Many of the technological changes in recent decades – notably the rise of digital data processing – has been made possible by continuing advances in the performance of electronic devices. These advances include continuous improvement in microprocessor performance, optical communication bandwidth, and magnetic disk storage capacity. Other new areas of innovation include the development of micromechanical systems and the development of flat panel display technology.

These advances depend on interactions between engineers from many different disciplines. In particular, there is a strong interaction between device design and materials engineering and processing. The Electronic Materials Minor is intended to provide students with a firm basis for the application of electronic materials in advanced systems. This minor is well suited for students who intend to pursue careers in the electronics industry (included, but not limited to, semiconductor integrated circuit design and manufacturing, and magnetic storage engineering). The minor also provides an excellent preparation for students interested in pursing graduate work in MSE, ECE, or Applied Physics.

This minor is primarily intended to offer ECE and MSE students an understanding of the important features that must be built into a material during processing so that it will function as required in an electronic or magnetic device. Other students interested in pursuing this minor should consult their advisors to determine whether it will be practical in their own curriculum.

Directors

The designated minor will be administered by the co-directors.

David W. Greve, Director
Lisa M. Porter, Co-Director

Course Requirements

The minor requires two introductory courses in addition to a minimum of 48 elective units as specified below.

Required Introductory Courses:

• 18-100 Introduction to Electrical & Computer Engineering
• 27-201 Perfect Crystals (including lab)

Elective Courses:

The minor requires an additional 48 units of elective courses. Courses which are specifically named in the curriculum requirements for your major may not be double-counted towards the elective requirements of the Electronic Materials Minor. However, technical electives and breadth and depth electives may be double-counted.

Please consult the Undergraduate Course Catalog, and the current Schedule of Classes for more information.