POSTGRADUATE
PROGRAMS
PROGRAMS
Postgraduate Programs 2024/25
Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy Programs in Microelectronics
Award Title
Master of Philosophy in Microelectronics
Doctor of Philosophy in Microelectronics
Program Short Name
MPhil(MICS)
PhD(MICS)
Mode of Study
Both full- and part-time
Normative Program Duration
MPhil
Full-time: 2 years
Part-time: 4 years
PhD
Full-time: 3 years (with a relevant research master’s degree), 4 years (without a relevant research master’s degree)
Part-time: 6 years
Offering Unit
Microelectronics Thrust Area
Function Hub
Program Advisor
Program Director:
Prof Jiang XU, Professor of Microelectronics
Enquiry
Microelectronics is a cornerstone of the Information Age. It is concerned with studies in integrated electronic/photonic circuits, system architectures, and design automation. It integrates novel electronic and photonic devices into circuits; architects computing, networking, and sensing systems; and automates their design and optimization.
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Programs in Microelectronics aim to provide rigorous training in the fundamental theories, key technologies, and industrial practices of microelectronics. Students will be trained to investigate novel electronic and photonic devices for analog and digital circuits; explore advanced architecture for post-Moore's Law computing, networking, and sensing systems; and create intelligent design automation tools and methodologies. The programs will also offer modern pedagogical training to prepare research students with specialized and transferrable skills in post-Moore's Law integrated circuits and systems that serve the industries.
A candidate for an MPhil degree is expected to demonstrate knowledge in microelectronics research, synthesize and create new knowledge, and contribute to microelectronics technologies.
A candidate for a PhD degree is expected to demonstrate mastery of knowledge in microelectronics research and to synthesize and create new knowledge, making an original and substantial contribution to microelectronics technologies.
On successful completion of the MPhil program, graduates will be able to:
- Identify engineering significances in microelectronics;
- Engage critical thinking skills that are essential for microelectronics research;
- Advance technologies in microelectronics; and
- Demonstrate effective communication skills.
On successful completion of the PhD program, graduates will be able to:
- Identify scientific and engineering significances in microelectronics;
- Engage critical thinking skills that are essential for microelectronics research;
- Apply systematic research methodologies to advance theories, create methodologies, or innovate technologies in microelectronics; and
- Demonstrate effective communication skills in reporting scientific findings.
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Minimum Credit Requirement
MPhil: 15 credits
PhD: 21 credits -
Credit Transfer
Students who have taken equivalent courses at HKUST(GZ) or other recognized universities may be granted credit transfer on a case-by-case basis, up to a maximum of 3 credits for MPhil students, and 6 credits for PhD students.
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Cross-disciplinary Core Courses
2 credits
UCMP 6010
Cross-disciplinary Research Methods I
2 Credit(s)
Description
This course focuses on using various approaches to perform quantitative analysis through real-world examples. Students will learn how to use different tools in an interdisciplinary project and how to acquire new skills on their own. The course offers different modules that are multidisciplinary/multifunctional and generally applicable to a wide class of problems.
UCMP 6020
Cross-disciplinary Research Methods II
2 Credit(s)
Description
This course focuses on using various approaches to perform quantitative analysis through real-world examples. Students will learn how to use different tools in an interdisciplinary project and how to acquire new skills on their own. The course offers different modules that are multidisciplinary/multifunctional and generally applicable to a wide class of problems.
UCMP 6030
Cross-disciplinary Design Thinking I
2 Credit(s)
Description
This course focuses on user-collaborative design methods for generating inclusive product solutions that integrate stakeholder and product functionality perspectives. Students will create specified product/process/policy/protocol/plan (5P) concept models through the use of recursive user feedback engagement methods, experimental prototyping, and divergent and convergent ideation strategies. Featured topics include design thinking; stakeholder research; concept development, screening, and selection; and interaction design.
UCMP 6040
Cross-disciplinary Design Thinking II
2 Credit(s)
Description
This course focuses on user-collaborative design methods for generating inclusive product solutions that integrate stakeholder and product functionality perspectives. Students will create specified product/process/policy/protocol/plan (5P) concept models through the use of recursive user feedback engagement methods, experimental prototyping, and divergent and convergent ideation strategies. Featured topics include design thinking; stakeholder research; concept development, screening, and selection; and interaction design.
UCMP 6050
Project-driven Collaborative Design Thinking
2 Credit(s)
All MPhil students are required to complete UCMP 6050. All PhD students are required to complete either UCMP 6010 or UCMP 6030. Students may complete the remaining courses as part of the credit requirements, as requested by the Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee.
PhD students who are HKUST(GZ) MPhil graduates and have completed UCMP 6010, UCMP 6030 or UCMP 6050 before may be exempted from this requirement, subject to prior approval of the Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee.
- Hub Core Courses
4 Credits
Students are required to complete at least one Hub core course (2 credits) from the Function Hub and at least one Hub core course (2 credits) from other Hubs.
