Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)

Module ENGI3331: MICROELECTRONICS

Department: Engineering

ENGI3331: MICROELECTRONICS

Type	Tied	Level	3	Credits	20	Availability	Available in 2011/12	Module Cap	None.	Location	Durham

Tied to	H100

Prerequisites

As specified in Programme Regulations

Corequisites

As specified in the Programme Regulations

Excluded Combination of Modules

As specified in the Programme Regulations

Aims

This module is designed solely for students studying School of Engineering and Computing Sciences degree programmes.
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

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

In-depth knowledge and understanding of fundamental engineering concepts, principles, theories and mathematics relevant to Microelectronics, RF Engineering
Practical application of engineering principles

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.
Students are able to make use of staff Tutorial Hours to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one to one basis. These are sign-up sessions available for up to one hour per week
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/or oral presentation.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total/Hours
Microelectronics lectures	19	1 per week	1 hour	19
RF Engineering lectures	19	1 per week	1 hour	19
Revision seminars	2	2 in term 3 week 3	1 hour	2
Practical courses	1	1 in term 3	2 weeks full-time	64	■
Tutorial hours	as required	weekly sign-up sessions	up to 1 hour	8
Preparation and reading				88
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework		Component Weighting: 20%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
2 week Practical course		100%	none
Component: Examinations		Component Weighting: 80%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Microelectronics 3	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