UAIT 140 - Optics Science Fundamentals

1. Explain why optics matters and how it impacts everyday life
2. Learn the basic properties of light and its interaction with materials
3. Learn about the human eye and optics in nature
4. Understand how optics is used in work and career options in Tucson and the US
5. Demonstrate competence with practical skills in guided labs
6. Perform optical experiments
7. Document lab experiment summaries

1. What are Optics?
   1. Introduction and History
   2. Optics in the Real World
2. What is Light?
   1. Properties of Light
      1. Wavelength
      2. Power
      3. Polarization
      4. Coherence/Interference
      5. Particle – Wave nature
   2. Interaction with Material
      1. Refraction
      2. Reflection
      3. Diffraction
      4. Absorption/Transmission
3. Glass and Optical Materials
   1. Material Properties
   2. Glass and Lens Manufacturing
4. Optical Elements – Lenses and Mirrors
   1. Positive lenses
   2. Negative lenses
   3. Flat mirrors
   4. Curved Mirrors
5. The Human Eye and Optics in Nature
   1. The Human Eye
   2. Rainbows
   3. Why is the Sky Blue?
   4. Mirages
   5. Why do Stars Sparkle?
6. Optical Industries and Careers
   1. Lasers/Telecom
   2. Machine Vision/Photography
   3. Astronomy
   4. Medical Imaging
   5. Defense
   6. Job Types and Salaries
   7. Local Companies 
   8. Resources for Technicians
7. Labs
   1. Refraction and Snell’s Law
   2. Reflection
   3. Imaging, Focal Lengths, and Stops
   4. Polarizers, Waveplates, and Extinction
   5. Negative Lenses and Magnification
   6. Aberrations and Color