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ENGI3481: Power Semiconductor Devices

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Type Tied
Level 3
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2025/2026
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Engineering

Prerequisites

  • ENGI2181

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
  • To introduce the basic concepts of materials for electronic devices and physics of semiconductor devices including material structure, band theory, junction phenomena and devices.
  • To equip students with knowledge of power electronic devices suitable for use in modern power converters.
  • To study the analytical development and fabrication of a transistor through the use of modelling software.

Content

  • Semiconductor Physics and Devices, Modelling of Electronic Devices.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • In-depth knowledge and understanding of fundamental engineering concepts, principles, theories and mathematics relevant to Semiconductor Physics and Devices.
  • Practical application of engineering principles.
  • AHEP4 Learning Outcomes: In order to satisfy Professional Engineering Institution (PEI) accreditation requirements the following Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes are assessed within this module:
  • M1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems (exam assessed).
  • M3. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed (exam assessed).
  • M12. Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (coursework assessed).
  • M13. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (exam assessed).

Subject-specific Skills:

  • On completion of the module, students will be able to critically analyse, evaluate and interpret engineering data;
  • On completion of the module, students will be able to apply specialised engineering knowledge to the solution of complex problems in an engineering or industrial context;

Key Skills:

  • Capacity for self-learning in familiar and unfamiliar situations;
  • Numerical skills appropriate to an engineer;
  • Time and resource management;
  • General problem solving skills.

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

  • The courses in Semiconductor Physics and Devices are taught in lectures and reinforced by embedded 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 encouraged to make use of staff 'Surgeries' (otherwise "Office 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.
  • The coursework in Modelling of Electronic Devices is based in the Department of Engineering. Students are faced with new and complex problems which provide the opportunity for them to enhance their problem solving skills with a particular emphasis on industrial relevance. Assessment is by written report.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures40Twice weekly1 hour40 
Laboratories1Throughout the year3 hours3Yes
Surgeries20As required, weekly sign-ups available throughout the yearOptional attendance as required10 
Revision Classes21 hour2 
Preparation and Reading145 
Total200 

Summative Assessment

Component: CourseworkComponent Weighting: 20%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Assignment100none
Component: ExaminationsComponent Weighting: 80%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
On Campus Written Examination2 hours100None

Formative Assessment

Laboratories

More information

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