The Department of Physics at the University of Arizona is proud to announce the launch of a new M.S. emphasis and a new accelerated master’s program (AMP) in Semiconductor Science and Technology. Developed under the support of the Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing, and in close collaboration with the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) and Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), these programs are designed to meet the growing demand for a highly skilled semiconductor workforce in Arizona and beyond.

The new M.S. emphasis in Semiconductor Science and Technology provides students with advanced training that bridges fundamental physics and practical semiconductor engineering. Graduates will be well prepared to pursue careers directly in the semiconductor industry or to continue their studies toward a Ph.D. in Physics, ECE, or MSE.

The Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) offers highly motivated undergraduates an integrated 4+1 pathway to earn both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science in Physics within five years. Qualified students may begin taking graduate-level (500+) courses during their senior year, with up to 12 units of coursework double-counted toward both degrees. The program ensures a seamless transition from undergraduate to graduate study, equipping students for advanced roles in semiconductor technology, quantum materials, applied physics, and other interdisciplinary fields.

A unique feature of these programs is the hands-on training students will receive in the newly established Future Advanced Semiconductor Technology Laboratory (FASTLab). Here, students gain extensive experience with semiconductor manufacturing and characterization, including vacuum technology, thin-film deposition, photolithography, and etching. In addition, they will explore emerging post-CMOS frontiers, such as high-mobility two-dimensional materials, energy-efficient nonvolatile memories, and solid-state quantum computing devices.

Podcast - Hosted by Penny Duran

The “Physics Wildcast” is an Honors Thesis Project aimed at making physics research engaging for both experts and general audiences. It will feature interviews with faculty members from the University of Arizona’s Physics Department about their experimental research. A key goal of the project is to explore effective ways of communicating physics and sparking public interest by highlighting the unique journeys of different researchers. Penny brings relevant experience in podcast production from co-creating the German-language podcast “Courage – We’re Still Dreaming,” which won second place for the Frankfurt School Prize from the Anne Frank Educational Center in 2022. She handles all of the studio recording, audio editing, episode planning and logo design.

The first episode features Prof. Koen Visscher, where he delves into his background in biophysics and shares his perspectives on biophysics applications, physics teaching, and his time at a start-up company. The second episode has been scheduled and will feature Prof. Rachel Hyneman.

Check it out on Spotify! 

Link: The Physics Wildcast