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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2018 - 2019

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

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

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 and use various types of optical instruments and optical fibres
4. Describe qualatively and calculate quantatively problems involving interference and diffraction of light.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24Lecture
Tutorial12Tutorial
Independent Study89Independent learning
Total Workload: 125

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

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Young & Freedman: 2012, University Physics, 13 (or older edition), 33-36,
  • Mansfield and O'Sullivan: 2005, Understanding Physics, 6,
Other Resources

None
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