MSc in Microsystems Engineering
Location: Abu Dhabi
Microelectronic devices and circuits are the fundamental building blocks in the huge array of communication and information technologies that have changed our world, and that are enabling current and future transformations in energy, embedded systems, medical electronics and large scale systems.
In order to drive research, development and commercialization of future systems, engineers are needed that understand both the underlying semiconductor device and fabrication technology, and the application of these devices in the design of integrated circuits and systems. The mission of the Microsystems Engineering Program at Masdar Institute is to create a regional and global center of excellence for microelectronics that drives leading edge research and education both into existing and new directions. These range from state-of-the-art integrated circuit fabrication and foundry technology to novel device concepts, providing new capabilities, to circuits and systems bringing new functionality and capability for critical industrial and global needs including energy and medical technologies.
The Microsystems Engineering Program provides students with the fundamental knowledge, skills and training necessary for successful careers in industrial or academic roles that build upon and extend semiconductor device and integrated circuit technology. Graduates of the program will be well prepared to work collaboratively, conduct independent and multidisciplinary research, communicate effectively and recognize their role in solving global challenges through the development of new technologies and applications
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Microsystems Engineering Master of Science program, graduates are expected to attain the following outcomes:
- Successfully apply advanced concepts of fundamental sciences and engineering to identify, formulate and solve complex microsystems engineering problems.
- Successfully apply advanced concepts of microsystems engineering to the analysis, design and development of systems, components, or processes to meet desired needs of society professionally and ethically.
- Use an advanced approach to design and conduct experiments, and to analyze and interpret data.
- Be continuously aware of contemporary issues and research opportunities/challenges related to energy and sustainability and engage in life-long learning in the field and in the fundamentals of other related disciplines.
- Use advanced techniques, skills, and modern scientific and engineering software tools for professional practice.
- Communicate effectively in written and oral form, both, individually and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
Microsystems research at Masdar Institute explores semiconductor devices and fabrication technologies, and the creation of new electronic and photonic circuits and systems concepts. This will provide a means to meet the need for continued performance and manufacturing breakthroughs underlying communication and information systems. Research into devices and processes involves the design and analysis of novel structures for switching – extending the scaling of devices into the nanoscale, and the development of materials processing and fabrication integration approaches to bring these devices to commercial application, including the integration of photonic and electronic elements. Alternative devices for power conversion, communication, sensing, actuation and new functionalities will be explored. Research in circuits and systems entails investigating novel architectures for digital, analog and mixed signal processing of information, and for sensing and interacting with the human as well as physical environment. Key areas of circuit research involve alternative analog architectures, and ultralow-power digital circuits for embedded applications.
All students for all programs are required to take four program core courses. In addition, each student must complete the following:
- Three elective courses from any program with the approval of advisor
- One university core course – Sustainable Energy
- 24 credits of thesis work (3 for 1st year Fall; 3 for 1st year Spring; 6 for Summer; 6 for 2nd year Fall; 6 for 2nd year Spring)
- A relevant undergraduate degree - undergraduate degrees must be in the fields of science, engineering or information technology
- CGPA - The minimum required for consideration for admissions is 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
- GRE scores - The minimum score required on the GRE Quantitative is 700 (or 155 on the new scale). There is no cut-off score for the Verbal and Analytical but these scores are also important and evaluated. The GRE exam cannot be waived.
- TOEFL (or academic IELTS) - The minimum TOEFL score required is 91 (Internet based) on the international TOEFL. Equivalent paper/computer based TOEFL is also accepted. The TOEFL can only be waived for native English speakers. The minimum academic IELTS score required is 6.5.
- High grades and scores are a prerequisite but are no guarantee of admission. Admission standards are in accordance with those of MIT.
Last updated February 1, 2016