The field of semiconductor technology spans a vast spectrum, encompassing materials, devices, processing technology, integrated circuits, and systems. All academic units on the NTU campus engaged in semiconductor research and teaching have been devoted to innovative and comprehensive approaches to talent cultivation and advanced research.
The NTU College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) is a thriving academic hub for electronics and semiconductors, boasting over 3,500 students and 200 professors. EECS excels in research of next-gen semiconductor materials and devices technology, innovation in integrated circuits and systems, and electronic design automation. EECS stands out with its exceptional publications at top international semiconductor conferences and prestigious awards received, including the IEDM 2021 Best Student Paper Award, ISSCC 2020 Takuo Sugano Award for Outstanding Far-East Paper, 2017 Silkroad Award, and DAC 2017 Best Paper Award. EECS also prioritizes excellence in teaching and offers diverse courses seamlessly by blending theory and the practice of semiconductor technologies, including Computer-Aided VLSI System Design, Integrated Circuit Technology, Semiconductor Engineering, Physical Design for Nanometer ICS, Physics of Semiconductor Device, and Integrated Circuit Design, among others. Students have the privilege of learning in state-of-the-art research environments, participating in cutting-edge research projects, and collaborating with professors and peers to tackle grand challenges. Such learning platform not only equips students with a solid theoretical foundation but also nurtures innovative thinking and practical skills through hands-on experience.
In 2021, NTU further established the Graduate School of Advanced Technology (GSAT) to keep pace with the rapid evolution of semiconductor technology and the strong talent demands in the industry. In this endeavor, the government and industry collaborate in a joint venture aimed at advancing critical fields in Taiwan and increasing the capacity for talent cultivation. GSAT integrates semiconductor-relevant faculty members over NTU colleges, including EECS, College of Engineering, and College of Science, to cover four major programs: Integrated Circuit Design and Automation; Semiconductor Devices, Materials, and Hetero-Integration; Nanoengineering and Nanoscience; and Precision Health and Intelligent Medicine. In terms of enrollment, GSAT's Ph.D. program witnessed a remarkable 69.57% of NTU students choosing to continue their Ph.D. studies at NTU for the 2022-2023 academic year, underscoring the strong appeal of GSAT's field expertise and instructional quality. GSAT places a strong emphasis on internationalization by expanding English course offerings and actively recruiting international students. In the 2023-2024 academic year, international students account for 10% of the total GSAT students, representing diverse countries, including India, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania.
GSAT actively collaborates with leading semiconductor industry experts, such as MediaTek, TSMC, Intel, Realtek, etc., to jointly develop new courses covering modern industry practices in wafer fabrication processes, automotive electronics, and state-of-the-art semiconductor industry operations, among others. These specialized courses feature first-hand sharing of invaluable practical experiences from industry experts, instilling in students a keen awareness of the latest industry trends and future technologies, and expanding their horizons and outlooks. These courses also engage students in practical case analyses and modularized research projects, giving them opportunities to address daily challenges faced by the industry, apply knowledge in practical contexts, and develop the ability for introspection and problem-solving. These practical courses showcase GSAT's strength in effectively connecting with the industry and offering diverse collaborative resources, with the aim of enhancing students’ professional competitiveness and positioning themselves as industry frontrunners in the dynamic semiconductor landscape.
Professor Guang-Lei Yang, former Senior Director of TSMC's R&D department, shares his wealth of practical experience, imparting industry knowledge and real-world skills to students, deepening their expertise in the field.
Internationally renowned expert, Professor Behzad Razavi from UCLA, delivers a lecture at GSAT, facilitating the exchange of wisdom and experience between academia and industry to foster innovation in academic research and advance industry technology.