Introduce students to various approximations based on the physical understanding that would solve governing equations for quantitative description of device operation. Provide students with an understanding of the limitations of some device models. Robert F. Pierret, Semiconductor Device Fundamentals. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1996. Weekly assignments are made which encourage students to work as a team of two or three to discuss some 'design' orientated problems.
Mathematical formulations are commonplace throughout the course.
Simple device modeling is also covered in lectures and homework assignments. All lectures and homework assignments use modern computer tools to compare the calculated and measured device characteristics. The midterms and final challenge the students accordingly. Students are required to present their homework assignment and to facilitate the discussion of their results once during the quarter. Students use Matlab to solve homework assignments.