A new Microelectronic Engineering degree curriculum in KUKUM

Abstract

This paper presents the development and implementation of a new curriculum at the Kolej Universiti Kejuruteraan Utara Malaysia (KUKUM). The curriculum is specifically developed for the Bachelor of Engineering Degree program in Microelectronic Engineering. The curriculum incorporates general electronics courses with specialized tracks on microelectronic design, fabrication and testing. Every technical course is divided into a lecture and lab component, depicting a relatively new concept of practical-oriented education, with the ratio of theoretical-based meeting hours to practical-based meeting hours of 4:6. This approach requires the setting up of complete microelectronic labs inclusive of a 'teaching-fab' facility. Continuous collaborations with the industry using ‘smart-partnership’ concept is regarded as a very important element in the implementation of this program. In addition, this program is very unique as it focuses more on industrial exposure, through the direct involvement of a private company, namely Silterra Malaysia Sdn Bhd. The program is currently running with the enrolment of 120 students comprising of the university's first intake and the second batch intake.