Teaching electronic materials science to electrical engineering majors

Do electrical engineers need to know about band theory and reciprocal space? Or do they just need to learn some equations for semiconductor statistics? At San Jose State University, USA, the electrical engineering curriculum has replaced a required lower division engineering materials course with an upper division lecture/lab course on the electrical, optical and magnetic properties of solids. The course is also required for Materials Engineering majors and is open to other majors as an elective. A "studio" mode is utilized, including cooperative and active learning activities in both the lecture and the lab to promote student learning of difficult concepts as well as critical thinking skills. Laboratory activities include experiments such as measuring the bandgap of a semiconductor using optical absorption as well as cooperative problem-solving workshops. The difficulty of choosing an appropriate textbook is addressed. The course was developed as part of the NSF Leadership in Laboratory Development Grant, "Cooking without Recipes". This paper discusses student feedback from the course and observations on the teaching/learning methodology.