Semiconductors: New Technologies and the Value Chain

Semiconductors sit at the heart of today’s most transformative technologies – from artificial intelligence (AI) and renewable energy to autonomous vehicles and the Internet of Things. As the sector evolves rapidly, there is a growing demand for professionals who can combine technical expertise with a cross-disciplinary view of the entire value chain. This six-week online course from the University of Cambridge is designed for professionals who want to bridge that gap.

You will explore semiconductor materials and their properties, learn how circuits are designed and created, and gain hands-on experience with industry-standard design tools. You will also study integrated circuit design and assembly, testing and packaging (ATP), while considering the commercial and geopolitical trends shaping global manufacturing.

Key topics covered in the course include an introduction to the semiconductor sector and its global context, an exploration of semiconductor materials and their properties, and the process of creating circuits from those materials. Learners will also develop knowledge of integrated circuit design and ATP, while examining future directions and innovations that are set to shape the industry.

This course explores the full semiconductor value chain using a balanced approach between theory and applications. Learners systemically identify trends and challenges across the key activities in the industry. Each module builds on the last, offering practical tools and hands-on tasks to equip participants with the skills needed to make effective decisions in the ever-changing landscape of semiconductor industry. By the end of the course, learners will have a comprehensive roadmap that summarises current challenges and pinpoints promising technological solutions, supported by real design examples.

• Module 1: Introduction to semiconductor industry

• Module 2: Semiconductor materials and their properties

• Module 3: Creating circuits from materials

• Module 4: Integrated circuit design

• Module 5: Assembly, testing and packaging

• Module 6: Future directions

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• articulate the core segments and key activities in the semiconductor value chain

• compare the range of common and emerging semiconductor materials in terms of physical properties, electrical properties and manufacturability

• investigate the structures, electronic characteristics and manufacturability of semiconductor devices and circuits

• operate professional Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools to design, verify and layout integrated circuits

• explore promising future technological solutions in the ATP segment

• create a roadmap for semiconductor value chain that integrates design, manufacturing and ATP segments.

On successful completion of the course, you’ll receive a certificate from the University of Cambridge and a digital badge to display on your LinkedIn profile. These Cambridge credentials not only showcase your knowledge and expertise, but also demonstrate your commitment to professional development – helping to future-proof your career.

This course is aimed at experienced professionals in the semiconductor industry or related industries.

• Associate-level engineers and equivalent technical roles: Ideal for associates and others with equivalent roles with 2–5 years of experience who are looking to move into more managerial roles in the semiconductor industry.

• Mid-senior level managers from related industries and backgrounds: Suitable for those looking to develop a career in the semiconductor industry.

• Mid-senior managers within the semiconductors industry: Perfect for those looking to refresh their knowledge in response to new innovations or widen their understanding of the whole value chain as their responsibilities and scope grows, particularly those in regions with strong growth in semiconductors and integrated circuit manufacturing.

Our flexible, online courses – delivered via a world-leading learning platform – reflect the University of Cambridge experience and values, with low learner-to-tutor ratios and academically rigorous standards.

Our online learning model is designed to help you advance your skills and specialise in emerging areas that address real-world challenges. We will help you build your network through an engaging and impactful learning journey that encourages collaboration with academics and fellow learners.

Courses are delivered in weekly modules, allowing you to plan your time effectively around existing commitments. There is an optional weekly live session, which is recorded for anyone who can’t attend. The assessment criteria will be presented to you at the start of the course, so you can approach your studies with confidence and motivation, knowing exactly what’s expected of you and how to meet those expectations.

Throughout your online learning experience with Cambridge Advance Online, you’ll have digital access to a dedicated course tutor, an expert in the field, who will help steer your learning and provide you with support and guidance every step of the way.