South Devon College offers a range of distance learning courses designed to support the UK photonics and microelectronics sector.
These courses have been developed in partnership with the Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster and much of their development has been funded by Innovate UK as part of the PICPAC project. Businesses that have been explicitly involved in developing the course content include: Bay Photonics; Davies and Bell ; PandA Europe and Mecon Services.
All of these courses are distance learning courses that do not require lecturer support and you can complete them in your own time. Upon confirmation of payment and your student access to the College Virtual Learning Platform (Moodle), you will have access to the course content for three months.
Each course is divided into teaching sessions. The number of teaching sessions varies according to the length of the course (see information below). Learning content for each session includes: a teaching video (approximately 15-20 minutes) and accompanying handout and transcript. Upon completion of the course you will receive a certificate of completion.
There are four different routes to access these courses:
- Individual Student – Online
- Individual Student – Face to Face
- Industrial Package for Businesses – Online
- Industrial Package for Businesses – Face to Face
Courses available and in development:
Introduction to Microscopy
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Microscopy. This short introduction course informs you of the incredible history of Microscopy. How it has shaped the world we live in today in terms of Technological, Biological, Medical and Environmental Innovation. It describes how microscopes work and function. It also includes a beginner’s guide on how to use the most common Low Magnification and High Magnification Stereo Microscopes, that you will come across in most labs in industry.
Number of teaching video sessions | Cost for Individuals (Online) | Cost for Industrial Package (Online) | Course Delivery Time in Hours | Theory or Practical |
3 | £14.99 | £100.00 | 2 | Both |
Introduction to Photonics Systems
Learn about Photonics Devices and Systems – From Laser, Modulator and Receiver Device Physics, to a worldwide Optical Transport Network optimised with DWDM transmission. The learner will understand how the Telecomms Worldwide Systems function on a daily basis and the controls and regulations which govern it.
Number of teaching video sessions | Cost for Individuals (Online) | Cost for Industrial Package (Online) | Course Delivery Time in Hours | Theory or Practical |
17 | £400.00 | 2,000.00 | 14 | Theory |
Introduction to Microelectronics
Learn about the fascinating subject of how Micro Chips are fabricated as wafers. Learn all about these Front End process steps and controls, which enable these Semiconductor chips to be grown at a wafer level. Without Wafer FABs producing micro chips, the society we live in would be like living in Victorian times.
Number of teaching video sessions | Cost for Individuals (Online) | Cost for Industrial Package (Online) | Course Delivery Time in Hours | Theory or Practical |
5 | £200.00 | £1,000.00 | 7 | Theory |
Introduction to Opto and Photonic Semiconductor Packaging
So you have a Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC), now… how do you package it? This course will cover the fundamental considerations in terms of Mechanical, Electrical, Thermal and Optical challenges, which need to be addressed and designed into your packaging solution.
Number of teaching video sessions | Cost for Individuals (Online) | Cost for Industrial Package (Online) | Course Delivery Time in Hours | Theory or Practical |
4 | £300.00 | £750.00 | 4 | Theory |
Introduction to Motion Control
In a world where AI and machine learning is a hugely fast growing industry, why not learn more about the mechanics of the physical movements within a typical automated processing machine. The course covers XY Linear Stages, Hexapods and most importantly the closed loop encoder feedback mechanisms, necessary to control these stages and movements. This will insure the automated robotic systems perform the tasks it was designed to fulfil.
Number of teaching video sessions | Cost for Individuals (Online) | Cost for Industrial Package (Online) | Course Delivery Time in Hours | Theory or Practical |
3 | £14.99 | £100.00 | 2 | Theory |
Introduction to Vacuum Reflow Technology
High Reliability Device Packaging is key for Aerospace and Defence, Space, Sub Marine, Medical Implantable and Automotive Industries to name a few. These harsh environments demand the highest level of assembly quality and reliability where parts simply cannot fail. This course covers the high reliability process of void free die bonding and package lidding. It utilises the technology of Vacuum Reflow. This short intro course will explain more about the materials, equipment and processes involved to broaden your understanding and knowledge of this key technology.
Number of teaching video sessions | Cost for Individuals (Online) | Cost for Industrial Package (Online) | Course Delivery Time in Hours | Theory or Practical |
3 | £150.00 | £750.00 | 4 | Theory |
Introduction to Die Bonding – under development
Die Bonding is a key technology and process which is critical across all areas of Micro Electronics Assembly. From Photonics to Aerospace and Defence, Medical to RF, MEMS to Automotive and Transport. Die Bonding is everywhere! So a great skill to learn and understand.
Number of teaching video sessions | Cost for Individuals (Online) | Cost for Industrial Package (Online) | Course Delivery Time in Hours | Theory or Practical |
2 | £150.00 | £750.00 | 6 | Both |
Introduction to Wire Bonding
Wire Bonding is the next process step after Die Bonding and is another key skill required for successful micro electronics assembly processes, across all micro electronics industry sectors. So extremely useful and applicable to many fast growing high value industries.
Number of teaching video sessions | Cost for Individuals (Online) | Cost for Industrial Package (Online) | Course Delivery Time in Hours | Theory or Practical |
2 | £150.00 | £750.00 | 6 | Both |
Introduction to Statistical Process Control (SPC)
This introduction to SPC is designed to give the learner a taster of the quality control process and techniques of this key skill and analysis tool. Following on from this course, the learner may want to consider going for the industry recognised Green or Black Belt 6 Sigma SPC Qualifications.
Number of teaching video sessions | Cost for Individuals (Online) | Cost for Industrial Package (Online) | Course Delivery Time in Hours | Theory or Practical |
2 | £14.99 | £100.00 | 4 | Both |
Interested? Let us know
Please enter your details and select one course from the drop-down menu below. We’ll be in touch to let you know how to complete payment and when you can access the course.