The majority of the subjects covered in this course are in a real sense the fruit of the twentieth century's technological advances. Basically the course involves a study of the details of how different types of lasers are built, the physical principles that are the basis of their operation, coupled with discussions of the physics behind numerous examples of the use of lasers in a modern technologically based society. The lecture-demonstration model of instruction is the method of presentation used in this course. This is appropriate since many principles of optics may be easily demonstrated before large audiences. Each of these tests require the solution of problems which dictates that the student undertake a synthesis of knowledge.
Most examinations requires completion of an essay question.
The final examination will be open notes multiple choice, short essay and short problem type. The student who takes organized notes has a great advantage over the student who only occasionally attends. Problem sets are assigned several times during the term. These are collected and graded. Much of this material in so recent as not be the subjects of books, but are instead found in technical journals.