Electrical Properties and Semiconductors

Arizona State University via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/electrical-properties-and-semiconductors

Introduction

### Course Review: Electrical Properties and Semiconductors on Coursera If you're looking to deepen your understanding of material science with a specific focus on electrical properties, the **Electrical Properties and Semiconductors** course on Coursera is an excellent choice. This course provides a comprehensive overview of how different materials function in terms of their electrical characteristics, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in fields such as engineering, electronics, or physics. #### Course Overview The **Electrical Properties and Semiconductors** course explores the fundamental electrical properties of various materials, categorizing them as conductors, semiconductors, or insulators. It digs into the unique behaviors and characteristics that define these classifications, while also introducing rudimentary band theory to explain how temperature affects conductivity. A highlight is the examination of the differences in electrical behavior between p-type and n-type semiconductors, particularly in the context of p-n diodes. #### Syllabus Breakdown The course is structured into four key modules: 1. **Module 1: Electrical Properties** - This module emphasizes the need for precise control of electrical properties in semiconductor devices. It introduces the basic electrical properties of conductors, semiconductors, and insulators, which is crucial for understanding the rest of the course content. 2. **Module 2: Electrical Conductivity and Semiconductors** - Here, the course delves deeper into semiconductor materials, distinguishing between extrinsic and intrinsic semiconductors. Understanding these distinctions is important for grasping the foundational concepts of semiconductor technology and its applications. 3. **Module 3: Semiconductor Devices** - This module covers a variety of semiconductor devices, highlighting their functionality and applications in real-world scenarios. Whether it’s diodes, transistors, or other devices, learners will gain insights into how these components are utilized across industries. 4. **Module 4: Behavior of Carriers in Semiconductors and Devices** - The final module focuses on carrier concentration in semiconductors, explaining how it impacts the performance and functionality of semiconductor devices. This concept is critical for anyone looking to work in semiconductor manufacturing or design. #### Why Recommend This Course? - **Foundational Knowledge**: The course serves as a solid foundation for those new to the concept of material electrical properties. It simplifies complex ideas, making them accessible without sacrificing depth. - **Practical Applications**: Beyond theory, the course effectively relates concepts to practical applications, which is crucial for students who wish to apply their knowledge in engineering, technology, or research. - **Flexible Learning**: As a Coursera course, it offers flexibility in learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace while still providing structured content. - **Expert Guidance**: The course is likely developed and taught by field experts, ensuring that the material is up-to-date and relevant to current industry practices. #### Conclusion Overall, the **Electrical Properties and Semiconductors** course is a highly recommended learning experience for anyone interested in understanding the electrical characteristics that govern modern technology. Whether you’re a student, a working professional looking to upgrade your skills, or simply someone curious about the field of electronics, this course will provide you with valuable knowledge and practical skills. Enroll today on Coursera and take your first step toward mastering the electrical properties of materials and semiconductors!

Syllabus

Electrical Properties and Semiconductors

In this course, we will explore the electrical properties of materials and classify different materials as conductors, semiconductors or insulators. We will look at some examples of conductors, semiconductors and insulators, and note the key factors that cause the differences in their electrical properties. We will use rudimentary band theory to show how temperature impacts the conductivity of the three classifications of materials. We will learn what causes the differences in electrical behavior of a p-type versus an n-type semiconductor in a p-n diode.

Module 1: Electrical Properties

Semiconductor devices require precise control of electrical properties. In this module, we learn about the electrical properties of various materials including conductors, semiconductors and insulators.

Module 2: Electrical Conductivity and Semiconductors

Semiconductor devices use both extrinsic and intrinsic semiconductor materials. In this module, we learn about extrinsic semiconductors and about different kinds of semiconductor devices.

Module 3: Semiconductor Devices

In this module we learn about different kinds of semiconductor devices and how they are used for different applications.

Module 4: Behavior of Carriers in Semiconductors and Devices

In this Module, we will identify and explain the use of carrier concentration in semiconductors.