Course Syllabus

Course No. & Title: EEL 5382 Physical Basis of Microelectronics

Term & Meeting Info: Fall, 2014, MW 9:30- 10:45, ENC 1000

Instructor Info: Don Morel morel@usf.edu, ENB 244, 974-2508, FAX 974-5250,
Office Hours: M,W,F 2:00-3:00

Catalog Description: Quantum Mechanics with emphasis on electronic properties in atoms, molecules, and
crystals; quantum statistics; energy band theory; crystal structures; defect chemistry; semiconductor properties.

Semesters Offered: Fall
Prerequisites: Courses in General Physics and Chemistry, and Fields and Waves.
Co-requisites: None
Courses that require this course as a direct prerequisite: This course is normally taken as a prerequisite to
EEL 6353, Semiconductor Device Theory I, though is not a required prerequisite.
Level: undergrad/grad Credits: 3 Class Duration: 1:15

Text Info: SOLID STATE PHYSICS FOR ENGINEERING AND MATERIALS SCIENCE
Author: J. Mckelvey Publisher: Krieger Publishing Co., Malabar FL, 1993, ISBN 0-89464-436-X

Reference (supplemental reading):
Text: Author: Publisher:
INTRODUCTION TO SOLID STATE PHYSICS C. Kittel John Wiley and Sons.
FUNDAMENTALS OF MODERN PHYSICS R. M. Eisberg John Wiley and Sons.
SOLID STATE ELECTRONIC DEVICES B. Streetman Prentice Hall.

Course Outcomes:

OUTCOME: a. An ability to apply knowledge of math, science and engineering
OUTCOME: e. An ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems
OUTCOME: l. Knowledge of probability & statistics and advanced mathematics (e.g., calculus, DE, linear algebra, complex
variables & discrete mathematics)

Test & Grading Info:
Mid-Term 30% Tentative date: 10/14/14
Final 40%
Homework 30%
Students are encouraged to form study groups to work homework assignments.
No make-up tests. No grading.

TAs & Help Sessions: NA

Course Topics and (Approx. # of Lectures):
Text Chapter # of Lectures
Materials Properties and Crystal Lattices 1 1
Wave Phenomena 2,3 3
Quantum Mechanics 4 4
Mid-Term Exam
Statistical Mechanics 5 3
Thermal Properties and Free Electrons 6,7 6
Quantum Mechanics of Electrons in Crystals 8 3
Semiconductor Materials 9 4
Specialization: This is a required course for students in the graduate Microelectronics specialty area. It is usually
taken in the first semester of graduate studies so that Microelectronics students can take Semiconductor Device
Theory I in the second semester. The course is also taken by students in other graduate specialty areas as an
elective. Since it is a five thousand level course, it can also be taken by advanced undergraduates, particularly
those that will go on to graduate school. It provides them with a sound understanding of the physics basis of
engineering that would enable them to pursue graduate studies in many engineering disciplines.

Professional Component: Engineering Science - 100 % Engineering Design - 0 %

Additional Course Features: In addition to covering the essence of the course material the historical context in
which many of the important fundamental discoveries were made is discussed. This exposes the students to the
circumstances that give rise to such discoveries as well as the collective thought processes that accompany
those circumstances. Students learn how to make relevant observations as well as how to think critically.

Students are reminded of the university policy on dishonesty even the first instance of cheating can result in a
failing grade and dismissal from the department.

Relation of Course to EE Dept. Program Outcomes:

OUTCOME: a. An ability to apply knowledge of math, science and engineering
This course requires knowledge of the principles of general physics and chemistry as well as advanced
mathematics. It then applies this knowledge to build an advanced understanding of the underlying principles of
physics that form the foundations of modern devices. Students are asked to demonstrate their ability to apply this
knowledge to the solution of homework problems.

OUTCOME: e. An ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems
In this course the students learn the fundamentals of quantum mechanics. In the process of teaching
these fundamentals I make a special effort to provide the historical context for this revolution. The primary
intention is to teach them how to think about the world around them and to be able to formulate models of the
phenomena that they observe just as the Planks, DeBroiglies, Schroedingers, Diracs and Einsteins did to give
birth to this revolution. The homework problems again ask them to use these skills to address engineering
problems .

OUTCOME: l. Knowledge of probability & statistics and advanced mathematics (e.g., calculus, DE, linear algebra,
complex variables & discrete mathematics)
Most of the math is learned prior to taking this course. It is needed to understand the material and to solve
problems. Calculus, DE, linear algebra and complex variables are all used throughout the course. However, the
chapter on Statistical Mechanics(Chapter 5) introduces the students to the application of probability and statistics.
This knowledge is essential to a proper understanding of electronic materials and their application to electronic
devices. These topics are covered in the subsequent chapters in the course as well as in more advanced classes
taken by the students. Since this is a 5000 level course, it would ordinarily be taken by senior undergraduates that
would be going on to graduate school and taking such advanced courses.

Final Exam Info: TBD

Additional Course Info:

Access will be provided to an electronic copy of the course lecture notes.

Students who anticipate the necessity of being absent from class due to the observation of a major religious
observance must provide notice of the date(s) to the instructor, in writing, by the second class meeting

In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary for USF to suspend normal operations. During this time, USF
may opt to continue delivery of instruction through methods that include but are not limited to: Blackboard,
Canvas, Panopto, Elluminate, Skype, and email messaging and/or an alternate schedule. Its the responsibility of
the student to monitor the Canvas site for each class for course specific communication, and the main USF,
College, and department websites, emails, and MoBull messages for important general information.

Students in need of academic accommodations for a disability may consult with Students with Disabilities Services
to arrange appropriate accommodations. Students are required to give reasonable notice prior to requesting an
accommodation.


Syllabus Prepared by: Don Morel