Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook
This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)

Module ENGI3331: MICROELECTRONICS

Department: Engineering

ENGI3331: MICROELECTRONICS

TypeLevelCreditsAvailabilityModule CapLocation
Tied 3 20 Available in 2012/2013 None. Durham

Tied To

Pre-requisites

  • As specified in Programme Regulations

Corequisites

  • As specified in the Programme Regulations

Excluded Combinations

  • 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

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotal HoursAttendance Monitored
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 Yes
Tutorial hours as required weekly sign-up sessions up to 1 hour 8
Preparation and reading 88
Total 200

Summative Assessment

ComponentComponent WeightingElementLength/DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Coursework 20% 2 week Practical course 100% none
Examinations 80% Microelectronics 3 2 hours 100% None

Formative Assessment


Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.