Electrical Engineering Materials

On the successful completion of this module, students should be able to: 1. describe the internal structure of atoms and molecules; 2. describe the different types of crystals and the defects evident within them, and explain how these defects affect the mechanical and magnetic properties of materials; 3. discuss how the bonding within materials affects the properties of the material; 4. carry out the standard tests to determine the mechanical and magnetic properties of materials; 5. describe the electrical and thermal properties of materials; and 6. demonstrate transferable skills.

Atomic Structure and Bonding: the internal structure of the atom will be examined and will include the electron orbital model of atomic structure. This will be extended to explain the different types of bonding, which occurs within materials. Crystal Structure: The main types of crystal lattices will be examined and the defects, which may occur, will be described. Properties of Materials: The main properties of materials will be described as will the methods used to quantify them: Free electron motion in static electric and magnetic fields, electronic structure of matter, conductivity in crystalline solids; Theory of energy hands in conductors, insulators and semi-conductors: electrons in metals and electron emissions; carriers and transport phenomena in semi-conductors, characteristics of some electron and resistors, diodes, transistors, photo cell and light emitting diode; Elementary discrete devices fabrication techniques and IC technology. 300 Level