Geometrical and Physical Optics Field of study: Biophysics
Programme code: W4-S1BF19.2023

Module name: Geometrical and Physical Optics
Module code: W4-BF-OO-S1-4-23-37
Programme code: W4-S1BF19.2023
Semester:
  • summer semester 2025/2026
  • summer semester 2024/2025
Language of instruction: Polish
Form of verification: exam
ECTS credits: 5
Purpose and description of the content of education:
The aim of the course is to demonstrate fundamental knowledge on physical and geometric optics in order to understand the properties of light and the phenomena it undergoes in optical systems - the eye system as well as optical devices and instruments, as well as to be able to solve issues related to the image formation process and optical correction. As part of the education, students will have an opportunity to acquaint with the following topics in the field of physical optics: propagation and spectrum of electromagnetic waves, light as an electromagnetic wave and particle flux, the interaction of light with matter, polarization, diffraction and interference of light, image resolution and quality. In the field of geometric optics, the education will cover topics related to: the phenomena of light reflection and refraction, refractive index, light dispersion, the path of light rays through a prism, a plane-parallel plate, a hemisphere, mirrors, thin and thick lenses and their systems, optical power and magnification of lenses and their systems, lens aberrations and their correction in optical systems, spherocylindrical lenses, apertures, basic ophthalmic and optical devices.
List of modules that must be completed before starting this module (if necessary): not applicable
Learning outcome of the module Codes of the learning outcomes of the programme to which the learning outcome of the module is related [level of competence: scale 1-5]
The student knows and understands the basic laws of wave and geometrical optics and is able to use them for the physical phenomena observed in the surrounding world, in different optical systems. [E1]
 W01 [1/5] W08 [1/5] U01 [1/5]
The student has the necessary knowledge about the path of light rays in simple optical instruments and devices: prisms, mirrors, thin converging and diverging lenses, thick lenses, and their systems. In addition, the student is able to describe the aberrations of optical systems and methods of their correction. [E2]
 W01 [1/5] W08 [1/5] U01 [1/5]
The student knows the basic equations characterizing thin spherical lenses (the lens formula and the lensmaker’s equation) and is able to determine the parameters of the formed image and the lens power. The student is able to characterize thick and spherocylindrical lenses. The student is able to determine the role, functions and applications of lenses in the human eye system. [E3]
 W01 [1/5] W08 [1/5] U01 [1/5]
The student has knowledge about the phenomena of polarization, diffraction and interference of light, as well as methods of polarization and polarizers, diffraction gratings and slits, and image resolution, necessary to understand the phenomena that occur in optical systems. [E4]
 W01 [1/5] W08 [1/5] U01 [1/5]
The student is able to analyze problems in the area of physical and geometrical optics and to find solutions based on the known theories and mathematical description of the laws of optics. [E5]
 U05 [1/5]
The student is able to build a simple optical system, conduct an experiment based on the laws of geometrical and physical optics, analyze the observed phenomena and the results obtained, and prepare a report on the experiment. [E6]
 U03 [1/5] U04 [1/5] U05 [1/5]
Form of teaching Number of hours Methods of conducting classes Assessment of the learning outcomes Learning outcomes
lecture [FZ1] 20 Formal lecture/ course-related lecture [a01]  exam E1 E2 E3 E4
discussion classes [FZ2] 20 Activating methods: a case study [b07]  course work E5
laboratory classes [FZ3] 20 Laboratory exercise / experiment [e01]  course work E6
The student's work, apart from participation in classes, includes in particular:
Name Category Description
Literature reading / analysis of source materials [a02] Preparation for classes
reading the literature indicated in the syllabus; reviewing, organizing, analyzing and selecting source materials to be used in class
Developing practical skills [a03] Preparation for classes
activities involving the repetition, refinement and consolidation of practical skills, including those developed during previous classes or new skills necessary for the implementation of subsequent elements of the curriculum (as preparation for class participation)
Getting acquainted with the syllabus content [b01] Consulting the curriculum and the organization of classes
reading through the syllabus and getting acquainted with its content
Implementation of an individual or group assignment necessary for course/phase/examination completion [c03] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
a set of activities aimed at performing an assigned task, to be executed out of class, as an obligatory phase/element of the verification of the learning outcomes assigned to the course
Analysis of the corrective feedback provided by the academic teacher on the results of the verification of learning outcomes [d01] Consulting the results of the verification of learning outcomes
reading through the academic teacher’s comments, assessments and opinions on the implementation of the task aimed at checking the level of the achieved learning outcomes
Development of a corrective action plan as well as supplementary/corrective tasks [d02] Consulting the results of the verification of learning outcomes
reviewing and selecting tasks and activities enabling the elimination of errors indicated by the academic teacher, their verification or correction resulting in completing the task with at least the minimum passing grade
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)