We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Terry Alford

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.

Enroll now

What's inside

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.
Read more
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.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores electrical properties and semiconductors, which are foundational concepts in electronics and electrical engineering
Taught by Terry Alford, who is an expert in the field of electrical engineering
Provides a strong foundation for understanding the electrical behavior of materials and devices
Covers key topics such as electrical conductivity, semiconductors, and semiconductor devices
Examines the differences in electrical behavior of p-type versus n-type semiconductors in a p-n diode, which is a core concept in semiconductor physics
Requires some background knowledge in physics and mathematics, which may not be suitable for complete beginners

Save this course

Save Electrical Properties and Semiconductors to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Electrical Properties and Semiconductors with these activities:
Connect with a semiconductor industry professional
Seek mentorship from an experienced professional in the semiconductor industry, gaining valuable insights into career paths, industry trends, and practical applications of the course material.
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors through professional networks.
  • Reach out to potential mentors and introduce yourself.
  • Schedule a meeting or video call to discuss your interests and career goals.
Review the basics of electrical engineering
Reviewing the basics of electrical engineering will help you refresh your knowledge and prepare you for the course.
Browse courses on Electrical Engineering
Show steps
  • Review your notes from previous electrical engineering courses.
  • Read introductory articles or textbooks on electrical engineering.
  • Solve practice problems related to electrical engineering.
Review basic concepts in quantum mechanics
Refresh your knowledge of fundamental quantum mechanical concepts, such as wave-particle duality and energy quantization, which are essential for understanding the behavior of electrons in semiconductors.
Browse courses on Quantum Mechanics
Show steps
  • Review notes or textbooks on quantum mechanics.
  • Solve practice problems to reinforce understanding.
  • Attend a refresher workshop or online lecture.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Watch video tutorials on band theory
Watching video tutorials on band theory will help you visualize and understand the concepts.
Browse courses on Band Theory
Show steps
  • Find video tutorials on band theory online.
  • Watch the tutorials and take notes.
  • Review your notes and try to explain the concepts to someone else.
Discuss carrier concentration in semiconductors
Engage in discussions with peers to clarify your understanding of carrier concentration in semiconductors, fostering collaborative learning and diverse perspectives.
Show steps
  • Prepare questions or topics for discussion.
  • Attend the peer session and actively participate.
  • Summarize key takeaways and follow up with additional research if needed.
Solve practice problems on electrical properties of materials
Solving practice problems will help you solidify your understanding of the electrical properties of materials.
Show steps
  • Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
  • Solve the problems step-by-step.
  • Check your answers and identify any areas where you need more practice.
Read 'Semiconductor Devices: Physics and Technology'
Expand your knowledge of semiconductor devices by reading a classic textbook, gaining a comprehensive understanding of their principles, fabrication, and applications.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read selected chapters relevant to the course topics.
  • Summarize key concepts and equations.
  • Compare the book's content with your course materials.
Discuss the course material with classmates
Discussing the course material with classmates will help you understand the concepts better and identify areas where you need more clarification.
Show steps
  • Find a study partner or group.
  • Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
  • Ask questions and share your insights.
Calculate conductivity using band theory
Practice using band theory to calculate the conductivity of different materials, reinforcing your understanding of the relationship between band structure and electrical properties.
Browse courses on Band Theory
Show steps
  • Review the principles of band theory.
  • Identify the relevant bandgap and effective mass for the material of interest.
  • Apply the appropriate formula to calculate conductivity.
  • Compare your results with experimental data or theoretical predictions.
Write a blog post or article on a topic related to the course
Writing a blog post or article will help you synthesize your understanding of the course material and communicate it to others.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic related to the course.
  • Research the topic and gather information.
  • Write a blog post or article that explains the topic clearly and concisely.
  • Publish your blog post or article online.
Design a semiconductor device
Design and simulate a semiconductor device using a software tool, deepening your understanding of the interplay between device structure, material properties, and electrical behavior.
Show steps
  • Choose a device type (e.g., diode, transistor, solar cell).
  • Select appropriate materials and dimensions.
  • Simulate the device using a software tool.
  • Analyze the simulation results and optimize the device design.
Build a data visualization of semiconductor properties
Create a data visualization to represent the electrical properties of different semiconductor materials, reinforcing your understanding of the relationships between these properties.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Gather data on semiconductor properties.
  • Choose an appropriate data visualization tool.
  • Design and create the data visualization.
  • Interpret the results and draw conclusions.

