NDSCS College Catalog

Microelectronics Technology

The NDSCS Microelectronics Technologist is trained in the science and engineering aspects involved with manufacturing of micro-electronic sensing and communication devices such as RFIDs, MEMS, accelerometers, sensors, microcontrollers and other industry-related integrated circuits.  The Microelectronics Technology program provides extensive hands-on training through lab experiences designed to develop the essential technical skills necessary to support engineers and other professionals in the development of prototypes, prototype testing and analysis, production line operations, systems analysis and maintenance, instrumentation, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and automation, quality control and assurance, instrument calibration and documentation preparation.  This program, with its strong emphasis on building essential foundational skills, will prepare individuals for a wide variety of microelectronics and industrial electronics related careers.

The program is a five semester program (assuming full-time load) which starts in the fall of each year. The program can be completed in two academic years or slower at the discretion of the student.

The first two semesters consists of general education science, math and communication classes along with hands-on courses in microelectronics. Many of the general education classes are available online. The following summer, fall and spring semesters primarily consist of microelectronic instrumentation classes, nano- and micro-fabrication courses, quality assurance and control classes taught at the Skills and Technology Training Center in Fargo, ND.

The suggested plan of study also includes a summer session that will focus on microelectronic laboratory instrumentation and characterization techniques. The curriculum includes a Co-op/internship experience during the final semester. Co-op/internships will be conducted at various companies or research laboratories in the Red River Valley and surrounding area. Temporary relocation and/or travel to an internship site may be required in certain circumstances. Students must demonstrate subject matter competency and meet established academic standards prior to participating in internships.

For additional information, please contact:
Dr. Michael Burke
(701) 231-6923 or e-mail

OR

Rick Hendrickson
(218) 770-2576 or e-mail

Course Code Course Title Credits
ENGL 110 College Composition I 3
MATH 103 College Algebra 3
ELEC 100 DC Circuit Analysis 4
ELEC 101 AC Circuit Analysis 4
ELEC 140 Semiconductor Circuit Analysis I 4
ELEC 181 Digital Circuits I 4
ELEC 182 Digital Circuits II 4
ELEC 241 Semiconductor Circuit Analysis II 4
NANO 206 Microelectronics Instrumentation 5
NANO 209 Thin Films and MEMS Technology 3
NANO 210 Semiconductor Fabrication 3
TOTAL REQUIRED CREDITS FOR CERTIFICATE 41
In addition to the courses listed under the certificate option, the following courses are required for the diploma:
Course Code
Course Title
Credits
Computer Information System elective 3
Any course marked ND:COMPSC
ELEC 242 Linear Electronics 3
ELEC 248 Microcontroller Applications 4
NANO 211 Manufacturing Quality Assurance 3
PHIL 213 Societal and Ethical Implications of Technology 3
Wellness elective(s) 1
TOTAL REQUIRED CREDITS FOR DIPLOMA 58
In addition to the courses listed under the certificate and diploma options, the following courses are required for the A.A.S. degree:
Course Code
Course Title
Credits
NANO 101 Fundamentals of Nanoscience I 3
NANO 102 Fundamentals of Nanoscience II 3
MATH 210 Elementary Statistics 3
PHYS 120 Fundamentals of Physics 3
PHYS 120L Fundamentals of Physics Lab 1
ENGL 120
OR ENGL 125
College Composition II OR Intro to Professional Writing 3    
Wellness elective(s) 1
ELEC 297 Cooperative Education 2
TOTAL REQUIRED CREDITS FOR A.A.S. DEGREE 77
The North Dakota State College of Science is a member of the North Dakota State University System.
Suggested sequence of study for the A.A.S. degree
First Semester Second Semester
NANO 101 NANO 102
ELEC 100 ELEC 101
ELEC 181 ELEC 140
CIS elective ELEC 182
MATH 103 PHYS 120
ENGL 110 PHYS 120L
Summer Semester
NANO 206
MATH 210
Third Semester Fourth Semester
ELEC 241 NANO 211
ELEC 248 ELEC 242
NANO 209 ELEC 297
NANO 210 PHIL 213
ENGL 120/125 Wellness elective (s)

Admission requirements

The applicants must be high school graduates or equivalent.

Tuition information and application procedures are available from the following offices:

NDSCS Enrollment Services
800 Sixth Street North
Wahpeton, ND 58076
1-800-342-4325, ext. 3-2202 or e-mail

Award

Upon successful completion of the required courses, students will be awarded a certificate, a diploma or an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Microelectronics Technology.

Green Technology ComponentGreen Component

Green technology is associated with new manufacturing processes that produce less waste, production methods for more efficient PVC for solar energy, more efficient micro-sensors and micro-actuators produced from eco-friendly materials, electronic components of wind turbines, generators, electric and hydrogen fuel cell-based transportation and better and more efficient communication devices.