Interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning

An interdisciplinary course in semiconductor processing has been developed and successfully introduced into the chemical, materials, and electrical engineering curricula. Teams of students drawn from a range of engineering and scientific disciplines build microelectronic devices using a 5 mask PMOS metal gate process and perform open-ended experiments to improve this process. Combining the varied skill sets of both students and faculty to teach and learn device fabrication offers many advantages. The interdisciplinary team approach was found to enhance the student's educational experience, promote lateral thinking, and create a more cooperative learning environment that encourages interdependence.