Electrical Properties and Semiconductors (Coursera)

Electrical Properties and Semiconductors (Coursera)

In this course, we will explore the electrical properties of materials and classify different materials as conductors, semiconductors or insulators. We will look at some examples of conductors, semiconductors and insulators, and note the key factors that cause the differences in their electrical properties. We will use rudimentary band theory to show how temperature impacts the conductivity of the three classifications of materials. We will learn what causes the differences in electrical behavior of a p-type versus an n-type semiconductor in a p-n diode.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Course 3 of 4 in the Materials Science for Advanced Technological Applications Specialization.

What You Will Learn
Electrical properties of materials and, how/why semiconductors, insulators, and conductors are classified.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Electrical Properties and Semiconductors
In this course, we will explore the electrical properties of materials and classify different materials as conductors, semiconductors or insulators. We will look at some examples of conductors, semiconductors and insulators, and note the key factors that cause the differences in their electrical properties. We will use rudimentary band theory to show how temperature impacts the conductivity of the three classifications of materials. We will learn what causes the differences in electrical behavior of a p-type versus an n-type semiconductor in a p-n diode.

WEEK 2
Module 1: Electrical Properties
Semiconductor devices require precise control of electrical properties. In this module, we learn about the electrical properties of various materials including conductors, semiconductors and insulators.

WEEK 3
Module 2: Electrical Conductivity and Semiconductors
Semiconductor devices use both extrinsic and intrinsic semiconductor materials. In this module, we learn about extrinsic semiconductors and about different kinds of semiconductor devices.

WEEK 4
Module 3: Semiconductor Devices
In this module we learn about different kinds of semiconductor devices and how they are used for different applications.

WEEK 5
Module 4: Behavior of Carriers in Semiconductors and Devices
In this Module, we will identify and explain the use of carrier concentration in semiconductors.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Cómo entrenar a tus electrones 2: Diodos y Transistores (Coursera) Coursera
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Cómo entrenar a tus electrones 2: Diodos y Transistores (Coursera)

La electrónica ha respaldado el desarrollo científico y tecnológico de la humanidad, ostentando un rol clave en los últimos 50 años. Nos admiramos de la capacidad del ser humano de diseñar circuitos integrados que contienen millones de transistores y que nos permiten procesar con gran precisión las señales más débiles provenientes de las antenas de telefonía celular, de las neuronas del cerebro, de una cámara digital, o de la carga depositada por partículas subatómicas que colisionan en el Gran Colisionador de Hadrones en Suiza.

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks
Semiconductors for Beginners (edX) EdX
National University of Singapore,NUS

Semiconductors for Beginners (edX)

The primary goal of the course is to enable the student to understand what semiconductors are, and why they are important to the electronics industry. Students will first learn and understand why some materials are insulators and others are conductors, and will learn how these properties can be modified. The course also explores other situations where the conductivity of an insulator can be drastically changed, such as the situation inside a bolt of lightning or inside a semiconductor.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Solid State Devices 1 (edX) EdX
Purdue University,PurdueX

Solid State Devices 1 (edX)

Semiconductor are everywhere in human activities, from your credit card to space exploration. This graduate-level introduction brings aspects of physics, chemistry, and engineering together to understand, analyze, and design transistors and solar cells. This course provides the graduate-level introduction to understand, analyze, characterize and design the operation of semiconductor devices such as transistors, diodes, solar cells, light-emitting devices, and more.

Jan 9th 2023
13-24 Weeks
Introduction to Semiconductor Packaging (Coursera) Coursera
Arizona State University

Introduction to Semiconductor Packaging (Coursera)

This course will cover various aspects of microelectronics and nanoelectronics. This field aims to advance and improve the functionality of electronic devices by scaling transistors to smaller feature sizes. The course will introduce you to essential concepts such as length scales, transistor actions, and feature sizes of integrated circuits.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Physics of silicon solar cells (Coursera) Coursera
École Polytechnique

Physics of silicon solar cells (Coursera)

The first MOOC “Photovoltaic solar energy” is a general presentation of the solar photovoltaics technologies in the global energetic context, without extensive details. In particular the description of the solar cell operation is restricted to the ideal case. In contrast this second MOOC allows a deep understanding of the properties of solar cells based on crystalline semiconductors.

Nov 23rd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Light Emitting Diodes and Semiconductor Lasers (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

Light Emitting Diodes and Semiconductor Lasers (Coursera)

You will learn about semiconductor light emitting diodes (LEDs) and lasers, and the important rules for their analysis, planning, design, and implementation. You will also apply your knowledge through challenging homework problem sets to cement your understanding of the material and prepare you to apply in your career.

Nov 9th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Solar Energy: Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Conversion (edX) EdX
Delft University of Technology,DelftX

Solar Energy: Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Conversion (edX)

Learn how solar cells generate electricity, and about the semiconductor physics and optics required to design and manufacture solar cells. The key factor in getting more efficient and cheaper solar energy panels is the advance in the development of photovoltaic cells. In this course you will learn how photovoltaic cells convert solar energy into useable electricity. You will also discover how to tackle potential loss mechanisms in solar cells.

Self Paced
5-12 Weeks
Advanced Semiconductor Packaging (Coursera) Coursera
Arizona State University

Advanced Semiconductor Packaging (Coursera)

Throughout this course, you will be introduced to Pathway for Assembly and Packaging technologies for 7-nanometer silicon feature sizes and beyond. The course will present the evolution and impact of packaging on product performance and innovation. Specifically, we highlight how packaging has enabled better products via the use of heterogeneous integration by improving the interconnects for thermal management and signal integrity.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Shape and Property Control of Metals I & II (Coursera) Coursera
Arizona State University

Shape and Property Control of Metals I & II (Coursera)

This course introduces students to the basic concepts of shaping materials and their impacts on properties and structure. An introduction to the fundamentals of diffusion in a solid follows. We present different types of diffusion mechanisms and their dependence on temperature. The role of dislocation on mechanical properties and how it can be used to strengthen materials will be shown.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks