SemiAcademy micro-credential
Semiconductor Basics for Future Fab Technicians
The core ideas behind semiconductors and chip manufacturing, written for people starting out toward work in a fab.
Register for Semiconductor Basics for Future Fab Technicians
At a glance
- Time needed
- About 50 hours, at your own pace
- Level
- Beginner
- Who it is for
- High school and college students preparing for technician careers
- Prerequisites
- None.
- Format and what you need
- Online and self-paced; a web browser.
- Badge
- Semiconductor Basics for Future Fab Technicians digital badge
What you will be able to do
- DP-1 — Device Physics Foundations: Explain how atomic structure, charge carriers, energy bands, and electric fields support basic semiconductor device behavior.
- DP-2 — MOS Transistor Operation: Describe the major regions of a MOS transistor and explain how gate voltage controls channel formation and current flow.
- DP-3 — Epitaxy Fundamentals: Explain the purpose of epitaxy and identify fundamental relationships among the substrate, deposited layer, temperature, and process conditions.
- DP-4 — Wet Chemistry and RF Principles: Describe how wet chemistry and RF/non-ionizing energy are used in semiconductor manufacturing and identify their basic operating and hazard principles.
- EQ-1 — Diffusion RTA Chamber Functions: Identify the major components and functions of a diffusion rapid thermal anneal chamber and describe its role in thermal processing.
- EQ-2 — Dry Etch Fundamentals: Explain dry etch fundamentals, including plasma-based material removal, process parameters, selectivity, anisotropy, and common equipment considerations.
- EQ-3 — Thermal Properties in Epitaxy: Relate basic thermal properties and heat transfer to epitaxial processing and equipment behavior.
- EQ-4 — Wafer-to-Product Process Flow: Sequence the major stages from starting wafer through fabrication, assembly, test, and finished semiconductor product.
- SF-1 — Hazard Communication: Use hazard communication labels, pictograms, and safety data sheets to identify chemical hazards and required precautions.
- SF-2 — Chemical-Handling PPE: Select appropriate PPE for chemical handling and describe its inspection, correct use, limitations, and disposal.
- SF-3 — Hazardous Waste Management: Apply principles for identifying, segregating, labeling, handling, and storing hazardous waste in a fab environment.
- SF-4 — Copper Awareness: Explain copper-related contamination and exposure concerns and identify appropriate controls.
- SF-5 — Hand Tool Safety: Select, inspect, and use common hand tools safely for assigned work.
- SF-6 — Hoist and Crane Safety: Recognize hoist and crane hazards and identify safe lifting, rigging, exclusion-zone, and communication practices.
- SF-7 — Ladders and Working at Heights: Apply ladder-selection, inspection, setup, and fall-prevention practices when working at heights.
- SF-8 — Pre-Task Planning: Complete a pre-task plan by identifying job steps, hazards, controls, required PPE, and stop-work conditions.
- Complete the required learning items in each module.
- Submit all three module quizzes and earn at least a 90% combined average.
- Complete the required pre-course and post-course surveys.
- Use the Course Questions and Support discussion whenever you need clarification or technical help.
How the course is organized
- Start Here — Course Orientation
- Module 1 — Device Physics (19 hours)
- Module 2 — Equipment (10 hours)
- Module 3 — Safety (20.5 hours)
- Course Completion
How to earn the badge
- Submit all three module quizzes — Device Physics, Equipment and Safety.
- Reach a course total of 90% or higher . The three quizzes sit in equally weighted groups, so the Canvas total is the combined average the credential uses.
Attempts are unlimited and your highest attempt on each quiz is the one that counts, so a weak first attempt costs you nothing. If your total is below 90%, review the feedback for your lowest-scoring module and retake that quiz.