Future Students

Optical Technology

The Area of Study

Optical technologies involve devices and systems which use both light and electrical signals in their functioning. Photonic devices and systems which use only light are covered as a subset of optical technology. Examples of optoelectronic/photonic technologies include laser systems, fibre-optic communications systems, remote sensing systems, medical diagnosis systems and optical information systems.

The Bachelor of Optical Technology program combines studies of physics, optics, materials science and electronics in a professionally-oriented degree spanning photonics, including nanophotonics, biophotonics, and technologies such as lasers, optical fibres and communications.

In this degree, you can develop industry-relevant skills including technical writing and communications skills, technology management, and practical skills using modern instrumentation and facilities. You will undertake a placement in a local technology company in an industry-based project in your final semester, which enhances you employment opportunities.

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Degree Program Information

Degree UAI 2008 CSP Course duration
Bachelor of Optical Technology 75.00 3 years full-time

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What You Will Study

You must complete a program of study (major) in Optical Technology. Your program of study may include units from the subject areas listed below:

  • advanced mathematics
  • computer science
  • electronic systems
  • philosophy (logic)
  • statistics
  • optical technology/photonics
  • physics
  • electronics
  • mathematics
  • computing and information technology

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Recommended Prior Knowledge

HSC Mathematics (Band 4), or its equivalent, is a subject prerequisite for optoelectronics units. HSC Mathematics Extension 1 (Band E3), Mathematics Extension 2, HSC Physics, Chemistry, Engineering Studies, Senior Science and Information Processes and Technology, or its equivalent, are recommended studies. Other units taken as part of a degree may require assumed knowledge, prerequisites or recommended studies and you should refer to the Macquarie University Handbook of Undergraduate Studies for full degree requirements.

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Accreditation

The Bachelor of Optical Technology at Macquarie University is accredited by the Australian Institute of Physics as a physics degree.

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Career Options

  • professional research
  • research and development
  • sales/service engineer
  • optical communication network staff
  • patent investigation/ patent attorney
  • trainer of technicians in the laser/optics field
  • education and science communication
  • computer network engineering
  • medical physics research and applications
  • laser applications/machine vision for manufacturing and automation

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Some Major Employers

  • Alcatel
  • Braemac
  • Fujitsu
  • British Aerospace
  • Optium Australia
  • Canon
  • CSIRO
  • DSTO
  • Olympus
  • Optus
  • Philips
  • Redfern Photonics
  • Telstra
  • Warsash

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Further information

Department of Physics and Engineering
Macquarie University, NSW 2109
Telephone:  (02) 9850 8912
Fax: (02) 9850 8115
Email: physicsandengineering@mq.edu.au
Web: www.physics.mq.edu.au

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