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PHY206Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Optics I

This course introduces fundamental concepts of light, including its electromagnetic nature, reflection, refraction, perception, and polarization. It explores the wave equations for electric and magnetic fields derived from Maxwell's equations. Students will learn about the human eye's function as an image-forming device, theories of color vision, and different polarization states of light. The course aims to provide a solid foundation for further studies in optics and related fields.

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52h

Study Time

13

Weeks

4h

Per Week

intermediate

Math Level

Course Keywords

LightReflectionRefractionPolarizationElectromagnetic Waves

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

Nature of Light

2

Electromagnetic Waves

3

Reflection and Refraction

4

Fermat's Principle

5

Human Vision

6

Color Vision

7

Polarization

8

Birefringence

Total Topics8 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

PHY124: Basic Physics

Basic Calculus

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

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

Vision Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Telecommunications Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Medical Physicist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

TelecommunicationsMedical ImagingLaser TechnologyOptical InstrumentationDisplay Technology

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Nature of Light

3h

Unit 1: Nature of Light

3 study hours

•Understand the corpuscular and wave models of light.
•Derive the expression for the velocity of electromagnetic waves.
•Specify the frequency ranges of different portions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
•Explain the importance of the Poynting Vector.

Week

2

Module 1: Nature of Light

3h

Unit 2: Reflection and Refraction of Light

3 study hours

•Explain reflection and refraction of e.m. waves incident normally on the interface separating two optically different media.
•Apply Fermat's principle to explain the reflection and refraction of light.
•Solve problems based on reflection and refraction of e.m. waves.

Week

3

Module 1: Nature of Light

3h

Unit 3: Perception of Light

3 study hours

•Explain the functions of different parts of the eye.
•List common eye defects and suggest remedial measures.
•Describe how the human eye responds to colour.
•Explain trichromatic and opponent-colour theories of colour vision.

Week

4

Module 1: Nature of Light

3h

Unit 4: Polarisation of Light

3 study hours

•Explain what is linearly, circularly or elliptically polarized state of light.
•Describe how light can be polarized by reflection.
•Solve simple problems based on Malus' law and Brewster's law.
•Explain how optical birefringence helps in the production of polarized light.
•Explain the production of linearly polarized light by dichroism.

Week

5

Module 1: Nature of Light

2h

Unit 1: Nature of Light

2 study hours

•Review the nature of light and its properties.
•Revise the concepts of electromagnetic waves and their characteristics.
•Solve additional problems related to wave equations and Poynting vector.

Week

6

Module 1: Nature of Light

2h

Unit 2: Reflection and Refraction of Light

2 study hours

•Review reflection and refraction of electromagnetic waves.
•Practice applying Fermat's principle to solve problems.
•Work through examples related to Snell's law and total internal reflection.

Week

7

Module 1: Nature of Light

2h

Unit 3: Perception of Light

2 study hours

•Review the structure and function of the human eye.
•Study common eye defects and their corrections.
•Understand the trichromatic and opponent-color theories of color vision.

Week

8

Module 1: Nature of Light

2h

Unit 4: Polarisation of Light

2 study hours

•Review the concepts of linear, circular, and elliptical polarization.
•Practice problems related to Malus' law and Brewster's law.
•Understand the principles of producing polarized light using various methods.

Week

9

Module 1: Nature of Light

4h

TMA 1 Preparation

4 study hours

•Complete Tutor Marked Assignment 1.
•Focus on key concepts from Units 1 and 2.
•Review relevant examples and exercises.

Week

10

Module 1: Nature of Light

4h

TMA 2 Preparation

4 study hours

•Complete Tutor Marked Assignment 2.
•Focus on key concepts from Units 3 and 4.
•Review relevant examples and exercises.

Week

11

Module 1: Nature of Light

4h

Final Revision: Units 1 & 2

4 study hours

•Revise all units.
•Pay attention to key definitions and principles.
•Solve sample problems from each unit.

Week

12

Module 1: Nature of Light

4h

Final Revision: Units 3 & 4

4 study hours

•Revise all units.
•Focus on understanding the underlying concepts.
•Prepare comprehensive notes for quick review.

Week

13

Module 1: Nature of Light

4h

Exam Preparation

4 study hours

•Practice past examination questions.
•Simulate exam conditions for time management.
•Review and consolidate all key concepts.

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

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking Units 1-4, emphasizing the relationships between light, reflection, refraction, and polarization.

2

Practice solving numerical problems from Units 2 and 4, focusing on applying Fermat's principle, Malus' law, and Brewster's law.

3

Review the structure and function of the human eye from Unit 3, creating diagrams to aid memorization.

4

Understand the key differences between the corpuscular and wave models of light (Unit 1), and be prepared to discuss their experimental evidence.

5

Focus on understanding the different polarization states (linear, circular, elliptical) and how they arise from the superposition of waves (Unit 4).

6

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and ensure you understand the solutions and underlying concepts.

7

Allocate specific study time for each unit, prioritizing those with higher weightage in the final examination.

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