PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY OF SEMICONDUCTING MATERIALS (DISTANCE LEARNING) - 2025/6

Module Overview

This module is to be undertaken as a distance learning module during the second part of semester 2 of the Placement Year and has two units of assessment; assisted (20%) and unassisted (80%) distance learning coursework. 

The module will build on previous aspects of Physical Chemistry encountered in CHE1043: Physical Processes in Chemistry and CHE2040: Phases, Colloids and Electronic Transitions 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

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. 
  

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

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

Summative assessment
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

• Discuss the physico-chemical aspects of modern materials
• Give an understanding of the dependences of physical properties on bonding, geometry and impurity content
• Outline the exploitation of these properties in technology and electronic devices

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to: 

 

Enable students 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. 

 

To achieve this, learning and teaching methods include course material being delivered via SurreyLearn. In this distance learning module the lecturer will communicate with students, guiding them through the module by means of directed reading and problem solving (assessed as coursework). The two pieces of coursework allow the students to demonstrate their acquired understanding and knowledge 

 

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.  

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

The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module allows students to develop knowledge, skills and capabilities in the following areas: 

Employability 

This module builds upon fundamental concepts introduced in Level 4 and 5 Physical and Inorganic Chemistry modules, equipping the students with knowledge that is key to the role of a scientist in a wide variety of professions, in terms of mathematical skills, knowledge of physical/inorganic/semiconductor chemistry. 

Digital Capabilites 

The coursework undertaken during the year is designed to develop critical thinking and information searching skills that are fundamental for their future career.  

Resourcefulness & Resilience 

The ’distance learning’ modules require excellent time management skills to fit in around the full-time work involved in a PTY placement. The module also contains an element of self-directed learning. 

Programmes this module appears in

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 2025/6 academic year.