Introduction to Semiconductors and Cleanroom Microcredential Program
Students will receive a microcredential for each course completed.
Microcredential Course 1. Introduction to Semiconductor Devices (Foundational)
In this foundational microcredential, learners will explore the evolution of the semiconductor industry and the processes that enable the development of modern digital and smart electronics.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the history and evolution of the semiconductor industry.
- Explain the semiconductor fabrication process.
- Demonstrate safety and standard protocols in a cleanroom environment.
Skills Acquired:
- Semiconductor process fundamentals
- Cleanroom safety protocols
Prerequisite: None.
Microcredential Course 2. Sand to Silicon (Intermediate)
This intermediate microcredential builds upon the foundational knowledge from "Introduction to Semiconductor Devices." Learners will understand how sand is transformed into microchips, essential for today’s automated and digital world.
Learning Outcomes:
- Explain the properties and materials of semiconductor devices.
- Understand the silicon ingot and wafer production process.
- Demonstrate wafer cleaning in a cleanroom environment.
Skills Acquired:
- Wafer handling, cutting, and packaging
Prerequisite: Completion of "Introduction to Semiconductor Devices"
Microcredential Course 3. Semiconductor Fabrication Process I (Advanced)
In this advanced microcredential, learners will delve into the semiconductor fabrication process, focusing on creating the internal layers of a microchip.
Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate wafer cleaning and coating using sputtering techniques.
- Explain and demonstrate the photolithography process.
- Perform wet and dry etching techniques.
Skills Acquired:
- Photolithography, sputtering, and etching processes
Prerequisite: Completion of "Introduction to Semiconductor Devices" and "Sand to Silicon."
Microcredential Course 4. Semiconductor Fabrication Process II (Expert)
This is the final microcredential in the "Introduction to Semiconductor and Cleanroom" program. Learners will explore thin-film deposition techniques and multilayer IC processes that form the core of microchips.
Learning Outcomes:
- Explain diffusion and ion implantation processes.
- Demonstrate thin-film deposition techniques.
- Understand the multi-layer IC and backend fabrication process.
Skills Acquired:
- Thin-film deposition and advanced semiconductor fabrication
Prerequisite: Completion of "Introduction to Semiconductor Devices,” "Sand to Silicon," and “Semiconductor Fabrication Process I”