ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE OF PHYSICS MODULES FOR SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERS

Abstract

The profound shift of the global semiconductor supply chain is creating strategic opportunities while posing monumental challenges for the higher education system regarding workforce quality. To establish a well-prepared preparation pathway, this paper analyzes the role and current status of physics education in undergraduate semiconductor engineering programs in Vietnam. Through a broad comparative lens, based on a survey of domestic and international training materials and programs, the research identifies a mismatch between the current physics content and the practical requirements of the semiconductor industry. The intrinsic nature of this high-tech sector demands deep theoretical foundations because physics not only provides scientific foundation but also fosters analytical thinking, simulation skills, and technological problem-solving abilities. Addressing the gap between existing curricular structures and the demands of the advanced labor market, based on these findings, the paper proposes several improvement solutions: increasing the total numbers of physics credits to 14–16 credits, enhancing practical and simulation-based learning, integrating physics with semiconductor technologies, and adopting competency-based teaching approaches. Concluding the analytical discourse, these recommendations aim to enhance training quality and enable semiconductor engineers to adapt to technological innovation and global integration, making a practical contribution to building core competitive advantages for the national semiconductor industry.