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Unit of study_

ELEC5405: Building Microchips: From Theory to Practice

2025 unit information

This unit of study provides a comprehensive introduction to semiconductor fabrication, covering the principles, processes, and technologies used to manufacture semiconductor devices. With lectures, tutorials and practical lab sessions, students will gain a deep understanding of the key concepts behind semiconductor fabrication and will learn how these principles are applied in modern semiconductor manufacturing facilities.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Engineering

Study level Postgraduate
Academic unit School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
? 
None
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
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None
Assumed knowledge:
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Basic knowledge of physics and semiconductor devices (e.g., PN junctions, electrons and holes) is assumed

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Demonstrate basic knowledge and skills of working in a cleanroom environment
  • LO2. Demonstrate understanding of the basic principles of semiconductor physics and device fabrication
  • LO3. Learn about the various processing steps involved in semiconductor fabrication, including lithography, etching, deposition, doping, metrology, and packaging and testing
  • LO4. Gain hands-on experience with semiconductor fabrication tools and equipment through lab sessions and demonstrations
  • LO5. Explore the challenges and innovations in semiconductor fabrication, including the latest advancements in nanotechnology and materials science
  • LO6. Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through case studies and project work
  • LO7. Write technical reports to present design specific information and results concisely and accurately
  • LO8. Engage in team work, drawing on the knowledge, skills and creativeness of all members to deliver a solution to a particular engineering problem

Unit availability

This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.

The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.

Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
There are no availabilities for previous years.

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Modes of attendance (MoA)

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Important enrolment information

Departmental permission requirements

If you see the ‘Departmental Permission’ tag below a session, it means you need faculty or school approval to enrol. This may be because it’s an advanced unit, clinical placement, offshore unit, internship or there are limited places available.

You will be prompted to apply for departmental permission when you select this unit in Sydney Student.

Read our information on departmental permission.