Students

PHYS221 – Introduction to Optical Science and Technology

2019 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Christian Schwab
Contact via christian.schwab@mq.edu.au
Lecturer
Michael Withford
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(MATH132 or MATH135) and [(PHYS140 and PHYS143) or (PHYS106 and PHYS107) or PHYS149]
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
Optical technology is widely used in industry, telecommunications and modern consumer devices, ranging from the tiny lasers in many disc drives to the thousands of kilometres of optical fibres carrying signals between continents. This unit offers an overview of these technologies, and the science underlying their operation. Topics include: light sources, optical fibres and semiconductor devices. A laboratory program introduces experimental photonics and optical fibre handling skills.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • The students will demonstrate knowledge of the key characteristics of optical systems, selected light sources and detectors.
  • The students will be able to explain the origins of a photon and foundational concepts of light - matter interactions.
  • The students will use a broad knowledge of lasers to explain their use in a diverse range of applications.
  • The students will understand how an optical fibre works, will be competent in handling optical fibres, and explain their use in a diverse range of applications.
  • Students will be competent in data analysis, the application of experimental methods and report writing.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Exam 40% No As per exam timetable
Mid-semester Test 20% No Week 7 (1 h)
Laboratory reports 30% Yes The following Friday.
Assignment 10% No As indicated

Exam

Due: As per exam timetable
Weighting: 40%

End of semester exam. Questions are weighted between content from Weeks 1-7 (25%) and Weeks 8-13 (75%).

If you receive special consideration for the final exam, a supplementary exam will be scheduled in the interval between the regular exam period and the start of the next session.  By making a special consideration application for the final exam you are declaring yourself available for a resit during the supplementary examination period and will not be eligible for a second special consideration approval based on pre-existing commitments.  Please ensure you are familiar with the policy prior to submitting an application. You can check the supplementary exam information page on FSE101 in iLearn (bit.ly/FSESupp) for dates, and approved applicants will receive an individual notification one week prior to the exam with the exact date and time of their supplementary examination.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • The students will demonstrate knowledge of the key characteristics of optical systems, selected light sources and detectors.
  • The students will be able to explain the origins of a photon and foundational concepts of light - matter interactions.

Mid-semester Test

Due: Week 7 (1 h)
Weighting: 20%

Covers material from first half of the unit. The exam will be held in the lecture room in Week 7.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • The students will demonstrate knowledge of the key characteristics of optical systems, selected light sources and detectors.
  • The students will be able to explain the origins of a photon and foundational concepts of light - matter interactions.
  • The students will understand how an optical fibre works, will be competent in handling optical fibres, and explain their use in a diverse range of applications.

Laboratory reports

Due: The following Friday.
Weighting: 30%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

There are 9 three hour long laboratory classes scheduled weekly from Week 2 to 11, with a break in Week 6, before the mid-semester test. The completed lab reports are due the following Friday do allow sufficient time for assessment prior to the next lab class. This is a hurdle assessment - students are required to undertake the lab classes and complete the reports for at least 9 experiments.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • The students will demonstrate knowledge of the key characteristics of optical systems, selected light sources and detectors.
  • The students will use a broad knowledge of lasers to explain their use in a diverse range of applications.
  • The students will understand how an optical fibre works, will be competent in handling optical fibres, and explain their use in a diverse range of applications.
  • Students will be competent in data analysis, the application of experimental methods and report writing.

Assignment

Due: As indicated
Weighting: 10%

The assignment will be set Week 2 and is due before the census date. The assignment provides essential practice for questions in tests and examinations. Due date is indicated on the assignment.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • The students will demonstrate knowledge of the key characteristics of optical systems, selected light sources and detectors.
  • The students will use a broad knowledge of lasers to explain their use in a diverse range of applications.
  • Students will be competent in data analysis, the application of experimental methods and report writing.

Delivery and Resources

 

The unit is delivered on-campus in a day mode. Students are also taken on a tour to see University research labs to see demonstrations of key photonic concepts discussed during lectures.

Reference texts:

Some material will be drawn from Optoelectronics (3rd edition) by J. Wilson and J. Hawkes, published by Prentice-Hall. The latter book is out of print, so you will receive handouts based on this material. Other texts you may want to consult are:

R.P. Khare ”Fiber optics and optoelectronics” Oxford, ISBN 0-19-566930-4

S.O. Kasap, “Optoelectronics and Photonics” Prentice Hall ISBN 0-201-61087-6

E. Hecht, "Optics" (5th ed.), Pearson, ISBN 978-0133977226

The popular first year text “University Physics” by Young and Friedman, (editions with Modern Physics, 11 and above, ISBN 0-8053-8684-X) may also be useful, as an adjunct to Halliday and Resnick.

Additional material will be available for downloading on http://ilearn.mq.edu.au

 

Learning and Teaching Activities

Laboratory work

The laboratory work will involve experiments in optoelectronics. A separate sheet will give you the laboratory schedule. There are nine 3-hour laboratory sessions in total. You will be given a handout on safe working practice in the laboratory, and asked to sign that you have read it. Laboratory classes begin in week 2, and will have a break in week 6, before the mid-semester test.

Lectures

There are two lecture sessions per week. The timetable and location of classes are on the website www.timetables.mq.edu.au. The lectures will incorporate short tutorial sessions to give students additional experience in problem solving and addressing exam-like questions.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Assessment tasks

  • Laboratory reports
  • Assignment

Learning and teaching activities

  • The laboratory work will involve experiments in optoelectronics. A separate sheet will give you the laboratory schedule. There are nine 3-hour laboratory sessions in total. You will be given a handout on safe working practice in the laboratory, and asked to sign that you have read it. Laboratory classes begin in week 2, and will have a break in week 6, before the mid-semester test.

