Taught by: Loo Yoke Leng
Name: Ethan Lim (@ethannlimm)
Content (Structure/Organization): 5
This course looks at how our daily lives have been impacted by imaging technologies such as cameras, TV, video, and also emerging technologies such as computer vision, facial recognition etc.
Week 1-3: Geometric optics and wave optics
We covered physical principles related to optics. For those who took physics pre-tertiary and in secondary school, it's probably a reflection (no pun intended) for you. We covered Snell's law, how to calculate refraction and reflection angles, physics of lenses, etc. We learnt how our spectacles worked and how companies like OWNDAYS can easily make a pair of specs in a short time. We learnt how cameras worked and had a class activity where we played around with DSLRs and SLR cameras, learning their parts and how they worked.
Week 4-6: Digital images and computer vision
Here we looked more at emerging technologies such as CV. Have you wondered how traffic police cameras actually detect and 'see' a speeding car? Or have you wondered how face filters worked? We covered the theory of how these technologies worked and the actual technical knowledge behind them on a surface level. We also looked at how microscopes worked and visited one of the NUS labs which houses microscopes that cost up to hundreds of thousands of dollars!
Week 7-9: Imaging and sensing technology
Here we looked at the other frequencies of the light spectrum. Namely, X-rays, microwaves, gamma rays, infrared etc. How are these frequencies used in our daily lives (e.g., LiDAR, night vision, communications etc.) We had a funny discussion about the truths and lies about 5G signals (is 5G killing you??!??!). I remember for one of the assignments we had to use our physics principles and argue whether it is theoretically possible to make an invisibility cloak. Quite fun!
Overall, you will get a good overview about how imaging technologies have evolved to what we have today. At the same time, you will be able to appreciate the ethical, political and social concerns that come with such technologies
Accessibility and Assessment: 5
For someone who had not touched a physics textbook since secondary school, this course is really fun and accessible. Prof makes it a point to incorporate as much HSS content, such as talking about the world's myopia situation and ethics on facial recognition just to name a few so that those from non-STEM backgrounds are properly included. Prof makes it a point to remember what majors we are, and bring up points that are relevant for us in that regard!
Manageability of Workload: 4
You will have 3 homework assignments which range from physics problem sets to 500-word reflection assignments. At the same time, we had a mid-semester test that covered the first half of the semester after recess week. Finally, you will have a group project presentation on an imaging topic at the end.
Workload is very manageable, even with the pre-seminar readings which often are less than 10 pages.
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
Prof is very kind imo. She really wants to see effort in class and how you apply what you learnt in your homework and project. For the mid-semester test, I did decently with a few revisions here and there.
Learning Value/Recommendation: 3
This NST is a really good balance of scientific principles and knowledge, with the humanities concern that is advocated by NSS. The technology we learn is being more relevant day-to-day, and so are the socio-political concerns that come with it. Some of the content you may have pre-requisite knowledge, but honestly I learnt more from this course than I initially expected to.
About the Instructor:
Prof specialises in this domain of physics and a particular area of metamaterials. She explains complex physics knowledge in a very simple manner that anyone can comprehend. She is also very willing to discuss with you if you have feedback on the course (note, the ay23/24 sem 1 run was her first run for this course!) Despite