Teaching Reform of an Analog Integrated Circuit Course Through University-Industry Collaboration and Project-Driven Learning: A Case Study of CMOS Analog Integrated Circuit Principles and Layout Design

Abstract

To address the growing demand for application-oriented engineering professionals in China’s integrated circuit sector, this paper explores a teaching reform approach for the course CMOS Analog Integrated Circuit Principles and Layout Design. Built around real industrial demands and hands-on engineering practice, the reform adopts a progressive modular structure. It begins with foundational knowledge of process technology and semiconductor devices, moves on to core circuit analysis, layout design, and standard EDA workflows, and concludes with industry-aligned integrated design projects. Four core principles guide the reform: university-industry collaboration, project-driven learning, digital empowerment, and continuous improvement. Accordingly, the course invites industry practitioners as guest mentors, designs project-based practical assignments, adopts a blended online-offline teaching model, builds virtual simulation labs, and implements formative assessment. Together, these changes help students move beyond rote knowledge memorization toward hands-on engineering practice and comprehensive problem-solving skills. Practical results show that the reform brings course content closer to real industrial requirements, improves students’ engineering mindset and professional identity, and diversifies teaching methods. The findings offer practical insights for teaching reforms in similar analog integrated circuit courses.