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PHY103Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Geometrics and Wave Optics

This course introduces the fundamental principles of geometric and wave optics. It explores reflection and refraction at plane and curved surfaces, including lenses and optical instruments like telescopes and microscopes. Students will learn about wave optics concepts such as interference, thin films, and polarization of light. The course aims to enhance understanding of light's dual nature and its applications in various technologies.

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195h
Study Time
13
Weeks
15h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
Geometric OpticsWave OpticsReflectionRefractionPolarization

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📊
Math Level
Moderate Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Reflection

2

Refraction

3

Lenses

4

Optical Instruments

5

Interference

6

Polarization

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Optical Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Laser Technician

Apply your skills in this growing field

Telecommunications Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Medical Imaging Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

TelecommunicationsMedical ImagingOptical EngineeringAstronomy

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Reflection and Refraction at Plane and Curved Surfaces

1.5h

Unit 1: Reflection at Plane Surfaces

1.5 study hours
  • •Study the laws of reflection and refraction.
  • •Solve problems related to reflection at plane surfaces.
  • •Perform the tutor-marked assignment.
Week
2

Module 1: Reflection and Refraction at Plane and Curved Surfaces

2h

Unit 2: Reflection at Curved Surfaces

2 study hours
  • •Study images formed by curved mirrors.
  • •Apply the mirror formula to solve problems.
  • •Complete the tutor-marked assignment.
Week
3

Module 1: Reflection and Refraction at Plane and Curved Surfaces

2h

Unit 3: Refraction at Plane Surfaces

2 study hours
  • •Understand refraction at plane surfaces and Snell's law.
  • •Solve problems related to refractive index and critical angle.
  • •Study total internal reflection and its applications.
Week
4

Module 1: Reflection and Refraction at Plane and Curved Surfaces

2h

Unit 4: Refraction through Prisms

2 study hours
  • •Study refraction through prisms and the angle of deviation.
  • •Solve problems related to minimum deviation.
  • •Complete the tutor-marked assignment.
Week
5

Module 1: Reflection and Refraction at Plane and Curved Surfaces

1.5h

Unit 5: Refraction at Curved Surfaces

1.5 study hours
  • •Study image formation by refraction at curved surfaces.
  • •Define a lens and its characteristics.
  • •Solve problems related to curved surfaces.
Week
6

Module 2: Lenses and Optical Instruments

1.5h

Unit 1: Images Formed by a Converging Lens and Diverging Lens (Ray Tracing)

1.5 study hours
  • •Trace rays to locate images formed by converging and diverging lenses.
  • •Distinguish between images formed by convex and concave lenses.
  • •Solve problems using ray tracing.
Week
7

Module 2: Lenses and Optical Instruments

2h

Unit 2: Lens Formula and Spectra

2 study hours
  • •Apply the lens formula and lens maker's equation to solve problems.
  • •Understand dispersion and spectra.
  • •Differentiate between different kinds of spectra.
Week
8

Module 2: Lenses and Optical Instruments

1.5h

Unit 3: The Eye

1.5 study hours
  • •Identify the parts of the human eye and their functions.
  • •Define the power of a lens and solve related problems.
  • •Discuss eye defects and their corrections.
Week
9

Module 2: Lenses and Optical Instruments

2h

Unit 4: Optical Instruments

2 study hours
  • •Explain how microscopes function.
  • •Explain how astronomical telescopes function in normal adjustment.
  • •Complete the tutor-marked assignment.
Week
10

Module 2: Lenses and Optical Instruments

2h

Unit 5: Other Types of Telescopes

2 study hours
  • •Distinguish between astronomical and terrestrial telescopes.
  • •Explain the operation of the reflector telescope.
  • •Understand the eye ring.
Week
11

Module 3: Interference and Polarization of Light

2h

Unit 1: Interference

2 study hours
  • •Explain the wave nature of light and coherent sources.
  • •Define interference and its types.
  • •Describe Young's double-slit experiment.
Week
12

Module 3: Interference and Polarization of Light

1.5h

Unit 2: Interference in Thin Films and Air Wedge

1.5 study hours
  • •Explain interference in thin films and air wedges.
  • •Understand phase change in reflection.
  • •Solve problems related to thin films and air wedges.
Week
13

Module 3: Interference and Polarization of Light

3h

Unit 3: Newton's Rings and Interference in Thin Films

2 study hours
  • •Identify Newton's rings and explain their theory.
  • •Differentiate between Newton's rings and interference in thin films.
  • •Explain the theory of interference in thin films.

Unit 4: Polarization of Light

1 study hours
  • •Differentiate polarized and unpolarized light.
  • •Describe methods of polarization.
  • •Explain optical activity.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create ray diagrams for different lens configurations (Units 6-7).

2

Practice applying the mirror and lens formulas to solve numerical problems (Units 2, 7).

3

Review the conditions for constructive and destructive interference (Units 11-13).

4

Understand the different methods of producing polarized light (Units 14-15).

5

Memorize key definitions and formulas from each unit.

6

Focus on understanding the underlying principles rather than rote memorization.

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