetectors, photovoltaics. Practical aspects of device fabrication, including lithography, doping, and etching techniques, will be thoroughly explored.

Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired a good command of both the theoretical and practical aspects of semiconductor materials and devices. The knowledge gained will be especially applicable to industries such as integrated circuits, optoelectronics, and nanotechnology.