PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY OF SEMICONDUCTING MATERIALS (DISTANCE LEARNING) - 2022/3

Module code: CHE3064

Module Overview

This module is to be undertaken as a distance learning module during the second part of semester 5 and has two units of assessment; assisted (20%) and unassisted (80%) distance learning coursework.

The module will build on previous aspects of Physical Chemistry and also introduce the physical chemistry of electronic conduction, intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors, superconductors and related devices.

Module provider

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Module Leader

WATSON David (Chst Chm Eng)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 100

Guided Learning: 50

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes:


  • review of models for conductivity for insulators, semiconductors, metals

  • more sophisticated models to describe intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors and semi-metals. Doping and diffusion

  • p-n junctions and semiconductor devices based on them.

  • dielectrics, capacitors, supercapacitors, electrical double layer.

  • the metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET)

  • crystallography of tetrahedral semiconductors.

  • optoelectronics and III-V semiconductors.

  • heteroepitaxy, lattice mismatch, heterostructures, modulation doping, Silicon-on-insulator, the SmartCut ™.


Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Coursework Assisted coursework 20
Coursework Unassisted coursework 80

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate • research, understanding and analysis

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• two pieces of coursework, one ‘assisted, one ‘unassisted, weighted 20:80 respectively.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment and feedback are provided throughout the module in the form of regular contact with the lecturer on both the course material and aspects of the first piece of coursework (which is classed as ‘guided’).

Feedback

Detailed and individualised feedback is given on the marked assignments within the time allowed for marking coursework.

Module aims

  • • the physico-chemical aspects of modern materials;
  • • the dependences of physical properties on bonding, geometry and impurity content;
  • • the exploitation of these properties in technology and electronic devices.

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
001 Describe the wide variety of properties that can be built into materials, (with an emphasis on conductivity, thermal, optical, mechanical and other relevant device properties); CK
002 Explain how some important materials are synthesised and characterised and how their geometry and bonding affect properties CK
003 Appreciate and critically assess potential applications and inherent limitations of materials. CK

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

Build on the foundation of Physical Chemistry from Levels 4-5 to be able to apply Physical Chemistry knowledge and reasoning to areas of topical, industrial and societal importance, including current research, particularly in the semiconductor area.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• Distance learning module: the lecturer will communicate with candidates guiding them through the module by means of directed reading and problem solving (assessed as coursework).

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: CHE3064

Other information

None.

Programmes this module appears in

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
Chemistry MChem 2 Compulsory A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
Chemistry with Forensic Investigation MChem 2 Compulsory A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2022/3 academic year.