Program Overview

---

Introduction to the Universitat Politčcnica de Catalunya

The Universitat Politčcnica de Catalunya (UPC) is a public university located in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It is one of the leading technical universities in Spain and is known for its strong programs in engineering, architecture, and science.

Degree in Optics and Optometry

The UPC offers a degree in Optics and Optometry, which is a unique program in the Catalan university system. This degree provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of visual health problems in the population. The program combines theoretical and practical training in optics and optometry, with a focus on the sanitary and technical aspects of the field.

General Information

• Duration: 4 academic years
• Credits: 240 ECTS (including the final degree project)
• Type of instruction: Presential
• Cut-off mark: 8.388
• Languages: The language of instruction is Catalan, but some subjects may be taught in Spanish or English.

Access

• New admission places: 90
• Pre-enrollment code: 31105
• Cut-off mark: 8.388
• PAU weighting: The weighting of the subjects in the PAU (University Access Exam) is as follows:
  • Mathematics: 0.2
  • Physics: 0.2
  • Chemistry: 0.1
  • Biology: 0.1
• Recognition of credits: Students who have completed a Higher Degree Cycle (CFGS) may be eligible for credit recognition.

Study Plan

The study plan for the Degree in Optics and Optometry is divided into eight quadrimesters, with a total of 240 ECTS credits.

First Quadrimester

• Anatomy and Histology of the Head (6 credits)
• Physics (6 credits)
• Mathematics for Optics and Optometry (6 credits)
• Geometric Optics (6 credits)
• Chemistry for Vision Sciences (6 credits)

Second Quadrimester

• Anatomy of the Visual System (6 credits)
• Photometry and Optical Instruments (6 credits)
• Optical Materials (6 credits)
• Physical Optics (6 credits)
• Visual Optics (6 credits)

Third Quadrimester

• Physiology and Biochemistry (6 credits)
• Fundamentals of Binocular Vision (6 credits)
• Optometric Instruments (6 credits)
• Ophthalmic Lenses (6 credits)
• Clinical Procedures in Optometry (6 credits)

Fourth Quadrimester

• Adaptation of Glasses (6 credits)
• Binocular Vision Disorders (6 credits)
• Statistics and Epidemiology (6 credits)
• Microbiology (6 credits)
• Psychology and Public Health (6 credits)

Fifth Quadrimester

• Basic Contactology (6 credits)
• Dispensing and Mounting of Glasses I (3 credits)
• Pediatric Optometry and Strabismus (6 credits)
• Pathology (6 credits)
• Visual Perception (6 credits)
• Advanced Clinical Procedures (3 credits)

Sixth Quadrimester

• Applied Contactology (6 credits)
• Clinical Contactology I (3 credits)
• Dispensing and Mounting of Glasses II (3 credits)
• Pharmacology (6 credits)
• Clinical Optometry I (9 credits)
• Geriatric Optometry and Low Vision (3 credits)

Seventh Quadrimester

• Clinical Contactology II (3 credits)
• Technical Management of Optical Establishments (3 credits)
• Clinical Optometry II (9 credits)
• Visual Therapies (3 credits)
• Visual Accessibility (3 credits)
• Refractive Surgery (3 credits)
• Professional Communication in the Health Field (3 credits)
• Visual Screening in Children (3 credits)
• Visual Ergonomics (3 credits)
• Photography (3 credits)
• Low Vision Management (3 credits)
• Microorganism-Contact Lens Interactions (3 credits)
• Introduction to Audiology (3 credits)
• Introduction to BioPhotonics (3 credits)
• Intraocular Lenses: Optical and Optometric Characterization (3 credits)
• Marketing in the Optical and Optometric Environment (3 credits)
• Digital Image Processing (3 credits)
• Surface Treatments in Contact and Ophthalmic Lenses (3 credits)
• Vision and Sports: Application of Eye-Tracking (3 credits)

Eighth Quadrimester

• External Practicum (18 credits)
• Final Degree Project (6 credits)

Professional Outcomes

The Degree in Optics and Optometry is a regulated profession in Spain. Graduates can work in various fields, including:

• Detection, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of visual health problems
• Adaptation of glasses and contact lenses
• Visual rehabilitation and advice on visual hygiene and ergonomics
• Measurement and clinical tests for surgical interventions
• Technical-sanitary optical establishments
• Health centers, primary care, and hospitals
• Ophthalmology centers and clinics
• Optical industry: commercial and management technician

Quality Seals

The UPC's Degree in Optics and Optometry has received several quality seals, including the European University Association's (EUA) quality label. The program is also accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science.

Academic Organization

The UPC's academic organization is based on a semester system, with two semesters per academic year. The university has a variety of services and facilities, including libraries, laboratories, and computer rooms.

Internationalization

The UPC has a strong commitment to internationalization, with partnerships with universities and institutions around the world. The university offers a range of international programs, including exchange programs, double degrees, and international master's programs.

Research

The UPC is a research-intensive university, with a strong focus on innovation and technology transfer. The university has a range of research centers and institutes, including the Center for Research in Optics and Optometry.

Conclusion

The Universitat Politčcnica de Catalunya's Degree in Optics and Optometry is a unique and comprehensive program that provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in the field. With its strong focus on theoretical and practical training, as well as its commitment to research and internationalization, the UPC's Degree in Optics and Optometry is an excellent choice for students looking to pursue a career in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.