The Institute of Optics

Bachelor of Science Degree in Optics
Institute of Optics
University of Rochester

Major Requirements

OPT 223 Quantum Theory of Optics
OPT 224 Laser Systems
OPT 226 Optoelectronics I
OPT 241 Geometrical Optics
OPT 242 Aberrations and Testing
OPT 256 Laboratory
OPT 261 Interference & Diffraction
OPT 262 Electromagnetic Theory
OPT 300 Senior Seminar (2 credits)

Foundation Requirements for Major

• Computer Programming - C++ is most useful in Optics (e.g. ECE 171or ME 211)
  or OPT 211 (new recommended course) Computational Methods in Optics
  
• One semester of Chemistry CHM 131 or 151 (4 or 5 AP score satisfies)
• Calculus MTH 161 and 162 (AP scores may give credit &/or placement)
• Differential Equations MTH 163
• Multidimensional Analysis MTH 164
• Fourier Series MTH 281
• Complex Variables & Applications MTH 282
• Physics PHY 121 - 123, or 141 - 143
• Circuits - most students take ECE 210, which also fulfills a technical elective
• 2 Technical Electives - may be in Optics, Engineering, Math, or other area of sciences

(General) Degree Foundation Requirements

• Reason and Writing - CAS 105 (a basic writing course)
• One cluster in humanities
• One cluster in social science

Minors or second majors in each of these areas also satisfy these two degree requirements

And a total of 130 credits

The 4-year program in Optics is typically completed in the following way:
(All courses carry 4 credits unless otherwise indicated.)

 

First Year
Fall MTH 161 Calculus I CHM 131 or 151 CAS 105 Reason & Writing Cluster course		Spring MTH 162 Calculus II PHY 121 CAS 105 - if closed out Fall semester Cluster or Elective course or OPT 101 recommended
Second Year
Fall MTH 164 PHY 122 (or 142) OPT 241 OPT 211		Spring MTH 163 PHY 123 (or 143) OPT 261 Cluster course
Third Year
Fall OPT 224 OPT 242 MTH 281 Cluster course		Spring OPT 262 Circuits (Most students elect to take ECE 210, which also satisfies 1 Technical elective) MTH 282 Cluster course
Fourth Year
Fall OPT 226 OPT 256 Cluster course Elective (Technical or free)		Spring OPT 223 OPT 300 (2 credit course) Elective (Technical, Cluster, or free) Elective (Technical or free) Elective (Technical or free)

 

Total credits - 130 semester hours