MTE2202 - Functional materials 1

Overview

This unit will focus on the ‘smart’ functional roles of the materials in devices which depend on their electrical and optical properties. Examples of such devices covered are pn junction rectifiers, bipolar junction transistors, field-effect transistors (FET), dynamic random access memories (DRAM), solar cells, light-emitting diodes (LED), optical fibres and the Peltier cooler. The functional materials will be studied at the microscopic (atomic and/or molecular) level in order to gain an understanding of the device operation. The particular focus of this unit is on the electronic properties of materials (metals, semiconductors and insulators) based on their energy band structures. The classical and wave-mechanical models of metals are introduced along with the Fermi energy, density of states, forbidden band and Brillouin zones, to describe the behaviour of free electrons in solids. Semiconductor fabrication processes such as single crystal growth, film deposition and microlithography will also be introduced briefly.

Offerings

S2-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Requisites

Prohibition

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Professor Kiyonori Suzuki

Unit Coordinator(s)

Professor Kiyonori Suzuki

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Describe conduction processes in metals, alloys, semiconductors and insulators, with regard to the electronic band structure of these materials.

Describe the working principles of selected semiconductor devices, including pn junction diodes, transistors, solar cells, light emitting diodes and the Peltier cooler.

Describe the interaction between photons and various classes of materials and thereby describe the optical properties of those materials.

Apply critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills to scenarios that involve electrically and optically active materials.

Use basic laboratory skills to study polymeric materials, be able to work effectively within a team in carrying out laboratory work, be able to keep appropriate laboratory records and develop skills to communicate the results and conclusions of practical work.

Assessment summary

Continuous assessment: 50%
Final assessment: 50%

This unit contains hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment

1 - Laboratory practicals

2 - Assignments

3 - Final assessment

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Laboratories

Practical activities

Workshops

Workload requirements

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Other unit costs

The following item is mandatory for practical aspects of the unit and should be purchased at your own cost as you will be reusing them throughout your course.

Calculator

Protective clothing and equipment:
• Laboratory coat - approximately $35 to $50
• Safety glasses - approximately $8, or prescription safety glasses (if required) - approximately $350
• Laboratory-appropriate enclosed footwear (non-porous material, equipped with non-absorbent, slip-resistant soles)

Costs are indicative only.

Availability in areas of study

E3001 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Specialisation: Materials engineering
E6011 Master of Professional Engineering - Specialisation: Materials engineering