Set of Diploma Courses I: Classical Optics Field of study: Physics
Programme code: W4-S2FZA22.2025

Module name: Set of Diploma Courses I: Classical Optics
Module code: W4-FZ-NM-S2-2-22-23
Programme code: W4-S2FZA22.2025
Semester: summer semester 2025/2026
Language of instruction: English
Form of verification: exam
ECTS credits: 3
Purpose and description of the content of education:
The student during the course will listen to a lecture covering the following issues of classical optics 1. History of optics 2. Nature of light and models of its description a) law of reflection and refraction, light rays b) Fermat's principle c) waves and Huygens principle 3. Maxwell's equations and wave equation electromagnetic. 4. Wave polarization a) description of linear, elliptical and circular polarization b) light polarization methods 5. Refractive index and dispersion. 6. Reflection of polarized light on the media boundary, total internal reflection. 7. Electromagnetic interference a) Young's experiment b) Superposition and coherence of waves c) interference for two coherent light sources d) interferometers 8. Wave diffraction a) diffraction on a single straight slot b) diffraction gratings c) diffraction at the hole and Airy disk ego, Rayleigh criterion 9. Light propagation in anisotropic media - optical birefringence 10. Geometric optics a) thin lenses and lens equation b) lens systems c) lens defects d) optical instruments e) optical fibers 11. Lasers as coherent light sources - operating principles and design The lecture includes presentations in PowerPoint (their content in the form of pdf files will be forwarded to students). Conversational classes include calculating exercises and discussing issues supplementing the content of the lecture. Students develop and present selected issues - the content of the presentation and how it will be conducted will be assessed. During the laboratory, students conduct experiments using optical instruments and elements. They learn about the construction and operation of instruments, including simple instruments such as a magnifier, telescope and microscope, as well as refractometers, interferometers and spectrometers, and a laser. The exam in the subject is obligatory
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 has in-depth knowledge of optics, knows the laws, formulas, basic concepts and terminology [E1]
 KF_W03 [5/5]
the student has an extended knowledge of the experimental methods used in optics [E2]
 KF_W04 [4/5]
the student understands the basic physical phenomena related to the propagation and interaction of electromagnetic waves with matter, knows the methods of describing these phenomena and the possibilities of their use in imaging and in the study of optical parameters of matter [E3]
 KF_W05 [3/5]
the student knows the structure of optical instruments and measurement limitations resulting from light interference and diffraction [E4]
 KF_W08 [2/5]
the student is able to understand in speech and in writing the correct reasoning in the field of classical optics, among others can explain and describe the formation of images obtained with lenses and their simple systems, explain the phenomena of wave interference and diffraction [E5]
 KF_U01 [5/5]
the student knows how to apply a mathematical apparatus to solve problems in physics in the field of optics [E6]
 KF_U02 [4/5]
on the basis of the acquired knowledge, the student can explain the operation of optical instruments and measure selected quantities characterizing the optical properties of materials and optical systems [E7]
 KF_U04 [3/5]
on the basis of the acquired knowledge, the student can describe the optical phenomena observed in the environment [E8]
 KF_U10 [3/5]
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 E8
laboratory classes [FZ2] 10 Laboratory exercise / experiment [e01]  course work E4 E5 E6 E7
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
Studying the literature used in and the materials produced in class [c02] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
exploring the studied content, inquiring, considering, assimilating, interpreting it, or organizing knowledge obtained from the literature, documentation, instructions, scenarios, etc., used in class as well as from the notes or other materials/artifacts made in class
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
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)