Synopsis Of Year 3 Modules

Nanomaterials Science [75 hours]
This module provides students with fundamental knowledge of materials at the nanoscale. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals physics of nanotechnology. Topics to be covered include concepts of surface area, surface energy and structure as well as effects on mechanical, electronic and optical properties. Students will learn important tools of nanotechnology such as surface area measurement techniques, electron and scanning probe microscopies and various types spectroscopies. Applications of important nanomaterials and their environmental impact of will be discussed.

Semiconductor Technology [75 hours]
This module provides students with essential knowledge of key physical and chemical principles related to semiconductor technology. It equips students with essential fundamental principles in Physics and Chemistry pertaining to semiconductor devices and the associated fabrication processes.  Emphasis of these principles in relation to the operation of process equipment is included.  Major topics covered include wave theory, heat theory, chemistry for wafer fabrication, and physics for semiconductor devices.

Nanomaterials and Commerce [75 hours]
This module aims to explore and develop students’ abilities in applying techniques/skilled and knowledge in materials science and engineering to solve problems related to advanced electronic materials or functional and structured materials. Students will be assigned tasks to solve and are expected to complete and present their solutions, and students may be required to perform experimental or analytical work. In addition, this module will expose students to the process of creating a technology venture. Topics to be covered include business entity and structure, business plan and its various components, and intellectual property protection.

Professional and Interpersonal Communication Skills [45 hours]
This module aims to help students understand and acquire communication skills they will need in the work place. Students will be equipped with the relevant job search skills, and will practice writing resumes, job application letters and interview skills. The module also covers the dynamics of meetings, change management and cross-cultural communication. It also prepares students for various forms of business writing – minutes, memoranda and other business correspondence. Students will gain insight into organizational structure, corporate culture and business etiquette, enabling them to better fit into their future work place.   

Wafer Fabrication Processes [75 hours]
This module provides students with essential knowledge of semiconductor and integrated circuit processing technology. It equips students with fundamental knowledge and skills of key technologies used for wafer processing in a semiconductor manufacturing environment.  Major topics covered include oxidation and diffusion, lithography, etching, implantation, film deposition, metallization, clean technology, process integration and safety. Practical skills pertaining to these technologies will be emphasized in laboratory to enhance the understanding of wafer fabrication processes.

Electronic Materials [75 hours]
This module provides students with essential knowledge and concepts of materials used in electronics applications. Students will be introduced to the physical principles of electronic conduction in materials, influences of composition & microstructure on electronic properties. In addition students will be introduced to applications of materials in electronic, magnetic and optical devices.

Microelectronic Device Physics [75 hours]
This module provides students with fundamental knowledge of physics of microelectronics devices. Students will be introduced to the structure and operation of p-n junctions as well as operations of various devices such as the Schottky barrier diode, field effect transistors and bipolar junction transistor. Students will also be introduced to the physical principles of optoelectronics devices such as lasers.

Advanced Crystalline Solids [75 hours]
This module provides students with further knowledge of metals and ceramics. This module will cover advanced topics of important engineering families of metals and ceramics. The structure and properties of these materials will be treated in greater detail. Applications of these materials in biomedical, electronic and structural applications will be discussed.

Smart Materials [75 hours]
This module explores the categories, functionality and applications of smart materials.  Topics include: shape memory alloys; piezoelectrics, pyroelectrics and ferroelectrics; auxetic materials; chromogenic systems, pH sensitive polymers and electrorheological fluids.

Biomaterials [75 hours]
This module takes an applications based look at biocompatible materials.  Students will explore the most recent advances in this growing field learning why particular materials are chosen, how they function and what improvements can be made. Subjects discussed will include tissue engineering, drug delivery and dental implants.

Industrial Attachment Programme [12 weeks]
The industrial attachment programme forms an integral part of the coursework and allows students to gain practical working exposure in the real-life working environment through attachment to companies. It will develop other important work skills such as positive working attitude, initiative, interpersonal relationship and communication skills.

Overseas Industrial Placement Programme [24 weeks]
The overseas industrial placement programme forms an integral part of the course work and allows students to gain practical working exposure in the real-life working environment through attachment to companies. Apart from providing a platform for students to apply their knowledge, it will also help to develop other important work skills such as positive working attitude, initiative, interpersonal relationship and communication skills in the students.

Semestral Full-Time Project [12 weeks]
This module will enable students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired from previous modules into practice. Students will be assigned projects with well-defined objectives and will be assigned into various project teams in meeting these objectives. This module will provide opportunities for students to learn skills required to effectively function in project teams.

Company-based Project [24 weeks]
In this 24-week industrial attachment project, students are assigned to a real-life project conducted in a selected organisation. The purpose is to enhance students’ understanding of current industrial practices and work environment. Students will put into practice knowledge and skills learned during the course. The extended attachment phase allows company to plan and facilitate more meaningful project for students, hence maximise the opportunity of learning.

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Last updated on 8 Sep 2008 by Lawrence Durai