PHYS221 OPTICS AND WAVES

Course Code:2300221
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):4 (4.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:6.0
Department:Physics
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Undergraduate
Course Coordinator:Assoc.Prof.Dr. İLKER ÜMİT UZUN KAYMAK
Offered Semester:Fall Semesters.

Course Objectives

The Optics and Waves course comprises two parts: Geometrical optics, physical optics.

This course is the first course having direct relations to Modern Physics, Quantum Physics and Quantum Mechanics.

Emphasizing both theoretical and practical aspects, this course covers a large amount of material in one semester.

The knowledge you will gain in this course will form a basis upon which you will build up new blocks in the future.


Course Content

Introduction; geometrical optics; matrix methods in paraxial optics; aberrations; optical instrumentation and the optics of the eye. superposition of waves; interference of light; coherence; polarization; Fraunhofer diffraction.


Course Learning Outcomes

At the end of the semester student, who passed the course satisfactorily will be able to:

  • Understand light and why it is a wave
  • understand geometrical optics with the goal of understanding what an image is and where it is located with respect to different optical systems
  • use matrix methods in the analysis of the optical systems using paraxial rays
  • understand aberrations and qualitatively understand how and why images become distorted
  • understand basic optical instruments used in the formation of images
  • understand basic optical instruments used in spectroscopy
  • understand what are travelling and standing waves
  • understand coherence and basic principles of superposition
  • Explain and formulate the interference, diffraction and polarization effects.

Program Outcomes Matrix

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1Can understand, model and analyze the fundamental physical processes of nature.
2Can suggest mathematical models to problems they face and solve them by various (approximate/analytical/numerical) approaches.
3Can use basic measurement devices; can choose and apply the best measurement technique.
4Can adequately record their observations, e.g., in a lab book.
5Can design and carry out experiments.
6Can access scientific information sources.
7Can critically analyze and contribute to scientific information.
8Can present scientific information clearly.
9Can analyze systems that contain probabilistic parts; can do error analysis.
10Has the basic programming skills; can solve a simple physical problem or can simulate one with an appropriate language they choose.
11Can actively and skillfully conceptualize, apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information.
12Can produce new ideas and products by using their background in physics.
13Can systematically design, evaluate, and implement a strategy to respond to an existing problem.
14Is effective in oral and written communication skills by using both Turkish and English languages.
15Can do leadership and take initiative.
16Tries to find physics based solutions to the problems of the world that we live in.
17Obeys the ethical rules in the workplace and the society and ascertains that they are obeyed by others.
18Can use the digital communication and computation tools in the most efficient and effective way.
19Can effectively use the knowledge and skills they gained in physics, in observing, analyzing, modeling and solving other societal problems.

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution