Program Overview
Optical Sciences & Engineering (Optics Track)
Overview
Lenses, lasers, telescopes, cameras and communications are all part of optical engineering, which has applications ranging from medical imaging to space exploration. Optical engineers specialize in light manipulating systems. Students seeking the Bachelor of Science in Optical Sciences and Engineering take on advanced research initiatives for improved technology in solar energy, weather forecasting, data transfer and storage, medical diagnostics, electronic devices and space probes. They do practical design projects and work alongside faculty and professionals on augmented reality displays, smartphone microscopy, and the Giant Magellan Telescope, for example. The Women in Optics club and Student Optics Chapter provide undergraduates with professional development and networking opportunities outside the classroom.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will have a good understanding of the basic physics and mathematics underlying optical phenomena and optical systems.
- Students will be able to apply their understanding of physics and mathematics to solve technical and engineering problems, especially those related to optics.
- Students will be able to use optical components, optical and electronic instruments, and computers to perform experiments and do testing in an optics laboratory.
- Students will be able to work effectively in teams to solve engineering and design problems.
- Students will be able to design optical systems and related components as needed in their professional careers.
- Students will be able to effectively communicate with others both orally and in writing.
- Students will be able to understand their professional and ethical responsibilities as engineering or scientific professionals.
Program Details
Sample Courses
- OPTI 280: Computer Programming
- OPTI 370: Lasers and Photonics
- OPTI 415: Optical Specifications, Fabrication and Design
Career Fields
- Optical design
- Fiber-optic communications
- Space exploration
- Defense
- Medicine
Level of Math
Substantial Knowledge
This strand involves skill and facility with calculus. The S-strand begins at one of two calculus options - MATH 122A/B (Functions for Calculus and First-Semester Calculus) or MATH 125 (Calculus I). Students who successfully complete the S-strand may continue on to MATH 129 (Calculus II), MATH 223 (Vector Calculus), or beyond. Those who choose but are not ready to begin the S-strand will be required to take preparatory work.
Level of Second Language
None
Second language is not required.
Pre-major Required?
No
Additional Admissions Requirements
This major has additional admission criteria. Please see the College of Engineering website for more information.
This Major's College
College of Engineering
Degree
Bachelor of Science in Optical Sciences & Engr
Sample Plans
2025, Optical Sciences & Engineering (Optics Track)
- 4-Year Sample Plan
- Map Transfer Coursework
- Plan Ahead with a Transfer Pathway
First Year
- 1st Semester
- MATH 122A/B or MATH 125 Calculus I with Applications
- CHEM 151 General Chemistry I or CHEM 161/163
- ENGL 101 or 107 or 109H First-Year Composition
- ENGR 102A/B Introduction to Engineering or ENGR 102
- Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course)
- 2nd Semester
- MATH 129 Calculus II
- MSE 110 Solid State Chemistry
- PHYS 141 Introductory Mechanics or PHYS 161H
- ENGL 102 or 108 First-Year Composition
- GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
Second Year
- 3rd Semester
- OPTI 201R Geometrical & Instrumental Optics I (Fall Only)
- OPTI 201L Geometrical & Instrumental Optics Lab I (Fall Only)
- MATH 223 Vector Calculus
- PHYS 241 Introductory Electricity and Magnetism or PHYS 261H
- Technical Elective - See advisor for course approval
- GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
- 4th Semester
- OPTI 202R Geometrical and Instrumental Optics II (Spring Only)
- OPTI 202L Geometrical and Instrumental Optics Lab II (Spring Only)
- OPTI 210 Physical Optics I (Spring Only)
- OPTI 280 Computer Programming (Spring Only)
- MATH 254 Intro to Ordinary Differential Equations or MATH 355
- ECE 207 Elements of Electrical Engineering or ECE 220 Basic Circuits
- GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
Third Year
- 5th Semester
- OPTI 306 Radiometry, Sources and Detectors (Fall Only)
- OPTI 341 Semiconductor Physics & Lasers (Fall Only)
- OPTI 380A Intermediate Optics Laboratory I (Fall Only)
- MATH 322 Mathematical Analysis for Engineers
- Technical Elective - See major advisor for course approval
- GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
- 6th Semester
- OPTI 330 Physical Optics II (Spring Only)
- OPTI 340 Optical Design (Spring Only)
- OPTI 370 Laser and Photonics (Spring Only)
- OPTI 380B Intermediate Optics Laboratory II (Spring Only)
- Technical Elective ¿ See major advisor for course approval
- GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
Fourth Year
- 7th Semester
- ENGR 498A Cross-disciplinary Design (Fall Only) - Senior Status
- OPTI 421 Introductory Optomechanical Engineering (Fall Only)
- OPTI 430 Optical Communication Systems (Fall Only)
- OPTI 471A Advanced Optics Laboratory (Fall Only)
- Technical Elective - See major advisor for course approval
- GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
- 8th Semester
- ENGR 498B Cross-disciplinary Design (Spring Only) ¿ Senior Status
- OPTI 415 Optical Specifications, Fabrication and Testing (Spring Only)
- OPTI 471B Advanced Optics Laboratory (Spring Only)
- Technical Elective - See major advisor for course approval
- Technical Elective - See major advisor for course approval
- General Education Portfolio (Exit Course)
Program Outline
Careers:
- Optical design
- Fiber-optic communications
- Space exploration
- Defense
- Medicine
Other:
- Students seeking the Bachelor of Science in Optical Sciences and Engineering take on advanced research initiatives for improved technology in solar energy, weather forecasting, data transfer and storage, medical diagnostics, electronic devices and space probes.
- They do practical design projects and work alongside faculty and professionals on augmented reality displays, smartphone microscopy, and the Giant Magellan Telescope, for example.
- The Women in Optics club and Student Optics Chapter provide undergraduates with professional development and networking opportunities outside the classroom.
