Waves and Optics
Course, Bachelor's level, 1FA522
Expand the information below to show details on how to apply and entry requirements.
Spring 2027 Spring 2027, Uppsala, 33%, On-campus, Swedish Only available as part of a programme
- Location
- Uppsala
- Pace of study
- 33%
- Teaching form
- On-campus
- Instructional time
- Daytime
- Study period
- 18 January 2027–21 March 2027
- Language of instruction
- Swedish
- Entry requirements
-
60 credits in science/engineering. One of these alternatives:
1) One of the courses Mechanics II, Mechanics KF, Applied Mechanics I. Participation in Electromagnetism I or Electromagnetism, these courses can also be taken in parallel.
2) Basics of Electrical Engineering III: Field Theory.
- Application deadline
- 15 October 2026
- Application code
- UU-63069
Admitted or on the waiting list?
- Registration period
- 4 January 2027–17 January 2027
- Information on registration from the department
Spring 2027 Spring 2027, Uppsala, 33%, On-campus, Swedish Only available as part of a programme
- Location
- Uppsala
- Pace of study
- 33%
- Teaching form
- On-campus
- Instructional time
- Daytime
- Study period
- 22 March 2027–6 June 2027
- Language of instruction
- Swedish
- Entry requirements
-
60 credits in science/engineering. One of these alternatives:
1) One of the courses Mechanics II, Mechanics KF, Applied Mechanics I. Participation in Electromagnetism I or Electromagnetism, these courses can also be taken in parallel.
2) Basics of Electrical Engineering III: Field Theory.
- Application deadline
- 15 October 2026
- Application code
- UU-63002
Admitted or on the waiting list?
- Registration period
- 8 March 2027–21 March 2027
- Information on registration from the department
About the course
In this course, you will have the opportunity to study and describe fundamental wave phenomena - both mechanical and electromagnetic - as well as central principles in optics.
Throughout the course, you will explore phenomena related to electromagnetic waves, including reflection, refraction, dispersion, and phase and group velocity. We will delve into geometric optics, study various optical instruments, and investigate polarisation, optical activity, and birefringence.
Interference and diffraction, including Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction, will be covered along with an introduction to holography. We will also discuss various sources of radiation and provide an overview of modern technology for manufacturing optical components.
Through hands-on laboratories in areas such as ray optics, wave optics, interference, and polarization, you will have the opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge. Additionally, you will conduct a small project to deepen your understanding and enhance your skills in the field of optics. Our aim is to balance theoretical learning with practical applications and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the physics of waves and optics, including their modern technological applications.
Syllabus
- Syllabus valid from Autumn 2026
- Syllabus valid from Autumn 2023
- Syllabus valid from Autumn 2022, version 2
- Syllabus valid from Autumn 2022, version 1
- Syllabus valid from Autumn 2020
- Syllabus valid from Spring 2020
- Syllabus valid from Autumn 2019
- Syllabus valid from Autumn 2015, version 2
- Syllabus valid from Autumn 2015, version 1
- Syllabus valid from Autumn 2012
- Syllabus valid from Autumn 2008
Reading list
- Reading list valid from Spring 2024
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2022, version 3
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2022, version 2
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2022, version 1
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2020
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2019
- Reading list valid from Spring 2016
- Reading list valid from Autumn 2015
- Reading list valid from Spring 2012, version 2
- Reading list valid from Spring 2012, version 1