Theory classes: explanation by the instructor of the fundamental concepts of each topic. Some concepts will be introduced through the resolution of specific case studies.

Problem-solving sessions: resolution and discussion by the instructor of selected exercises and problems provided to students.

Practical classes: laboratory sessions carried out in a specialized lab. Some practical activities will follow a specific script and will require solutions based on mathematical calculations or using simulation tools.

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

The course assessment will consist of three distinct components:

a) Two written exams will be mandatory, covering the concepts taught in theory and problem-solving sessions (each partial exam accounting for 25%). To average the two partial exams, a minimum grade of 3.5 is required in each. At the end of the course, a final exam will be offered to allow students to pass or improve their grade. To take this final exam, students must have sat both partial exams. Failure to attend both will result in a “Not assessable” grade. A minimum grade of 4.5 in this component is required to be averaged with parts b) and c).

b) A design project on a micro/nanosystem will be assigned, to be completed in groups and presented as a poster and oral presentation at the end of the course. This component accounts for 30%. Mandatory and non-recoverable.

c) Laboratory sessions are mandatory and account for 20% of the final grade. Assessment will be based on a written report detailing experimental results, with special emphasis on interpretation and discussion in comparison with theoretical and/or simulated results. Mandatory and non-recoverable.

To obtain an Honors distinction (awarded to up to 5% of enrolled students), it is required to achieve grades above 9 in all components and a final average above 9.3.

Use of AI:

For this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is permitted exclusively for support tasks, such as literature or information search, text correction, translation, and assistance in the writing and presentation of assignments. Students must clearly identify which parts have been generated using this technology, specify the tools used, and include a critical reflection on how these have influenced the process and the final outcome of the activity. Lack of transparency in the use of AI in assessed activities will be considered a breach of academic integrity and may result in partial or full penalties in the grade.

The commission of any irregularity in an assessment activity (academic fraud, plagiarism, or improper use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), unless such use is expressly authorized in the course guide) that may lead to a significant alteration of the assessment result will result in that assessment activity being graded with a 0 (zero). If the course guide establishes that obtaining a minimum grade in that assessment activity is an essential requirement to pass the course, or if multiple irregularities occur in the assessment activities of the same course, the final grade for the course will be 0 (zero). Furthermore, disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against any student who engages in any of these irregularities.

Single assessment:

Students who opt for single assessment must complete a final exam covering all theoretical and problem-solving content of the course. They must also submit reports for all laboratory sessions and the design project.

This exam will take place on the same day as the second partial exam of continuous assessment students. The final grade will be calculated as:

Final grade = 50% final exam + 30% laboratory + 20% design project.

If the final grade is below 5, students will have a second opportunity through the resit exam scheduled by the program coordination. In this case, up to 50% corresponding to the theory and problem-solving component may be recovered. The laboratory and design project components are not recoverable.