After successful completion of the course, students are able to have a basic understanding of the underlying physics involved in the operation of semiconductor devices and will have a consistent base level of comfort and familiarity with the topic before they move to more advanced courses. The primary focus of the course will be on the development of physics and concepts, however a basic introduction to the application of simulation and numerical calculation within the field of semiconductor devices will also be partially covered.

The ultimate intention of the course is that a student who enters it with a minimal knowledge of electromagnetism and a minimal or non-existent knowledge of solid-state physics and quantum mechanics should, after course completion, be able to tackle graduate courses on semiconductor devices.

In this course we will learn how the quantum mechanics of solids and transport has been harnessed to build the Digital Age. We will explore the physics of semiconductors and semiconductor devices and the role they play in modern technology. We will also lay the ground-work for more advanced discussions of how computational techniques and simulation can be used to push knowledge in this field forward to new horizons.

Topics of the course:

- The Basic Structure of Crystals and Solids
- The Quantum Mechanics of Solids
- The Physics of Semiconductors
- Transport in Semiconductors
- The PN junction
- The PN diode
- PN Junctions and Modern Technology (LEDs, Photovoltaics, etc.)
- The MOS transistor
- The MOS capacitor
- MOSFETs and Modern Technology (VLSI, IGFET Sensors, etc.)
- Metal/semiconductor interfaces
- Heterostructures and Modern Technology (Schottky Diodes, 2D-FETs, etc.)

The teaching methods used in this course will consist of regular lectures with course concepts being consistently reinforced throughout the term through semi-frequent short conceptual quizzes (in class).  In addition to lecturing there will be take-home assignments involving more detailed calculation as well as a short oral presentation aimed at introducing the student to interesting and cutting-edge current research related to the idea developed throughout the course.

- In-class Conceptual Quizzes (40%)
- Literature Oral Presentation (15%)
- Three Take-Home Assignments (45%)

Due to the diverse and varying backgrounds of students in the Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) masters program, prerequisites for knowledge of basic physics has been kept as minimal as is feasible for a graduate course. However, it is strongly recommended that the student have at least some basic exposure to the concepts and equations in the physics of electromagnetism. With respect to math background, it is expected that the student be comfortable with calculus and with differential equations especially. Most of the calculus in the course will be done in one-dimension but a familiarity with vector calculus would also be recommended.