Minor in Optics & Photonics (Non-Teaching)

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Program Learning Outcomes
    Demonstrate the knowledge required to work productively in roles involving optics and photonics science and engineering;
  • Analyze complex problems involving optical systems and photonics devices;
  • Communicate with professionals in the field about technical requirements and specifications;
  • Use optical and photonic components to assemble an optical or photonic system to achieve specified performance specifications;

The undergraduate non-teaching minor in Optics and Photonics provides a core set of knowledge and skills necessary to participate in the rapidly growing opportunities in optical science and engineering. Requirements include courses in optics, electrical engineering and physics, as well as electives chosen to match the interests and needs of each student.

Students pursuing the BS in Electrical Engineering can earn the Optics and Photonics Minor within the 125 credits required for the major by careful selection of electives and by completing an optics-related capstone design project.


Students pursuing the BS in Physics Professional Option or the BS in Physics Interdisciplinary Option can earn the Optics and Photonics Minor with no extra credits by carefully selecting physics electives, by taking EELE 482 as one of their university or declared area electives, and by completing optics-related research (PHSX 490R and PHSX 499R) as their required senior project.

Required core courses for minor (12 credits):
EELE 334Electromagnetic Theory I3
or PHSX 423 Electricity and Magnetism I
EELE 432Applied Electromagnetics3
or PHSX 425 Electricity and Magnetism II
EELE 482Electro-Optical Systems3
PHSX 427Advanced Optics3
or PHSX 437 Laser Applications
Optics electives (choose at least 9 credits):9
Physical Chemistry-Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy I
Photovoltaic Systems
Optical Communications Systems
Optical Design
Laser Engineering
Electrical Engineering Design I 3
Electrical Engr Design II 3
Undergraduate Research 1
Independent Study 2
Advanced Optics
Laser Applications
Advanced Physics Lab
Undergraduate Research 1
Independent Study 2
Seminar/Workshop 1
Senior Capstone Seminar 1
Total Credits21
1

A maximum of four (4) credits (total) of these classes may be used if the topic is directly related to optics, on approval by academic advisor and research advisor/instructor.

2

A maximum of three (3) credits (total) of these classes may be used if the topic is directly related to optics, on approval by academic advisor and research advisor/instructor.

3

EELE488R and EELE489R must involve projects directly related to optics and be approved by academic advisor and ECE optics faculty.

*

Note: The following 500-level classes can be taken as electives in the Optics and Photonics minor by seniors with a cumulative grade-point average >= 3.25 (by petition to the Registrar) and provided all prerequisites are met.