KD5083 - Semiconductor Physics

What will I learn on this module?

The module is aimed at providing students with core knowledge and understanding in semiconductor physics. The module also gives students an opportunity to develop professional and intellectual skills by analysing and discussing key industrial aspects of semiconductor materials applications. On completion of the module, students will be able to: 1. Explain the structure of matter and properties of solids in terms of atomic and molecular bonding. 2. Discuss how the band theory of solids arises when the Schrödinger equation is applied to the behaviour of electrons in solids. 3. Analyse the electrical and magnetic behaviour of solids in terms of the behaviour of their constituent electrons. 4. Analyse the behaviour of semiconductor materials in terms of the properties and behaviour of electrons and holes. 5. Discuss the common semiconductor materials, processing, devices and applications.

How will I learn on this module?

The module will be delivered via a combination of lectures and seminars. 1. The lectures will follow an integrated approach to learning with initial information dissemination, followed by a chance to practise the application of knowledge, using a problem based learning approach, and research-based case studies. 2. Students will be instructed to read ahead in the notes and to use the reading lists for background reading. 3. Lectures may also provide a formative approach to assessment with integrated quizzes and problems to solve. 4. Seminars will be used to solve and discuss practical problems which are provided to students in advance.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The module is delivered in both lectures and workshops. These provide the key academic support to the module. In addition, there are a number of support structures. The Blackboard elearning platform isused in the module to provide online access to the taught content along with links to both the reading list, relevant professional body related web sites, and other websites showing the relation of the theory to the industrial context of the module. Additional support is provided in this module in the form of an on-line learning programme, such as teaching materials in YouTube and other related university teaching websites. Individual contact support -- students may visit the offices of the lecturers to get support outside of the scheduled class times

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
You will be able to: 1. explain the fundamental mechanisms of atomic and molecular bonding that result in the various states of matter and how this bonding leads to the observed behaviour of solids with particular reference to the properties of semiconductor materials and the resulting behaviour of electronic devices; 3. explain semiconductor materials, processing, and devices that have become the basis of electronic equipment and gadgets that are indispensable to modern life.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
You will be able to: 1. identify, classify and describe semiconductor devices using scientific principles, materials properties, and analytical methods; 2. apply quantitative and methods and computer software to solve physics problems.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA)
You will be able to: 1. use technical literature and other information sources;

How will I be assessed?

1. This module is summatively assessed with an assignment (30%) and an examination (70%). 2. The assignment will involve an investigation of one of the key topics in the module, with multiple questions from the learning materials. 3. The examination will cover all aspects of the module and will assess the students’ abilities to solve new and unseen problems in the subject. 4. Additional formative assessment will take the form of quizzes and exercises in the lectures and seminar sessions thus providing students with opportunities to assess their own learning. 5. Formative verbal feedback on student learning will be given during the seminar classes. 6. written feedback will be provided on the coursework. 7. Feedback on examination performance will be provided both generically and individually to enable students to identify and rectify areas of weakness.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

You will lean the core knowledge of semiconductor physics principles in this module, and you can have an opportunity to develop professional and intellectual skills by analysing and discussing key industrial aspects of semiconductor materials applications. The module will be delivered to you via a combination of lectures and seminars, providing you with the key academic support to the module, together with Blackboard e-learning platform, the reading list, related web sites and on-line learning programme. Individual contact support will provide to you outside of the scheduled class times. You will be actively engaged in research tutored learning, with recent development on light emitting displays, laser, photo-diode and solar cell devices, so that you can apply the acquired knowledge to real applications

Course info

UCAS Code Z028

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

School Engineering, Physics and Mathematics

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2027

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms

Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees

Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need.

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support