Optics

Optics, the study of the behavior and properties of light, is one class that you can't miss. In Optics, you learn both classical and modern theories/approaches. Optics is a one-semester course, so naturally you learn a lot in very little time; this means there is a fair amount of work to complete (but they're fun). Some memorable projects include applying what you learned in class to designing and engineering a kaleidoscope and optical camera. Optical science is relevant to many disciplines including electrical engineering and medicine. In the end, optics is a class that will last you a lifetime.

Students examine geometrical optics, physical (wave) optics, and instrumentation applications. Knowledge of basic calculus topics is necessary for understanding mathematical derivations.

Optics Unit Outline

Unit 1: Introduction to Light

• Properties of Light

• Colors in Light (and Pigment)

Unit 2: Reflection and Mirrors

• Proving the Law of Reflection

• Images in Planar Mirrors

• Images in Parabolic Mirrors

Unit 3: Refraction and Lenses

• Proving Snell's Law

• Total Internal Refraction

• Ray Tracing through Shapes

• Rainbows, Fogbows, etc.

• Deriving the Lensmaker's Equation

• Human Eye, Magnifying Lenses, Microscopes & Telescopes

Unit 4: Cameras

• Determining the Speed of Light

• SLR Cameras

• f-stop, ISO and Exposure Time

• Build a Camera