Function Hub Core Course
FUNH 5000
Introduction to Function Hub for Sustainable Future
2 Credit(s)
Description
This course covers background knowledge in the thrust areas of the Function Hub, including Advanced Materials, Sustainable Energy and Environment, Microelectronics, and Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences.
Other Hub Core Courses
INFH 5000
Information Science and Technology: Essentials and Trends
2 Credit(s)
Description
This inquiry-based course aims to introduce students to the concepts and skills needed to drive digital transformation in the information age. Students will learn to conduct research, explore real-world applications, and discuss grand challenges in the four thrust areas of the Information hub, namely Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Analytics, Internet of Things, and Computational Media and Arts. The course incorporates various teaching and learning formats including lectures, seminars, online courses, group discussions, and a term project.
SOCH 5000
Technological Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship
2 Credit(s)
Description
This course discusses both opportunities and risks that technological breakthrough has brought to the human society. What would be the policy responses required to maximize its positive benefit and minimize its social costs? In particular, how could we utilize the technological advancement, entrepreneurial thinking to address the challenges our societies are facing, such as job loss/unemployment, income inequality and societal polarization, environmental degradation, health disparity, population aging, and among others. The course uses either case studies or cross-country and time-series data analyses to facilitate the discussion of various social issues and look for innovative solutions of in the real world.
SYSH 5000
Model-Based Systems Engineering
2 Credit(s)
Description
Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is a contemporary systems engineering methodology that uses conceptual models for communication between system architects, designers, developers, and stakeholders. Object-Process Methodology (OPM) is an MBSE language and methodology for constructing domain-independent conceptual models of all kinds of systems. The course provides students with basic knowledge and tools for MBSE, focusing on conceptual modeling of systems, giving learners a competitive advantage over their peers.
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Courses on Domain Knowledge
MPhil: minimum 9 credits of coursework
PhD: minimum 15 credits of coursework
Under this requirement, each student is required to take elective courses to form an individualized curriculum relevant to the cross-disciplinary thesis research. To ensure that students will take appropriate courses to equip them with needed domain knowledge, each student has a Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee to approve the courses to be taken soonest after program commencement and no later than the end of the first year. Depending on the approved curriculum, individual students may be required to complete additional credits beyond the minimal credit requirements.
Sample Course List
To meet individual needs, students will be taking courses in different areas, which may include but not limited to courses and areas listed below.
MICS 5110
Fundamentals of Optics and Photonics
3 Credit(s)
Description
This course is about fundamentals in optics and photonics. The “Optics” part includes ray optics, electromagnetic optics, plasmonics, coherence and polarization of light, etc. The “Photonics” part includes the science behind light generation (e.g. laser), manipulation (e.g. based on nonlinear optics) and photodetection (e.g. PN junction diodes).
MICS 5410
CMOS Analog Integrated Circuits Design
3 Credit(s)
Description
This course guides the students through the fundamentals of analog integrated circuits design in CMOS technologies. Knowledge in analog design is essential for further research and study in the IC design tracks. This course will cover the operation of MOSFETs, basic concepts of analog circuits design, the implementation of basic analog circuits from MOSFETs, and the realization of more complex CMOS circuits using basic analog building blocks.
MICS 5510
Formal Methods and Testing for Electronic System Verification
3 Credit(s)
Description
The course will discuss the application of automated reasoning techniques in the verification of software and hardware components in electronic systems. This course will cover basic knowledge of logic, satisfiability solvers, model checking and their applications. This course also includes topics on circuit testing, for example, automatic test pattern generation and design for testing.
MICS 5520
Physical Design Automation of Digital Systems
3 Credit(s)
Description
This course introduces the foundations of modern VLSI electronic design automation (EDA), with a focus on optimization and algorithm foundations for VLSI physical design problems. We will introduce partitioning, floor planning, placement, routing, manufacturability optimization, and mask optimization. We will see a set of concrete applications of various conventional optimization techniques in VLSI design, e.g., graph theory, convex programming, numerical optimization, etc.
MICS 5910
Embedded System Design
3 Credit(s)
Description
This course introduces the basic concepts of embedded system design. It covers the modeling and specification, hardware/software co-design, architectures, real-time operating systems, compression, compilation, and design space exploration. It will also cover other topics, such as security, verification, and validation. The goal of this course is to help students develop a comprehensive understanding of the technologies behind the embedded systems design.
MICS 6000
Special Topics in Microelectronics
1-4 Credit(s)
Description
The course covers special topics for graduate studies in different areas. The topics will be updated frequently to reflect latest interests and research development. May be graded by letter, P/F or PP for different offerings.
- Additional Foundation Courses
Individual students may be required to take foundation courses to strengthen their academic background and research capacity in related areas, which will be specified by the Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee. The credits earned cannot be counted toward the credit requirements.
