Department Office

Optics Building
Room 201 B
Huntsville AL 35899
Tel: 256-824-2483

Optics Specialization

Optics is a multidisciplinary field that requires a broad spectrum of knowledge. Beginning with the core physics courses, students completing the Optics specialization curriculum receive a strong exposure to geometrical optics, physical optics, optical instruments, and interference & diffraction, along with upper-division laboratory experience with hands-on training using state-of-the-art equipment and modern optical techniques. In addition, the Physics Department offers Optics electives that cover contemporary topics such as polarimetry, optoelectronics, lasers, optical sources and detectors, and radiometry. The Optics curriculum produces professionals who are able to move immediately into government or private industry, and are also well prepared for graduate work in optics, physics, or related fields.

To receive the B.S. in Physics and be recognized with an Optics certificate of specialization by the College of Science, students take OPT 341, 342, 411, 412, 441, 442, and OPT/PH 3xx/4xx, a total of 19 hours, which satisfies the 18 hours of electives required for the Physics major. Students are encouraged to take other Optics or Physics courses for their GER elective requirements, particularly if graduate work is anticipated. Suggested selections include: OPT 444, 445, 446, 447; PH 431, 432, 451, 452

Model Four-Year Plan

Here is a sample four-year program of study for this specialization:

Under construction...