Introduction to Semiconductor Manufacturing

 Course Overview

This course is a guided journey through the heart of modern technology, from atomic structure to fully packaged microchips. This Level 4 accredited course by Swansea University introduces the science, materials, and processes that power the global semiconductor industry. 

 Whether you’re a student exploring materials science, an engineer refreshing your fundamentals, or a curious professional from another field, this course offers an accessible, industry-informed introduction to one of the world’s most advanced manufacturing processes. 

What You’ll Learn 

• Atomic Structure & Crystal Lattices – understand the building blocks of materials. 

• Bonds, Bands & Doping – learn how semiconductors get their unique properties. 

• From Sand to Silicon – trace the journey from raw material to wafer 

• Manufacturing Overview: Gain a complete picture of the semiconductor fabrication flow – from wafer preparation to device packaging. 

• Photolithography: Learn how intricate circuit patterns are defined with nanometre precision using light, photoresist, and masks. 

• Oxidation: Understand how thin oxide layers are grown to insulate and protect device regions. 

• Sputtering: Explore physical vapour deposition – a key method for layering metals and other materials onto silicon. 

• Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD): Discover how gases react to form ultra-pure films that define transistor performance. 

• Etching: See how unwanted material is removed, shaping the patterns that form circuits. 

• Doping and Process Integration: Learn how electrical properties are tuned and processes are sequenced to create working semiconductor devices. 

• Packaging: Understand how finished chips are protected, connected, and made ready for the real world. 

Course Delivery

The course is conveniently delivered through Swansea University’s Learning Management System, Canvas, providing a seamless online learning experience. The course spans 12 weeks, requiring participants to dedicate approximately 3 hours per week to complete it. This structure allows for a manageable yet comprehensive exploration of the hydrogen economy.

Throughout the course, participants will engage in three progressive assessment quizzes, complemented by a comprehensive final written assessment that culminates their learning journey. All assessments are conveniently submitted through the secure and user-friendly platform, Canvas.

To ensure a supportive and enriching learning environment, expert guidance and assistance are readily available from our project lecturers and dedicated learning technologists. These experienced professionals can be easily reached through Canvas or via email.