Division of Physics ‧ Semiconductor science
Students join our department as undergraduates and are able to choose any undergraduate course. The major is decided in the fourth grade, when they graduate. Between the two major areas of physics and semiconductor science, students can graduate with a single major if they meet the requirements for one specific major based on the single major standard, which includes credits from undergraduate common courses. A student can graduate with a double major if they meet the criteria for each major excluding undergraduate common course credits.
※ Each major area is categorized under its respective academic code.
(Physical Semiconductor Science Department is PSS, Physics Major is PHY, Semiconductor Science Major is SEM)
Educational objectives
Physics Major
The goal of physics is to use experimental and theoretical techniques to explore the fundamental principles of natural phenomena in the universe and to connect this knowledge with advanced modern science and technology. As a result, physics majors provide a basic education for research personnel who will be directly involved in academic physics research and contribute to academic development. This major also provides training for researchers and educators to become involved in science and technology as well as science education, using physics expertise. Moreover, it provides support for social leaders with a background in physics and researchers who study adjacent sciences and engineering disciplines.
Semiconductor Science Major
As the applications of semiconductor science expand, its structure is also being divided into three categories: semiconductor materials and devices, high-frequency semiconductors, and semiconductor design. The semiconductor science major provides a balanced understanding of all aspects of semiconductor science, from fundamentals to application, covering topics such as semiconductor materials and devices, high-speed semiconductors and systems, semiconductor design, and system integration. Additionally, three-dimensional instruction is combined with field-based practice. Therefore, by fostering creative talent with a strong knowledge base that will lead to the next generation of semiconductor technology, this major aims to contribute to the academic community.
Recent trends and prospects in the discipline
Modern material sciences, particularly electronic information technology, rely on the evolution of semiconductor technology that has rapidly developed in recent years, in conjunction with physics that has been developed and passed down through the ages.
Specifically, physics is the foundation of all science and technology and has had a profound impact on basic and applied science, as well as industrial progress. Thus, the field of application is as vast as the field of study. Physics is among the most important fields of natural science that can continue to develop infinitely in the future, given its long academic history and the fact that it triggered the scientific revolution. Recent academic trends indicate a growth in high-energy fields focusing on high energy accelerators and condensed matter physics applications. In addition to being the subject of learning, physics is also found in the context of application, such that physics principles are embedded in all the devices we use on a daily basis. Therefore, it is a basic discipline that can lead to a scientific revolution and several ground-breaking telecommunications disciplines, including microrobots, supercomputers, intelligent computers, and computer chips. Moreover, the dynamics of physics and scientific achievements are expected in the cutting-edge field that seeks to develop new alternative energy technology related to nuclear fusion to create a rich and comfortable living environment for all mankind.
The semiconductor industry, which has developed rapidly since transistors were invented, has advanced computers, communication, control, and software tremendously. As a result of its impact, it has provided new tools not only for industry but also for basic science, such as mathematics and physics, and the arts, thus becoming an integral part of human culture. Inorganic semiconductors, which were previously represented only by Si, are also becoming increasingly diverse, while organic semiconductors have already stabilized their technology and are expanding their applications. Furthermore, the increase in integration and processing speed is exceeding predictions, and the process technology that supports it is also improving rapidly. Semiconductor design and system technology are creating digital environments and cultures. These advances in semiconductor science and related technologies usher in the age of artificial intelligence. That is, semiconductor science used to assist the development of surrounding science and technology; however, today it is taking a leading role.
Career path following graduation
The nature of physics studies prepares graduates to take on responsibilities in any field. Following graduation, there are three main career paths available. First, graduates can pursue a master’s or doctorate degree in physics to continue their in-depth research, or they can attend graduate schools in other related fields and eventually work for university labs or research facilities. Second, graduates with a teacher’s certificate or by completing a graduate school of education can enter the teaching field. Finally, graduates of this program can also directly enter other fields such as computers, materials, machines, and photo electronics.
Graduates of semiconductor science majors can seek employment in companies involved in semiconductor materials and devices, development engineers in manufacturing processes, and integrated circuit design engineering and display. They can also pursue careers in electronics, especially in hardware systems, or as ultra-high frequency communications engineers. They can also pursue postgraduate education in new functional semiconductor materials, communication parts design, system integrated circuit design, and semiconductor processes (nanotechnology). Any semiconductor graduate has the ability to approach the industry with knowledge ranging from basic science to the entire system; therefore, anyone with good ideas is encouraged to start a business.
