Course syllabus

About the course:

This course covers the most commonly used semiconductor devices on a graduate level. Starting with semiconductor physics we first learn the background material needed to understand the devices. We then proceed with two basic device structures: the metal- semiconductor junction and the p-n junction. Finally we apply the fundamentals to the bipolar junction transistor (BJT) and the metal oxide silicon field effect transistor (MOSFET).

We will cover all chapters in the book, as well as some additional material. The detailed order can be found in the course outline.

Grading will be based on homework (30%), the midterm (30%) and the final exam (40%). The reason for weighing the final exam so heavily is that in this course student usually understand the material much better as the semester progresses, and do well on the final compared with the earlier exams. The midterm and final exam will test your ability to solve problems. This will require understanding of the material, some memorization, but most of all practice. The lectures are aimed at explaining the concepts, while the homework will provide you with practice. I therefore expect you to attend the lectures and to do the assigned problems on a regular basis.

The topics covered build on each other, so that what you learn early in the course will be needed to understand later topics. Therefore, keep up with the schedule, do the homework, and don't get behind.