- Graduate Teaching Assistant Training
PDEV 6800
Introduction to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
0 Credit(s)
Description
The course is designed to strengthen students’ competence in teaching. It comprises 2 parts: Part 1 aims to equip all full-time research postgraduate (RPg) students with basic teaching skills before assuming teaching assistant duties for the department. Good teaching skills can be acquired through learning and practice. This 10-hour mandatory training course provides all graduate teaching assistants (GTA) with the necessary theoretical knowledge with practical opportunities to apply and build up their knowledge, skills and confidence in taking up their teaching duties. At the end of the course, GTAs should be able to (1) facilitate teaching in tutorials and laboratory settings; (2) provide meaningful feedback to their students; and (3) design an active learning environment to engage their students. In Part 2, students are required to perform instructional delivery assigned by their respective departments to complete this course. MPhil students are required to give at least one 30-minute session of instructional delivery in front of a group of students for one term. PhD students are required to give at least one such session each in two different terms. Graded PP, P or F.
All full-time RPg students are required to complete PDEV 6800. The course is composed of a 10-hour training offered by the Institute of Educational Innovation and Practice (IEIP), and session(s) of instructional delivery to be assigned by the respective Thrusts/Base. Upon satisfactory completion of the training conducted by IEIP, MPhil students are required to give at least one 30-minute session of instructional delivery in front of a group of students for one term. PhD students are required to give at least one such session each in two different terms. The instructional delivery will be formally assessed.
- Professional Development Course Requirement
PDEV 6770
Professional Development for Research Postgraduate Students
1 Credit(s)
Description
This course aims at equipping research postgraduate students with transferrable skills conducive to their professional development. Students are required to attend 3 hours of mandatory training on Professional Conduct, and complete 12 hours of workshops, at their own choice, under the themes of Communication Skills, Research Competency, Entrepreneurship, Self‐Management, and Career Development. Graded PP, P or F.
Students are required to complete PDEV 6770. The 1 credit earned from PDEV 6770 cannot be counted toward the credit requirements.
PhD students who are HKUST MPhil graduates and have completed PDEV 6770 or other professional development courses offered by the University before may be exempted from taking PDEV 6770, subject to prior approval of the Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee.
FUNH 6770
Professional Development for Function Hub
1 Credit(s)
Description
This course aims at providing research postgraduate students basic training in scientific ethics in research studies in advanced materials, sustainable energy and environment, earth, ocean and atmospheric sciences and microelectronics, research management, professional career development, and related professional skills. Guest speakers from various professional areas will be invited to share their career paths in professional career developments. Students will have chances to connect to talents in various professional areas. Graded PP, P or F.
Students are required to complete FUNH 6770. The 1 credit earned from FUNH 6770 cannot be counted toward the credit requirements.
PhD students who are HKUST MPhil graduates and have completed FUNH 6770 or other similar professional development courses offered by the University before may be exempted from taking FUNH 6770, subject to prior approval of the Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee.
- English Language Requirement
LANG 5000
Foundation in Listening & Speaking for Postgraduate Students
1 Credit(s)
Description
For students whose level of spoken English is lower than ELPA Level 4 (Speaking) when they enter the University. The course addresses the immediate linguistic needs of research postgraduate students for oral communication on campus using English. To complete the course, students are required to attain at least ELPA Level 4 (Speaking). Graded P or F.
Full-time RPg students are required to take an English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) Speaking Test administered by the Division of Language Education before the start of their first term of study. Students whose ELPA Speaking Test score is below Level 4, or who failed to take the test in their first term of study, are required to take LANG 5000 until they pass the course by attaining at least Level 4 in the ELPA Speaking Test before graduation. The 1 credit earned from LANG 5000 cannot be counted toward the credit requirements.
PLED 5001
Communicating Research in English
1 Credit(s)
Students are required to take PLED 5001. The credit earned cannot be counted toward the credit requirements. Students can be exempted from taking this course with the approval of the Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee.
- Postgraduate Seminar
FUNH 6800
Function Hub Seminar
0 Credit(s)
Description
Seminar topics presented by students, faculty and guest speakers. Students are expected to attend regularly and demonstrate proficiency in presentation in accordance with the program requirements. Graded P or F.
MPhil:
- Full-time students must take and pass FUNH 6800 in at least two terms.
PhD:
- Full-time students must take and pass FUNH 6800 in at least four terms.
- PhD Qualifying Examination
PhD students are required to pass a qualifying examination to obtain PhD candidacy following established policy.
- Thesis Research
MICS 6990
MPhil Thesis Research
0 Credit(s)
Description
Master's thesis research supervised by co-advisors from different disciplines. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.
MICS 7990
Doctoral Thesis Research
0 Credit(s)
Description
Original and independent doctoral thesis research supervised by co-advisors from different disciplines. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.
MPhil:
- Registration in MICS 6990; and
- Presentation and oral defense of the MPhil thesis.
PhD:
- Registration in MICS 7990; and
- Presentation and oral defense of the PhD thesis.
Last Update: 20 July 2023
To qualify for admission, applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Admission is selective and meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
1. General Admission Requirements of the University
Please refer to Admission Requirements.
2. English Language Admission Requirements
Please refer to Admission Requirements.
Application Fee
RMB150
* All international students are required to obtain a student visa (X visa) for studying in China’s mainland. For details on student visa (X visa) requirements, please click here.
