Course Title: Microelectronic Chip Technology in Daily Life
Course Code: GEST1019
Term: Spring 2026
Instructor: YAN ZHIYUAN
Objective
This course explores how microelectronic chips — the tiny "brains" inside
modern devices — shape our world. Designed for non-engineering students,
you’ll learn:
• How chips evolved from vacuum tubes to nanoscale silicon.
• Why they’re critical in smartphones, healthcare, AI, and global politics.
• How chip shortages or breakthroughs impact society.
No math/engineering background needed!
15 Core Topics
(Order/content may adjust slightly based on class interests)
1. Introduction: Chips Everywhere (Phones, Cars, Homes)
2. Chip History I: Vacuum Tubes → Semiconductors
3. Chip History II: Transistor Revolution
4. Chip History III: Birth of Integrated Circuits (ICs)
5. Moore’s Law: Driver of the Digital Age
6. Post-Moore Era: Chiplets, 3D & New Materials
7. MOSFETs: Silicon’s Secret Switch
8. Lithography: Printing Nanoscale Circuits
9. Chip Manufacturing: From Sand to Smartphone
10. Memory Chips: RAM, Flash & Data Storage
11. Healthcare Chips: Pacemakers, Diagnostics & Wearables
12. 5G/WiFi Chips: IoT, Smart Cities & Connectivity
13. Chip Giants: Intel, NVIDIA, ARM (USA/Europe)
14. Chip Giants: TSMC, Samsung, Geopolitics (Asia)
15. Optional: AI Chips (GPUs, Neuromorphic Computing)
Note: This framework keeps the syllabus clear, flexible, and focused on real-world relevance. Adjust percentages/descriptions as needed!
- Teacher: zyyan, Yan Zhiyuan