Postgraduate Awards in Photonics and Optical Science
The School of Physics has an exceptionally strong research profile in photonics and optical science, and this flows through to a comprehensive postgraduate teaching program at the Diploma, Masters and PhD level.
Photonics and Optical Science in the School of Physics
The Institute of Photonics and Optical Science (IPOS) was established in 2008 as the focal point for optics and photonics activities at The University of Sydney. The majority of the activity is within the School of Physics, but IPOS activities also span the School of Electrical and Information Engineering, the School of Chemistry and the School of Mathematics. The Masters and Graduate Diploma courses (see below) bring this expertise together in a multidisciplinary teaching program. Some of the key IPOS groups in the School of Physics are listed below.
The Centre for Ultrahigh bandwidth Devices for Optical Physics, an ARC Centre of Excellence, is headquartered in the School with some twenty research staff and nearly the same number of postgraduate and Honours students. Centre researchers and students study the fundamentals of the interaction between high intensity short pulses lasers and optical materials in the limit where nonlinear effects dominate, and apply this understanding to the development of novel photonic devices.
Optical instrumentation underpins many research programs in the School’s Institute of Astronomy. Examples include novel optical concepts for high angular resolution imaging, and photonic instrumentation for removal of emission from hydroxyl lines. These novel concepts are now being developed for the new generation of extremely large telescopes.
Quantum Information Theory is a new and exciting area of optics where the School’s research group aims to develop the fundamental science behind a new generation of quantum technologies for computation and secure communication.
Postgraduate Coursework Student Induction
New postgraduate students in the coursework programs of Medical Physics, Applied Nuclear Science and Photonics & Optical Science are invited to attend lunch and a School tour from 12:30pm on Monday 1 March 2010. Venue: Council Room 208, ground floor, Physics Building A28. RSVP by 25 February to
Master of Photonics and Optical Science
From 2009, students will have the opportunity to undertake two semesters of coursework followed by a semester-long research project with one of the School’s research groups leading to the award of the Master of Photonics and Optical Science (MPhotOptSci). This degree provides students with a strong mix of high level conceptual understanding and practical training and equips graduates for senior research, development or engineering positions in the ICT industry. The degree also serves as a pathway to entry into the School’s PhD program and a career as a research scientist. Enrolment on a part-time basis is possible for local students. There are eight units of study in the coursework program:
- ELEC 5511 Optical Communications systems (offered through the School of Electrical and Information Engineering)
- PHYS 5021 Optical Instrumentation and Imaging
- PHYS 5022 Optical Materials and Methods
- PHYS 5024 Optical Sources and Detectors
- PHYS 5025 Biophotonics and Microscopy
- PHYS 5026 Physical and Nonlinear Optics
- PHYS 5027 Quantum Optics and Nanophotonics
- PHYS 5028 Optics in Industry
These courses combine lectures with practical training in microscopy (in cooperation with the Electron Microscopy Unit), optical design and image processing using advanced computer software. Students will also be introduced to techniques for state of the art optical microfabrication.
The research project is undertaken at the conclusion of the two semesters of coursework. Students will be provided with training in methods of research and mentored in presentation skills (oral and written), and if circumstances permit may have the opportunity to present their work at a local conference.
Further information on the Masters program is available from the IPOS website.
Application information for prospective students is available at the Faculty of Science website.
Graduate Diploma in Photonics and Optical Science
Students take the eight units of study for the Masters course, but do not undertake a research project. The GradDipPhotOptSci takes one year (two semesters) of full-time study, and up to four semesters of part-time study.
Further information on the Graduate Diploma is available from the IPOS website.
Application information for prospective students is available at the Faculty of Science website.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Candidates for the PhD work on a topic of original research in photonics or optical science under the guidance of a Faculty supervisor. Entrance to the PhD program is either via completion of an Honours degree in Physics or Engineering, or completion of the Masters program in Photonics and Optical Science. General information on research-only postgraduate degrees at the University of Sydney is available, as is PhD information specific to the School of Physics.
Entry to the PhD program is dependent upon the candidate achieving excellent results at the Honours or Masters level that demonstrate their aptitude for conducting independent and original research. A variety of scholarships are available through the University and the School, with support also possible from research grants held by Faculty staff.