Electronic Materials and Devices
Courses | FAQs | Advisors | EE Tech Areas
Within Electronic Materials and Devices, students learn about the materials and devices used in modern electronic and optoelectronic systems. With a heavy emphasis on semiconductors, courses in this area include the fundamentals of charge transport and interactions with light. Devices studied begin with p-n junctions and transistors, the building blocks of integrated circuits. Later courses concentrate on semiconductor lasers and detectors used in optoelectronics. With exposure to the topics in this area, students are well positioned to work in a wide variety of areas due to the pervasive use of semiconductor technology in areas such as computers, telecommunications, automotive and consumer electronics.
Courses
Students must complete the following course:
- EE 440 Microelectronics Fabrication Techniques (F, Sp)
and two courses from the following list:
- EE 334K Theory of Engineering Materials (no longer offered)
- EE 338L Analog Integrated Circuit Design (F, Sp)
- EE 347 Modern Optics (Sp)
- EE 348 Laser and Optical Engineering (F)
- EE 360S Digital Integrated Circuit Design (Sp)
- PHY 355 Modern Physics for Engineers
FAQ
Which courses in the core curriculum (i.e., required basic sequence and major sequence courses) might indicate whether this is a good technical area for the student?
PHY 303L and EE 339. In addition, chemistry is an important topic.
What are the key courses in this technical area?
Some key courses in the tech area are EE 440, which covers fabrication of semiconductor devices, and EE 348, which covers optoelectronic devices.
What are the immediate and long-term employment opportunities for students who have some exposure to this technical area?
The growth of the integrated circuit industry since its invention in 1960 has been phenomenal. Every indication is that the 21st century will see even more dramatic developments, since all of modern computer, telecommunications, and consumer electronics systems depend on these technologies. New uses of lasers and detectors for communications will continue to be found.
How important is a graduate degree (MS or PhD) in this area?
Many jobs are available at the bachelor's level. However, graduate education is important for people who wish to work on advanced research in semiconductors and other materials. For example, exciting new areas of research in the 21st century will involve nano-technology where one can use microelectronic fabrication techniques to make electronic and photonic devices on the scale of a billionth of a meter, or molecular scale structures. New physics of operation are expected at such scales. To work in this area, a PhD degree will be essential.
This information provided by Dr. Ben Streetman and Dr. Sanjay Banerjee, professors in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Streetman currently serves as the Dean of the Cockrell School of Engineering, holds the Dula D. Cockrell Centennial Chair in Engineering, and is a member of the National Academy of Engineering. Dr. Banerjee holds the Cockrell Family Regents Chair #4 and is the Director of UT's Microelectronics Research Center.
Faculty Advisors for Basic and Conditional Major Students
The faculty advisors listed below can meet with Basic Sequence and Conditional Major Sequence Students to discuss topics such as:
- Educational opportunities within ECE
- Course planning to meet a student's educational goals
- Short-term and long-term career planning
Students should either meet with the faculty during their office hours or send them an e-mail to make an appointment. Students in Major Sequence should discuss this matters with their assigned faculty advisor.