About the degree program
As one of the strongest research universities for applied sciences in Germany, the HSZG is also a reliable partner for the semiconductor industry. Thanks to its proximity to Silicon Saxony with its many companies in the semiconductor technology sector in Saxony, the HSZG is part of a highly dynamic innovation area with supra-regional appeal.
Practical research and innovative solutions characterize this degree program for the jobs of the future in the chip industry. Your future employers have helped to develop this course. Not only will you learn about the digital future, but you will also come into contact with your employers at an early stage, with an attractive salary from the start of your studies after applying to a partner company.
Studying the digital future
Semiconductors form the foundation of modern technologies. From smartphones and electric vehicles to the energy transition - nothing works without powerful chips. The Bachelor's degree in Semiconductor Processes and Materials Chemistry prepares you specifically for this industry of the future. You will acquire in-depth knowledge about the structure of materials, understand manufacturing processes in cleanroom production and learn how to implement quality standards in the high-tech industry.
What you can expect during your studies
The course combines three key areas of expertise:
- Materials chemistry and materials: structure, bonding and surface properties of materials
- Semiconductor process technology: coating, structuring, etching processes and characterization methods
- Production and quality management: process control, sensor technology, data science and lean approaches
The degree course is aimed at anyone who combines an interest in science with a desire for technical design. You will actively contribute to the development of energy-efficient technologies and help shape the digital transformation. The close integration of theory and practice creates a solid basis for challenging activities in a dynamic environment.
Optional variant with KIAdirekt
What makes it special: This degree course is optionally available as a cooperative KIAdirekt course. This means you work in a company (the cooperation partner) and earn money. The KIAdirekt variant at our university is explained in more detail here.
Study details
The most important facts at a glance:
| Faculty: | Natural and Environmental Sciences |
| Location: | Zittau |
| Degree: | Bachelor of Science |
| Standard period of study: | 6 semesters |
| ECTS points: | 180 |
| Teaching language: | German and English |
| Enrolment for: | Winter semester |
| Application: 1.5. to 30.09. | Start of studies: October |
| Admission restriction: | open admission (without NC) Details |
| No pre-study internship | to the student advisory service |
| Accreditation status: | in preparation |
Course content
Detailed study plan
The course is divided into six semesters and leads you systematically from a scientific foundation to technical specialization. In the first two semesters, you will acquire a solid grounding in chemistry, physics, mathematics, electrical engineering and programming. Business management skills complement your technical profile.
From the third semester onwards, you will specialize in physical chemistry, spectroscopic methods and semiconductor technology. In the fourth and fifth semesters, the focus is on specialization modules:
- Materials chemistry and materials analysis
- Process control and sensor technology
- Quality management and quality assurance
- Data science and production and lean management
In the fifth semester, you will attend English-language specialist modules such as Organic and Polymeric Semiconductors or Semiconductor Physics. The semester project offers you the opportunity to work on a practical task together with partners from industry. In the sixth semester, you will gain comprehensive professional experience in the practical module and complete your studies with the Bachelor thesis.
For the KIAdirekt variant, practical phases are completed in the company during the lecture-free period.
- General and inorganic chemistry
- Structure and bonding
- Introduction to semiconductor processes
- Mathematics basics
- English for Natural Sciences
- Business administration
- Basics of Analytical Chemistry
- Basics of organic chemistry
- Mathematics for natural sciences
- Physics as the basis of natural and environmental sciences
- Fundamentals of programming
- Fundamentals of electrical engineering
- Fundamentals of physical chemistry
- Spectroscopic methods in organic chemistry
- Semiconductor technology
- Investment and financing
- Interdisciplinary skills (compulsory elective area)
Compulsory elective area I (1 module):
- Environmental, energy and climate protection law
- Business Informatics I
- Environmental Technology II - Chemical Material Separation
- Inorganic chemistry and materials chemistry
- Material and surface analysis
- Process control/sensor technology
- Quality management and quality assurance
- Data science
- Production and lean management
- Organic and Polymeric Semiconductors
- Advances in Semiconductor Sciences and Technology
- Semiconductor Physics
- Semester Project
The teaching language in the 5th semester is English.
- Practical module
- Final module (Bachelor thesis and defense)
Podcast episode on the degree program
Career opportunities
Talents for the semiconductor technology and chip industry
With the knowledge gained from this course, you will be ideally trained for the future in Silicon Saxony. Every third chip produced in Europe comes from Saxony. Over 650 companies, some of which operate internationally, are active in Silicon Saxony. The demand for skilled workers is enormous and your career opportunities are excellent.
Professional areas where you can get started
Process development
You optimize production steps such as coating, etching or lithography. You analyze parameter windows, increase yields and ensure stable production processes in the semiconductor industry.
Quality management
You plan test concepts and ensure quality standards in cleanroom production. You carry out series of measurements, evaluate results and accompany internal and external audits.
Material analysis
You characterize materials using methods such as spectroscopy, electron microscopy or atomic force microscopy. You interpret measurement data and support the development of new materials.
Yield Engineering
You analyze defects along the process chain and identify their causes. You derive corrective measures and contribute to the continuous improvement of production yield.
Plant engineering
You will commission production systems and optimize process recipes. You will train teams, support the introduction of new technologies and work closely with plant manufacturers.
Process control
You link sensor and measurement data to create intelligent control loops. You develop dashboards, automate processes and drive the digital transformation in production.
You might also be interested in the following degree programs
- Bachelor Mechatronics for Manufacturing
- Bachelor Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor Electrical Engineering dual
- Bachelor Molecular Biotechnology
- Bachelor Green Engineering
Not sure yet? If you have any questions, contact our student advisory service. We are at your side when it comes to choosing a course.
What our students say about our university
Your contact persons
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Our promise to you
Studying in the wild east?
Studying with us is different. Above all, better. Why? We have a family atmosphere. There are small study groups and the lecturers are always there for you. There is a close connection to practice in all degree courses. And finding affordable accommodation is no problem here.
There are many other reasons, such as university sports or the student representatives, clubs and societies. Campus life in Zittau and Görlitz, the wild east, is unique.