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227-0669-00L 4 Credits BSC , MSC , DR D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ITET , D-HEST , D-GESS , D-MATL

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Technology Design

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Maksym Yarema

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-07-21 00:36:42

Abstract

This course challenges students to design strategic roadmaps for key technologies on a country-scale. By bridging fundamental physical limits of materials and processes with high-level econopolicy frameworks, students develop actionable interdisciplinary solutions and gain the analytical skills required to lead global technological innovation.

Objective

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: • Analyze the state-of-the-art of key technologies through dual lenses: fundamental physical limits and macro-level econopolicy frameworks. • Design strategic, country-scale roadmaps for the future development and integration of these technologies within Switzerland and global markets. • Evaluate and utilize AI tools, demonstrating AI literacy and the responsible application of large language models (LLMs) for complex analytical tasks. This course challenges students to analyze pivotal technologies and engineer strategic roadmaps for their future on a national scale. Focusing on sectors critical to Switzerland's innovation ecosystem (such as microchips, pharma, robotics, renewable energy, fintech, AI, etc.), we will bridge the gap between two distinct technological dimensions: • The Physical Perspective: Materials, components, manufacturing processes, devices, and systems. • The Econopolicy Perspective: Value chains, logistics, environmental impact, and the geopolitics of international trade and scientific collaboration. Built on an iterative ideas-connections-extensions learning concept, the course is structured around three consecutive projects. Throughout the semester, students will actively utilize AI tools, learning how to responsibly leverage LLMs to enhance their research and foresight. Ultimately, participants will cultivate the interdisciplinary analytical skills, strategic thinking, and high-level communication required to lead modern technology design.

Content

The course workload consists of 3 hours of interactive classroom activities and 4-6 hours of independent or group project work per week. To drive project-based learning, classroom sessions will directly provide the matching content, tools, and instructions needed for the deliverables. • Group Projects: Teams will dissect a selected technology and propose a comprehensive development strategy spanning both dimensions. Students must connect the underlying physical innovations (from materials to systems) with the overarching econopolicy realities (including global supply chains and regulatory environments). Group projects will be evaluated via group presentations. • Individual Project: A deep-dive case study into a specific technology. Students will synthesize their learnings to provide a strategic, forward-looking roadmap tailored to the future of Switzerland. Individual projects will be evaluated via a templated roadmap document and a concise pitch presentation

Resources

Literature

Lecture notes will be made available on the website.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC , DR
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

The course grade will be composed from the two group projects during the semester (50% of the final grade) and an individual final project (50% of the final grade). Because the course is fundamentally driven by collaborative work and project-based learning, consistent attendance during classroom sessions is highly recommended, particularly for the success of the group deliverables.

Registration & Places

Max Places: 50

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Technology Design	No time listed	1 h weekly
exercise	Technology Design	No time listed	2 h weekly

Offered In

Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Bachelor
- Electives (This is only a small selection. Other courses from the ETH course catalogue may be chosen. Please consult the "Richtlinien zu Projekten, Praktika, Seminare" (German only), ).)
  - Engineering Electives
Materials Science Master
- Elective Courses (The students are free to choose individually from the entire course offer of ETH Zürich on the Master level. Please consult the study administration in case of questions.)
Biomedical Engineering Master
- Track Courses
  - Bioelectronics
    - Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Bioelectronics track. Please consult your track advisor if you wish to select other subjects.)
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- 01 - Courses of specializations
  - Track: Electronics and Photonics (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Electronics and Photonics", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Specialisation Courses (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Electronics and Photonics", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
Energy Science and Technology Master
- Electives (These courses are particularly recommended, other ETH-courses from the field of Energy Science and Technology at large may be chosen in accordance with your tutor.)
  - Electrical Power Engineering
Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
- Subject Specialisation
  - Advanced Manufacturing (MaP Doctoral School)
Science, Technology, and Policy Master
- Minor in Natural Sciences and Engineering
  - Energy and Mobility
Quantum Engineering Master
- Electives (This is a selection of courses particularly suitable for the MSc QE. In agreement with the tutor, students may choose other courses from the ETH course catalogue.)