Optics in Basic School
Course code
MLF6051.LT
old course code
Course title in Estonian
Optika põhikoolis
Course title in English
Optics in Basic School
ECTS credits
6.0
Assessment form
Examination
lecturer of 2025/2026 Spring semester
Neeme Lumi (language of instruction:Estonian)
lecturer of 2026/2027 Autumn semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
Course aims
To deepen the understanding of optics as a branch of physics dealing with light phenomena and their laws;
to support the development of a comprehensive, both theoretically and experimentally substantiated, physical worldview;
to develop knowledge of the application possibilities of optics in both scientific and technological contexts.
to support the development of a comprehensive, both theoretically and experimentally substantiated, physical worldview;
to develop knowledge of the application possibilities of optics in both scientific and technological contexts.
Brief description of the course
The course is divided into three major branches of optics: 1) geometric optics; 2) wave optics and 3) quantum optics. Geometric optics is based on knowledge of basic geometric concepts and relationships and discusses the basic laws of photometry and the principles of operation of optical instruments. Wave optics examines phenomena (interference, diffraction, polarization) in depth, which are based on the basic concepts of wave physics. The interaction between light and matter, including dispersion and the formation and spectral analysis of spectra, is also discussed. In addition, light scattering, the principles of radiation laws and the development of quantum physics are analyzed. The course also covers the basic concepts of quantum optics (photoelectric effect, Compton effect). All topics are supported by solving the corresponding problems and experiments.
Learning outcomes in the course
Upon completing the course the student:
- is able to purposefully use professional information sources (reference books, manuals, electronic databases) to solve problems related to the field of optics.;
- is able to analyze and interpret light phenomena occurring in nature using the theoretical foundations of optics;
- understands the working principles of optical instruments and is able to assess their suitability for studying various physical phenomena;
- is able to solve optical problems using graphical, geometric and analytical methods and relate the results obtained to theoretical models;
- is able to purposefully use professional information sources (reference books, manuals, electronic databases) to solve problems related to the field of optics.
- is able to purposefully use professional information sources (reference books, manuals, electronic databases) to solve problems related to the field of optics.;
- is able to analyze and interpret light phenomena occurring in nature using the theoretical foundations of optics;
- understands the working principles of optical instruments and is able to assess their suitability for studying various physical phenomena;
- is able to solve optical problems using graphical, geometric and analytical methods and relate the results obtained to theoretical models;
- is able to purposefully use professional information sources (reference books, manuals, electronic databases) to solve problems related to the field of optics.
Teacher
Study programmes containing that course