Solid State Electronics/Microelectronics

Introduction to Solid State Electronics/Microelectronics

Enrolling for Fall 2025 (In-person, Fifteen Weeks)
Course Meets M & W 4:00 - 5:50 pm
Berkman Hall (BH) 418
Earned Credential: Non-credit Verified Certificate of Completion and Digital Badge

Solid State Electronics/Microelectronics lies at the heart of modern technology, enabling everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to medical devices and advanced computing. This course is designed for professionals from diverse fields who are looking to transition into the rapidly evolving semiconductor industry. You don’t need a background in electrical engineering—just curiosity and a willingness to learn. We will explore the fundamentals of solid-state physics, semiconductor materials, and how tiny electronic components like transistors, diodes, and integrated circuits function and are manufactured. Through accessible explanations and practical examples, you'll gain a strong foundation in how microelectronic devices are designed, fabricated, and used in real-world systems. The semiconductor industry is a dynamic, high-impact field with growing demand for talent across design, manufacturing, testing, and systems integration. Whether you come from software, mechanical engineering, physics, or another discipline, this course will give you the knowledge and confidence to understand and contribute to the world of microelectronics.

Engineers from non-electrical disciplines can gain significant value from taking a solid state electronics course, particularly as technology continues to integrate across fields. Mechanical engineers working with robotics or automated systems benefit from understanding how sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers function. Computer engineers and software developers engaged in embedded systems or hardware-software integration deepen their effectiveness by learning how transistors and circuits operate. Civil and structural engineers increasingly encounter smart infrastructure and IoT monitoring, where a basic knowledge of microelectronics supports better system design and collaboration. Industrial and manufacturing engineers involved in automation or semiconductor production improve process oversight and quality control with a clearer understanding of fabrication steps and component reliability. Biomedical engineers, too, rely on this foundation when working with medical devices that incorporate electronic components. In today’s innovation economy, solid state electronics provides cross-disciplinary literacy, strengthens system-level thinking, and adds a future-facing credential relevant to many high-demand sectors.

Competency Outcomes

1. Fundamental Knowledge of Solid-State Physics
   • Understand the basic principles of how electrons behave in solid materials.
   • Learn how these principles underpin the operation of semiconductor devices.
2. Semiconductor Materials and Properties
   • Identify key semiconductor materials (e.g., silicon, gallium arsenide).
   • Understand doping, conductivity, and bandgap concepts.
3. Device-Level Understanding
   • Learn the structure and function of diodes, transistors (BJT, MOSFETs), and integrated circuits.
   • Understand how these components control electrical behavior in circuits.
4. Introduction to Fabrication Processes
   • Gain insight into how microelectronic components are manufactured (e.g., photolithography, etching, doping).
   • Develop familiarity with cleanroom protocols and production environments.
5. Application of Microelectronics in Real-World Systems
   • Understand how microelectronic devices are used in smartphones, automotive systems, medical technologies, and more.
6. System-Level Thinking
   • Learn how microelectronic components integrate into larger electronic systems and platforms.
7. Cross-Disciplinary Relevance
   • Gain language and concepts that allow for collaboration between electrical, mechanical, software, and systems engineers.

Value to Pre-Engineers and Electronics-Related Jobs

• Career Clarity & Industry Readiness: Offers a foundational understanding of microelectronics crucial for anyone considering careers in semiconductors, hardware design, or systems engineering.
   
• Bridge to Advanced Learning: Equips students with a knowledge base to pursue more advanced coursework or certifications in electrical engineering or semiconductor design.
   
• Relevant to High-Demand Fields:
  • Semiconductor manufacturing
  • IoT and embedded systems
  • Automotive electronics (EVs, ADAS)
  • Consumer electronics
     
• Enhances Employability: Demonstrates initiative and technical literacy, especially important for non-engineering majors entering tech-adjacent roles (e.g., technical sales, quality control, systems integration).
   
• Non-Credit Student Advantage:
  • Flexible, lower-stakes entry into a technical subject.
  • Opportunity to audit for knowledge while still gaining tangible, resume-boosting skills.
  • May satisfy pre-requisites or prepare learners for certification programs in semiconductors or electronics.