Foundations of Semiconductors for college credit

Semiconductors

ESC 110 - Foundations of Semiconductors

Discover the technology powering our connected world. Explore the global semiconductor ecosystem, from design and manufacturing to supply chains and policy, and learn how chips enable innovations like AI, cloud computing, transportation, telecommunications, and more.

Overview

This course introduces learners to the global semiconductor ecosystem and its critical role in modern technology, economies, and society. Learners will explore the industry’s historical development, key participants and functions, and the ways semiconductors enable technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, telecommunications, transportation, consumer electronics, and defense systems. Using a systems-thinking perspective, learners will examine connections among technology, manufacturing, infrastructure, economics, policy, workforce development, and global supply chains while considering challenges such as sustainability, manufacturing complexity, supply chain resilience, and geopolitical competition. The course also introduces technical and non-technical career pathways across the semiconductor ecosystem and encourages learners to connect their educational interests and skills to future opportunities. Through discussions, reflections, ecosystem-mapping activities, and a team capstone presentation, learners will develop the knowledge and communication skills needed to understand and explain this complex and rapidly evolving industry.

Requirements

To be successful in this course, we recommend English language fluency and computer literacy. We also encourage you to make sure your laptop or desktop computer meets the technical requirements.

What you’ll learn

Describe major milestones in the historical development and globalization of the semiconductor industry and explain their impact on technology, economies, and society
Identify and describe the major participants and functions within the semiconductor ecosystem, including design, manufacturing, equipment, materials, packaging, testing, infrastructure, and workforce roles
Explain how semiconductors enable modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, telecommunications, consumer electronics, transportation systems, and defense applications
Analyze major challenges facing the semiconductor ecosystem, including manufacturing complexity, scaling, sustainability, workforce development, supply chain resilience, and geopolitical competition
Apply systems-thinking concepts to explain relationships among technology, manufacturing, economics, infrastructure, policy, and global supply chains within the semiconductor ecosystem
Explore semiconductor career pathways across technical and non-technical roles — including engineering, policy, supply chain, sustainability, and communications — and connect personal educational interests to opportunities within the semiconductor ecosystem
Communicate semiconductor ecosystem concepts, challenges, and opportunities through written reflections, structured discussion board contributions, ecosystem mapping activities, and a team capstone presentation

Transcript

This course appears on your transcript identically to how it appears on the transcript of an enrolled ASU student who has taken the course on one of ASU’s campuses. Course attendance dates will be listed on your transcript. An on-demand course will appear on your transcript in the session you complete the course.

This course satisfies 3 credit hours at Arizona State University. It is strongly encouraged that you consult with your institution of choice to determine how these credits will be applied to their degree requirements prior to transferring your credit.

Faculty and course staff

Tyrone Benson

Professor of Practice,

School of Integrated Engineering

Arizona State University

Read bio

Why take ASU Universal Learner Courses

Credit you receive is from a regionally accredited university
Your credit is highly transferable
You only pay the $400 course cost if you pass