Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Solid State Electronics
Module Code	EE215
School	School of Electronic Engineering
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Stephen Daniels Semester 2: Stephen Daniels Autumn: Stephen Daniels
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

Motivation: Understanding the basic building blocks of matter has been one of the most intriguing endeavours of mankind. This course uses the basic quantum mechanical physical principles to explain the properties of materials of interest in engineering practice. A knowledge of the bonding between atoms is essential to understand the behaviour of solids and their electronic properties which distinguish conductors from semiconductors and insulators. These features are necessary to obtain an appreciation of the electronic properties of materials; these control the operation of the whole range of electronic devices currently used and under development. This course addresses those needs.

Learning Outcomes

1. Interpret and solve for basic crystal structure using X-ray diffraction techniques. (PO1,PO2
2. Describe electrical conduction in metals using the Drude model and phenomena such as the Hall Effect.
3. Solve for basic electrical parameters such as conductivity.
4. Outline deficiencies in the classical theory of electrical conduction in metals.
5. Apply the Schrodinger wave equation (SWE) to explain quantum mechanical phenomena such as tunnelling.
6. Describe the behaviour of electrons in a potential well and apply this knowledge to a basic description of a quantum well laser.
7. Describe the motion of electrons in a periodic structure.
8. Differentiate between insulators, semiconductors and metals utilising concepts such as bandstructure, Fermi-Dirac statistics, effective mass etc.
9. Calculate the position of the extrinsic Fermi Level in doped semiconductors.
10. Differentiate between optical and acoustic phonons.
11. Describe bonding mechanisms.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	24	No Description
Lab	9	No Description
Independent learning time	92	No Description
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Crystals.
Structure and characterisation techniques.

Semiconductor Materials, Conductors & Electrical Conduction.
Fabrication techniques, bandgap structures, conductivity.

Devices.
Hall Effect, Photoelectric Effect.

Quantum Physics.
Wavefunctions.

Atomic Structures.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	20%	Examination Weight	80%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Laboratory	n/a	20%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 3

Indicative Reading List