Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module ENGI3331: MICROELECTRONICS

Department: Engineering

ENGI3331: MICROELECTRONICS

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2010/11 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to H100

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • Software Engineering and Communications, Electronics, Control & Signal Processing, Engineering Design, Management & Manufacture

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Electrical Engineering, Applied Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, Environmental Engineering, Soil Engineering, Structures and Surveying, Civil Design, Design and Management for Civil Engineering, BEng Engineering project, BEng Mechanical Manufacture, BEng Electronic Manufacture, BEng Civil Design, BEng Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics

Aims

  • This module is for M.Eng. students intending to follow an electronics engineering option in year 3.
  • To introduce the basic mathematical formulation of the laws of electromagnetism and their application to RF circuits and devices.
  • To study the analytical development and fabrication of a MOSFET transistor: the device itself, its implementation in digital logic elements and the fabrication techniques needed to assemble large numbers of MOSFETs into a modern integrated circuit.

Content

  • Microelectronics, RF Engineering, Practical course in either Electronics and Instrumentation,Software Engineering, Industrial Problem Solving or Industrial Automation.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • In-depth knowledge and understanding of fundamental engineering concepts, principles, theories and mathematics relevant to Microelectronics, RF Engineering and the practical implementation of one of the following options; Electronics and Instrumentation,Software Engineering, Industrial Problem Solving or Industrial Automation.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • To specify, plan, manage, conduct and report on an engineering project.
  • To critically analyse, evaluate and interpret engineering data.
  • To apply specialised engineering knowledge to the solution of complex problems in an engineering or industrial context.
  • To demonstrate an awareness of practical engineering skills.
  • Preparation and delivery of technical reports.
  • An understanding of Risk assessment and COSHH.
  • The proficient and safe use of standard engineering equipment
Key Skills:
  • Capacity for self-learning in familiar and unfamiliar situations.
  • Numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
  • Team working.
  • Time and resouce management.
  • General problem solving skills.
  • Communicate effectively.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The courses in Microelectronics and RF Engineering are covered in lectures, and are reinforced by seminars and by problem sheets, leading to the required problem solving capability. Assessment is through written examination which enables each student to demonstrate an ability to analyse and solve new problems.
  • A two-week practical course which may be based in the School of Engineering or in industry according to the selected option. Students are faced with new and complex problems which provide the opportunity for them to enhance their problem solving skills in a team environment with a particular emphasis on industrial relevance. Assessment is by written report and oral presentation.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 40 1 per week in terms 1 and 2, 1 revision lecture in term 3 1 hour 40
Practical courses 1 1 in term 3 2 weeks full-time 64
Office hours 8 0,1 or 2 per week students sign up for appropriate time 4
Preparation and reading 92
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
2 week Practical course 100%
Component: Examinations Component Weighting: 80%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
examination 2 hours 100% None

Formative Assessment:


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University