Building Tomorrow’s Workforce

Students are introduced to semiconductor materials, technology, fabrication process, and manufacturing industry. Each of the major processing steps from silicon wafer production to final packaging is touched on to allow students to understand the complexity of the manufacturing flow. Emphasis is placed on the components of a modern fabrication facility including modules on lithography, etching, doping, and metallization. Students gain hands-on experience in clean room protocols, safety, and chemical hygiene.

• Students will be able to explain semiconductor materials, properties, and their fundamental role in modern electronics.
• Students will be able to identify the principles of quality control in semiconductor fabrication, including measurement techniques, process monitoring, and defect analysis.
• Students will be able to demonstrate skills in wafer handling and processing, including loading, unloading, and inspecting wafers within a cleanroom environment.
• Students will be able to explain safety protocols, environmental regulations, and best practices governing semiconductor fabrication.
• Students will be able to describe the integration of individual semiconductor devices into more complex structures, enabling the production of advanced electronic components.
• Students will be able to demonstrate proper cleanroom practices and safety procedures, emphasizing the critical importance of contamination control in semiconductor manufacturing.

Credit Hours: 3

Students are introduced to career opportunities, professional roles, and industry expectations within the field of Engineering Technology. The course provides an overview of job functions, career pathways, professional organizations, and program requirements to help students understand the breadth of the profession and prepare for academic and career success. Emphasis is placed on curriculum planning, program procedures, and the connection between coursework and industry needs.

• Students will be able to identify a variety of career opportunities within the Engineering Technology field.
• Students will be able to describe the job functions and professional responsibilities of Engineering Technology graduates.
• Students will be able to explain Engineering Technology program procedures, curriculum requirements, and how the academic program supports career preparation.

Credit Hours: 0.5

Students are introduced to the fundamental properties, processing methods, and applications of metallic and polymer materials used in modern manufacturing. Through lectures, laboratory exercises, and hands-on projects, students develop foundational manufacturing skills and gain practical experience with common fabrication processes. Emphasis is placed on material selection, manufacturing techniques, and the safe operation of equipment used in welding, machining, and fabrication.

• Students will be able to identify the properties, classifications, and processing methods of metallic materials used in manufacturing.
• Students will be able to identify the properties, classifications, and processing methods of polymer materials used in manufacturing.
• Students will be able to demonstrate fundamental manufacturing skills by creating products using processes such as welding, fabrication, and machining.

Credit Hours: 3

Introduces direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) fundamentals. Industry-relevant subject areas, such as basic electrical circuits, electrical measurement, circuit analysis, inductance and capacitance, combination circuits, transformers, and characteristics of solid-state components, are included.

• Students will be able to explain the fundamental concepts of voltage, current, power and resistance in series, parallel, and general circuits.
• Students will be able to describe the function and characteristics of a voltage divider.
• Students will be able to describe the function and characteristics of the Wheatstone bridge.
• Students will be able to perform measurements of voltage, resistance and current in series and parallel circuits.
• Students will be able to analyze series and parallel circuits utilizing Ohm’s and Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws.
• Students will be able to explain the basic principles and characteristics of electromagnetism, inductance and capacitance.
• Students will be able to identify the basic function and characteristics of solid-state components.

Credit Hours: 4

Students are introduced to career preparation, professional development, and employment opportunities within the field of Engineering Technology. The course emphasizes job search strategies, interview preparation, workplace professionalism, and portfolio development to prepare students for successful entry into the engineering technology workforce. Students develop the skills needed to present their qualifications effectively and enhance their career readiness.

• Students will be able to identify employment opportunities and potential career paths within the Engineering Technology field.
• Students will be able to demonstrate professional interviewing skills, including appropriate etiquette, professional attire, and effective responses to common interview questions.
• Students will be able to develop a professional portfolio that showcases academic achievements, technical skills, and relevant work or project experience.

Credit Hours: 0.5

Application of hydraulic and pneumatic principles to common industrial control circuits, emphasizing maintenance of hardware and circuitry.

• Students will learn how components operate in different types of circuits.
• Students will learn the basics of hydraulics and pneumatics as used in industry today.
• Students will learn to read system schematic drawings.

Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to hands-on advanced manufacturing skills replicating industrial production areas involving the preventive maintenance, alignment, and maintenance of an automated industrial manufacturing system followed by an introduction to programming and operation of a robotic cell.

• Students will be able to identify basic industrial safety concepts.
• Students will be able to perform basic preventive and corrective maintenance of a functioning automated industrial manufacturing system.
• Students will be able to evaluate performance of electronic sensors and optimize according to system needs.
• Students will be able to create a functioning robotic cell.

Credit Hours: 3

Students are introduced to the operational mechanisms and process use of vacuum systems used in the semiconductor and other advanced manufacturing industries. The operational methodology and process use of equipment that requires vacuum are discussed. Students gain hands-on experience in basic maintenance on a vacuum system that enhances problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.

• Students will be able to explain the fundamental principles of vacuum technology, including concepts like pressure, gas behavior, and vacuum measurement.
• Students will be able to identify and operate essential vacuum components, including vacuum pumps, valves, gauges, and leak detectors.
• Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to perform routine maintenance tasks on vacuum systems and employ troubleshooting techniques to diagnose and resolve common issues.
• Students will be able to explain the operational methodology and process use of equipment that require vacuum pumps.
• Students will be able to demonstrate problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills while learning how to perform maintenance on a vacuum system.

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides an overview of the structure and tools of Lean, a systematic method for the elimination of waste within a manufacturing system without sacrificing productivity in order to add value to a product or service. Lab activities give students opportunities to recognize forms of waste in a manufacturing process and apply methods used to remove it. Methods covered include Poka Yoke, Why-Why-Why, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, Kanban, 5S and Six Sigma.

• Students will be able to explain the history of lean enterprise.
• Students will be able to identify and describe tools used in lean practices.
• Students will be able to apply the tools to practical problems.

Credit Hours: 3