Career center

Learners who complete Electrical Properties and Semiconductors will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Electrical Engineer
This course can be of great help to an Electrical Engineer as it teaches about the electrical properties of semiconductors, which is essential in the design of semiconductor-based devices such as microprocessors, memory chips and light-emitting diodes. Furthermore, the course covers the behavior of carriers in semiconductors which is necessary for understanding the operation of semiconductor devices.
Electronics Engineer
Electronics Engineers design, develop, test and manufacture electronic devices. In this course, they will learn about the essential physics of semiconductor devices, which is needed to understand the operation and design of electronic circuits and devices. Additionally, the course provides a basic understanding of the behavior of carriers in semiconductors, which is necessary to optimize the performance of semiconductor-based devices.
Semiconductor Device Physicist
Semiconductor Device Physicists study the physical properties of semiconductor devices and develop new ways to improve their performance. This course would provide them with a strong foundation in the electrical properties of semiconductors and the behavior of carriers in semiconductors, which are essential for the development of new semiconductor devices.
Semiconductor Process Engineer
Semiconductor Process Engineers develop and optimize the processes used to manufacture semiconductors. This course would provide them with a strong foundation in the electrical properties of semiconductors and the behavior of carriers in semiconductors, which are essential for understanding the manufacturing process of semiconductors.
Material Scientist
Materials Scientists research new materials and develop processes to produce them. This course would provide a strong foundation in the electrical properties of materials and semiconductors, which are essential for the development of new materials for electronic applications.
Solar Cell Engineer
Solar Cell Engineers design, develop, and test solar cells, which convert sunlight into electricity. This course would provide them with a basic understanding of the electrical properties of semiconductors, which are used in solar cells, and the behavior of carriers in semiconductors, which is necessary to optimize the performance of solar cells.
Product Designer
In this course, Product Designers would learn about the electrical properties of semiconductors and the behavior of carriers in semiconductors. This basic knowledge will help them to understand the function of semiconductor-based devices, which are used in almost all electronic products.
Nanotechnology Engineer
Nanotechnology Engineers design and develop new materials and devices at the nanoscale. This course would provide them with a basic understanding of the electrical properties of semiconductors and the behavior of carriers in semiconductors, which are essential for the development of nanoscale electronic devices.
Quality Assurance Engineer
Quality Assurance Engineers ensure that products meet the company's quality standards. This course would provide them with a basic understanding of the electrical properties of semiconductors, which are used in many electronic products. The knowledge will help them to evaluate the quality of semiconductor-based products and to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Reliability Engineer
Reliability Engineers ensure that products meet the company's reliability standards. This course would provide them with a basic understanding of the electrical properties of semiconductors, which are used in many electronic products. The knowledge will help them to evaluate the reliability of semiconductor-based products and to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Test Engineer
Test Engineers develop and conduct tests to ensure that products meet the company's specifications. This course would provide them with a basic understanding of the electrical properties of semiconductors, which are used in many electronic products. The knowledge will help them to develop and conduct tests for semiconductor-based products.
Supplier Quality Engineer
Supplier Quality Engineers must work closely with suppliers to ensure that the components they provide meet the company's requirements. This course would provide them with a basic understanding of the electrical properties of semiconductors, which are used in many electronic components. The knowledge will help them to evaluate the quality of semiconductor components and to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Applications Engineer
Applications Engineers provide technical support to customers and help them to use the company's products. This course would provide them with a basic understanding of the electrical properties of semiconductors, which are used in many electronic products. The knowledge will help them to understand the function of semiconductor-based products and to troubleshoot any issues that customers may encounter.
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Engineers develop and improve the processes used to manufacture products. This course would provide them with a basic understanding of the electrical properties of semiconductors, which are used in many electronic products. The knowledge will help them to understand the manufacturing process of semiconductor-based products and to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Sales Engineer
Sales Engineers sell the company's products and services to customers. This course would provide them with a basic understanding of the electrical properties of semiconductors, which are used in many electronic products. The knowledge will help them to understand the function of semiconductor-based products and to answer customer questions about these products.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Electrical Properties and Semiconductors.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of solid state physics. It valuable resource for anyone working in this field.
This comprehensive reference work on the properties of semiconductors and semimetals. It valuable resource for anyone working in this field.
This textbook is commonly used in academic settings. It thorough resource for understanding the core physics and materials properties of semiconductors.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of solid state physics. It valuable resource for anyone working in this field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the electronic properties of materials. It valuable resource for anyone working in this field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the physics of semiconductor devices. It valuable resource for anyone working in this field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the electrical properties of materials. It valuable resource for anyone working in this field.
This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of solid state electronic devices. It is well-written and accessible to a wide audience.
Provides a concise and accessible overview of the basic concepts of solid state physics. It valuable resource for anyone working in this field.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of electronic devices and circuit theory. It valuable resource for anyone working in this field.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Electrical Properties and Semiconductors.
Semiconductors for Beginners
Most relevant
Electronics S1W1: Basic Terminology and Schematic Symbols
Most relevant
High Voltage Schottky and p-n Diodes
Most relevant
Recent Advances in Freeform Electronics
Most relevant
Nanophotonics and Detectors
Most relevant
Semiconductor Physics
Most relevant
Electrical Characterization: Diodes
Most relevant
Introduction to Semiconductor Devices 1
Most relevant
Super Electronic Circuit Theory Course with Semiconductors
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser