Module: Light & Optics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Light & Optics
Module Code	PHY1018 (ITS: PS102)
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module provides a general introduction to the properties of light, geometrical optics, optical instruments, interference & diffraction and an introduction to lasers.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe and discuss qualitatively the main physical concepts in the area of Light and Optics.
2. Solve basic problems on light and geometrical optics.
3. Be able to describe how the physics behind various types of optical instruments work.
4. Describe qualitatively and complete quantitative problems involving the concepts of interference and diffraction of light.
5. Describe qualitatively basic principles of lasers and laser operation.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	20	Lecture
Tutorial	10	Tutorial
Independent Study	95	Self directed study of concepts and numerical problem solving
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11353	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	Y
Module Co-ordinator	Gregory Hughes	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Weekly Assignments from Mastering Physics covering primarily problem-based testing of the mathematical/quantitative aspects of the earlier topics	40%	Every Week
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	60%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Light & Optics
Nature & propagation of light Geometrical optics Optical fibres Optical instruments Interference Diffraction

Nature & propagation of light
Light as a wave. Reflection & refraction. Total internal reflection. Dispersion & scattering of light.

Geometric optics
Reflection at a plane and curved spherical mirror. Refraction at a spherical surface. Converging and diverging lenses. Microscopes and telescopes.

Optical fibres
Light transmission in optical fibres. Use for data communications. Medical applications of optical fibres.

Optical instruments
Microscopes and telescopes

Interference & diffraction
Constructive and destructive interference. Interference patterns from two sources. Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction

Introduction to Lasers
Absorbtion, spontaneous and stimulated emission. Population inversion and gain. Optical cavities, feedback and oscillation. Laser safety. Laser applications.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Young & Freedman: 2020, University Physics with Modern Physics, 15 (or older edition), 33-36, Pearson, https://www.pearson.com/us/higher-education/program/Young-Modified-Mastering-Physics-with-Pearson-e-Text-Standalone-Access-Card-for-University-Physics-with-Modern-Physics-15th-Edition/PGM2485469.html,
Eugenia Etkina, Gorazd Planinsic and Alan Van Heuvelen: 2019, College Physics: Explore and Apply, 2, Pearson, 978-013460182
0: Mastering Physics without Pearson eText -- Instant Access -- for University Physics with Modern Physics, 15, https://www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com/northamerica/masteringphysics/,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Online simulations, University of Colorado Boulder, Phet simulations,