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

Electrical Characterization: Diodes (Coursera) Coursera
Arizona State University

Electrical Characterization: Diodes (Coursera)

Course 2 begins with the definitions of resistivity and sheet resistance of semiconductors and metals and emphasizes the importance of working with the correct units for each. We see how to calculate the sheet resistance of a thin conducting film once we know its resistivity. A method to determine the contact resistance using the transfer length method is described, along with the definition of the specific contact resistivity. Current-voltage (IV) measurements of p-n junction diodes are used to extract key device parameters such as the ideality factor and series resistance.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
L'Art des Structures 2 : treillis, poutres, dalles et cadres (Coursera) Coursera
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

L'Art des Structures 2 : treillis, poutres, dalles et cadres (Coursera)

Les structures en treillis, en poutre, en dalles et en cadre sont essentielles pour une grande partie des constructions modernes : immeubles pour l'habitation ou de bureaux, halles et usines, ponts, ou passerelles, voies de transport de l'énergie ou des télécommunications, stades et grandes toitures. Le cours L'Art des Structures 2 vous propose d'en découvrir le fonctionnement et les bases de leur dimensionnement.

Nov 23rd 2026
5-12 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 Engineering Mechanics (Coursera) Coursera
Georgia Institute of Technology

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics (Coursera)

This course is an introduction to learning and applying the principles required to solve engineering mechanics problems. Concepts will be applied in this course from previous courses you have taken in basic math and physics. The course addresses the modeling and analysis of static equilibrium problems with an emphasis on real world engineering applications and problem solving.

Nov 16th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Electron and Ion Beam Characterization (Coursera) Coursera
Arizona State University

Electron and Ion Beam Characterization (Coursera)

Electron and ion beams are widely used for both qualitative and quantitative analysis of semiconductor materials and devices. They can be used to image structures with sub-nm resolution and to provide information about elemental composition and dopant concentration. This course describes the fundamentals of electron and ion beam characterization and includes a project that analyzes the surface roughness of a solar cell.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Optical and X-Ray Characterization (Coursera) Coursera
Arizona State University

Optical and X-Ray Characterization (Coursera)

Optical and X-ray techniques are powerful ways to characterize semiconductor thin films. They can be used to measure film thickness, purity and crystalline quality, and for compositional analysis. Modern techniques are fast, turn-key, and generally non-destructive, allowing for rapid assessment of material properties. This course describes the fundamentals of optical and X-ray characterization and provides real-world examples of how they are used in semiconductor manufacturing.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Semiconductors, PN Junctions and Bipolar Junction Transistors (edX) EdX
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - HKUST,HKUSTx

Introduction to Semiconductors, PN Junctions and Bipolar Junction Transistors (edX)

An intuitive approach to operational principles of semiconductor devices. The course covers PN junction diodes, optical sensors, solar cells, LEDs, and Bipolar Junction Transistors. As a topic of study, semiconductor devices offer a unique challenge due to the complex mathematics involved. In this course, we take a more intuitive approach to explore the underlying concepts. Eschewing mathematics, we use engaging animations to help you visualize the working principles of many common semiconductor devices.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
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
High Voltage Schottky and p-n Diodes (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

High Voltage Schottky and p-n Diodes (Coursera)

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5722, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. This course is primarily aimed at first year graduate students interested in engineering or science, along with professionals with an interest in power electronics and semiconductor devices .

Oct 19th 2026
4 Weeks
Understanding Research Methods (Coursera) Coursera
University of London,SOAS University of London

Understanding Research Methods (Coursera)

This MOOC is about demystifying research and research methods. It will outline the fundamentals of doing research, aimed primarily, but not exclusively, at the postgraduate level. It places the student experience at the centre of our endeavours by engaging learners in a range of robust and challenging discussions and exercises befitting SOAS, University of London's status as a research-intensive university and its rich research heritage.

Nov 16th 2026
4 Weeks