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • The students will demonstrate knowledge of the key characteristics of optical systems, selected light sources and detectors.
  • The students will understand how an optical fibre works, will be competent in handling optical fibres, and explain their use in a diverse range of applications.
  • Students will be competent in data analysis, the application of experimental methods and report writing.

Assessment tasks

  • Mid-semester Test
  • Laboratory reports
  • Assignment

Learning and teaching activities

  • The laboratory work will involve experiments in optoelectronics. A separate sheet will give you the laboratory schedule. There are nine 3-hour laboratory sessions in total. You will be given a handout on safe working practice in the laboratory, and asked to sign that you have read it. Laboratory classes begin in week 2, and will have a break in week 6, before the mid-semester test.
  • There are two lecture sessions per week. The timetable and location of classes are on the website www.timetables.mq.edu.au. The lectures will incorporate short tutorial sessions to give students additional experience in problem solving and addressing exam-like questions.

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • The students will demonstrate knowledge of the key characteristics of optical systems, selected light sources and detectors.
  • The students will understand how an optical fibre works, will be competent in handling optical fibres, and explain their use in a diverse range of applications.

Assessment tasks

  • Mid-semester Test
  • Laboratory reports
  • Assignment

Learning and teaching activities

  • The laboratory work will involve experiments in optoelectronics. A separate sheet will give you the laboratory schedule. There are nine 3-hour laboratory sessions in total. You will be given a handout on safe working practice in the laboratory, and asked to sign that you have read it. Laboratory classes begin in week 2, and will have a break in week 6, before the mid-semester test.
  • There are two lecture sessions per week. The timetable and location of classes are on the website www.timetables.mq.edu.au. The lectures will incorporate short tutorial sessions to give students additional experience in problem solving and addressing exam-like questions.

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • The students will demonstrate knowledge of the key characteristics of optical systems, selected light sources and detectors.
  • The students will be able to explain the origins of a photon and foundational concepts of light - matter interactions.
  • The students will use a broad knowledge of lasers to explain their use in a diverse range of applications.
  • The students will understand how an optical fibre works, will be competent in handling optical fibres, and explain their use in a diverse range of applications.
  • Students will be competent in data analysis, the application of experimental methods and report writing.

Assessment tasks

  • Exam
  • Mid-semester Test
  • Laboratory reports
  • Assignment

Learning and teaching activities

  • The laboratory work will involve experiments in optoelectronics. A separate sheet will give you the laboratory schedule. There are nine 3-hour laboratory sessions in total. You will be given a handout on safe working practice in the laboratory, and asked to sign that you have read it. Laboratory classes begin in week 2, and will have a break in week 6, before the mid-semester test.
  • There are two lecture sessions per week. The timetable and location of classes are on the website www.timetables.mq.edu.au. The lectures will incorporate short tutorial sessions to give students additional experience in problem solving and addressing exam-like questions.

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • The students will demonstrate knowledge of the key characteristics of optical systems, selected light sources and detectors.
  • The students will be able to explain the origins of a photon and foundational concepts of light - matter interactions.
  • The students will use a broad knowledge of lasers to explain their use in a diverse range of applications.
  • The students will understand how an optical fibre works, will be competent in handling optical fibres, and explain their use in a diverse range of applications.
  • Students will be competent in data analysis, the application of experimental methods and report writing.

Assessment tasks

  • Exam
  • Mid-semester Test
  • Laboratory reports
  • Assignment

Learning and teaching activities

  • The laboratory work will involve experiments in optoelectronics. A separate sheet will give you the laboratory schedule. There are nine 3-hour laboratory sessions in total. You will be given a handout on safe working practice in the laboratory, and asked to sign that you have read it. Laboratory classes begin in week 2, and will have a break in week 6, before the mid-semester test.
  • There are two lecture sessions per week. The timetable and location of classes are on the website www.timetables.mq.edu.au. The lectures will incorporate short tutorial sessions to give students additional experience in problem solving and addressing exam-like questions.

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • The students will demonstrate knowledge of the key characteristics of optical systems, selected light sources and detectors.
  • Students will be competent in data analysis, the application of experimental methods and report writing.

Assessment tasks

  • Exam
  • Mid-semester Test
  • Laboratory reports
  • Assignment

Learning and teaching activities

  • The laboratory work will involve experiments in optoelectronics. A separate sheet will give you the laboratory schedule. There are nine 3-hour laboratory sessions in total. You will be given a handout on safe working practice in the laboratory, and asked to sign that you have read it. Laboratory classes begin in week 2, and will have a break in week 6, before the mid-semester test.

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Students will be competent in data analysis, the application of experimental methods and report writing.

Assessment tasks

  • Laboratory reports
  • Assignment

Learning and teaching activities

  • The laboratory work will involve experiments in optoelectronics. A separate sheet will give you the laboratory schedule. There are nine 3-hour laboratory sessions in total. You will be given a handout on safe working practice in the laboratory, and asked to sign that you have read it. Laboratory classes begin in week 2, and will have a break in week 6, before the mid-semester test.

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • The students will demonstrate knowledge of the key characteristics of optical systems, selected light sources and detectors.
  • The students will use a broad knowledge of lasers to explain their use in a diverse range of applications.

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • The students will demonstrate knowledge of the key characteristics of optical systems, selected light sources and detectors.

Learning and teaching activities

  • There are two lecture sessions per week. The timetable and location of classes are on the website www.timetables.mq.edu.au. The lectures will incorporate short tutorial sessions to give students additional experience in problem solving and addressing exam-like questions.

Changes from Previous Offering

The lecture material has been revised to cover more information on optical devices (lenses, mirrors, prisms) and imaging systems (telescopes). The assessment schedule has been revised to include more time before the exams to allow for preparation. Assessed talks are no longer part of this unit.