Design and Test for Integrated Circuits Chemnitz University of Technology

Courses are held in English (100%).

This English-taught Master's course of study provides a forward-thinking education in the areas of designing, manufacturing, and testing integrated circuits. The initial theory courses serve as the groundwork for the more practice-oriented modules later on. All courses are conducted by researchers actively engaged in the field.

The foundational knowledge is provided by the general compulsory modules, which include Design of Digital Systems, Design of Heterogeneous Systems, Test of Digital and Mixed-Signal Circuits, Elements of Integrated Circuits, Technologies for Micro and Nano Systems, Integrated Circuit Design – Transistor Level, and Reliability of Micro and Nano Systems.

Building upon these compulsory subjects, the programme offers various opportunities for further specialisation in the areas of Test and Reliability, Design and Technology, and Application of Integrated Circuits. Practice-oriented modules are offered so that students can apply the acquired knowledge in practical settings.

The study programme is completed with the Master's thesis in the final semester.

• 15 July for the following winter semester
• 15 January for the following summer semester

Compulsory subjects – 37 CP:

• Design of Digital Systems (semester 1, lecture/seminar/lab)
• Design of Heterogeneous Systems (semester 2, lecture/seminar/lab)
• Test of Digital and Mixed-Signal Circuits (semester 1, lecture/seminar)
• Elements of Integrated Circuits (semester 1, seminar/lab)
• Technologies for Micro and Nano Systems (semesters 1 & 2, lecture/seminar)
• Integrated Circuit Design – Transistor Level (semester 2, lecture/seminar/lab)
• Reliability of Micro and Nano Systems (semesters 1 & 2, lecture/seminar)

Elective subjects:
Students have to pass subjects from the following catalogue in order to earn 53 CP:

Field of Test and Reliability

• Modern Microscopies (semester 2, lecture/seminar) – 5 CP
• Verification of Digital Systems (semester 2, seminar/lab) – 5 CP
• Numerical Methods for Materials and Reliability of Micro and Nano Systems (semester 2, lecture/seminar) – 5 CP
• Failure Analytical Methods for Micro and Nano Systems (semester 3, lecture/lab) – 5 CP
• Smart Sensor Systems (semester 1, lecture/seminar/lab) – 6 CP

Field of Design and Technology

• Semiconductor Physics – Nano Structures (semester 2, lecture/seminar) – 5 CP
• Advanced Integrated Circuit Technology (semester 2, lecture/seminar) – 5 CP
• Microsystems Design (semester 3, lecture/seminar/lab) – 6 CP
• Micro and Nano Devices (semester 1, lecture/seminar/lab) – 6 CP
• Flexible Electronics (semester 2, lecture/seminar) – 5 CP

Field of Application of Integrated Circuits

• Digital Components and Architectures for Data Processing (semester 1, lecture/seminar) – 5 CP
• Multisensorial Systems (semesters 1 & 2, lecture/lab) – 5 CP
• Digital Signal Processing 1 (semester 3, lecture/seminar) – 5 CP
• Programming and Data Analysis (semester 2, lecture/seminar) – 5 CP

Practice-oriented modules
(at least one module must be chosen)

• Research internship – 30 CP
• Research project (at the university) – 10 CP
• Applied Circuit Design and Testing (semester 3, seminar/lab) – 8 CP
• Layout of ICs and PCBs (semester 2, seminar/lab) – 7 CP

Comprehensive modules

• Optimisation in Applications (semester 3, lecture/seminar) – 6 CP
• Advanced Methods for Integrated Circuits (seminar 3, seminar/excursion) – 5 CP

Master's thesis
(compulsory, final semester) – 30 CP

No tuition fees

All students have to pay a semester contribution of approx. 330 EUR. This fee also covers the semester ticket, which permits you to use buses and trams in Chemnitz as well as regional trains throughout Germany during the semester. International students will receive the bank account details after admission, with which they can transfer the semester contribution. However, the fee can also be paid after arrival in Chemnitz (by German bank card or transfer).

Approx. 970 EUR per month to cover personal expenses

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology ("Bachelorstudiengang Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik") from Chemnitz University of Technology
• Equivalent degree (individual decision made by the board of examiners)

English:

• IELTS 5.5
• TOEFL iBT (Internet-based test): 72 points
• TOEFL ITP Level 1: 543 points
• Cambridge Preliminary English Test + Result Distinction (PET)
• Cambridge First Certificate in English: Grade B or C (FCE)
• Cambridge English: Business Vantage (BEC Vantage), Legal (ILEC), Financial (ICFE)
• Cambridge IGCSE: 1st or 2nd Language with B2
• Pearson PTE Academic: 59 points
• TOEIC: Listening and Reading Test 785 points, Speaking Test 160 points, Writing Test 150 points
• telc B2 certificate
• UNIcert II
• Completed degree in English Studies or American Studies
• Completed degree with English as the language of instruction
• Proof of professional qualification as state examined interpreter/translator

Applicants from countries with English as official/educational or native language are not required to submit proof of English language proficiency within their application.

German (according to the general rules for enrolment at the university):

• A1 (Goethe, telc, or ÖSD) to be provided with the application
• A2 (CEFR) to be provided by the end of the third semester

(Only) for doing the Research Internship elective module: German Level B2

(CEFR: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

• 15 July for the following winter semester
• 15 January for the following summer semester

Incoming students can apply for different funding opportunities via the International Office of Chemnitz University of Technology: https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/international/incoming/stipendien/index.php.en

Students can find offers for part-time jobs, work placements etc. on the job portal offered by the Career Service of Chemnitz University of Technology: https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/career-service/jobboerse/

The "Studentenwerk" Chemnitz-Zwickau runs several student residences. International students can apply for a single room in one of the residences. The prices depend on the size and furnishings of the room and vary between 270 EUR and 350 EUR: https://www.swcz.de/en/student-housing/our-halls-of-residence/

The Career Service of Chemnitz University of Technology supports students during their studies as well as graduates entering their professional life. The Career Service provides a platform for companies and institutions to present themselves: https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/career-service/index.php.en