Program Overview

Optics and Photonics Module

The Optics and Photonics module, coded as PH31017, is a comprehensive course that delves into the science of light and its applications in lasers, sensors, and optical systems. This module is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of wave theory, photonics, and practical optical design.

Module Details

• Credits: 15
• Module Code: PH31017
• Level: 3
• Semester: Semester 1
• School: School of Science and Engineering
• Discipline: Physics

What You Will Learn

In this module, students will explore the nature of light as a wave, a ray, and a photon. Key topics include:

• Describing optical systems using matrix methods
• Studying polarization, interference, and diffraction
• Understanding how fiber optics guide light and how lasers generate beams
• Examining real-world photonic systems like sensors and optical communications

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

• Analyze and design simple optical systems
• Solve problems involving polarized light, diffraction, and interference
• Describe how lasers work and how light is used in technology
• Apply key optical principles to real engineering and physics problems

Assignments / Assessment

The assessment for this module consists of:

• Coursework (20%)
• Final written exam, two hours (80%)

Teaching Methods / Timetable

Teaching methods include lectures, in-depth discussions, and demonstrations of key optical ideas, along with on-campus workshops for practical problem-solving. These workshops cover example problems and real-world scenarios to provide a comprehensive learning experience.

Courses

This module is available on the following undergraduate courses:

• Physics MSci (Hons)
• Physics BSc (Hons)
• Physics with Renewable Energy Science BSc (Hons)
• Physics with Renewable Energy Science MSci (Hons)