This course aims to provide tools to understand the world and the technologies around us, allowing us to explain everyday phenomena. Based on observations, experiments, and reflection, physics seeks a simple yet comprehensive explanation to formulate laws or principles. Acquiring this approach, known as scientific reasoning, is a lesson in logic and a rigorous method. The course therefore emphasizes the understanding of concepts and notions and reflection while integrating contemporary issues related to sustainable development. At the end of this teaching unit, the student will be able to:
This teaching unit aims to ensure that students achieve an excellent level of knowledge in geometrical optics and wave optics while integrating concerns related to sustainable development. It is important to train students to observe physical phenomena, as well as to reflect, reason, and apply rigor, with particular attention to applying this knowledge in contexts such as improving the efficiency of renewable energy systems (SDG 7), fighting climate change (SDG 13), and protecting ecosystems (SDG 14 and 15). At the end of this teaching, the student will be able to:
This teaching unit presents the major chapters of geometrical optics and wave optics, as well as various optical devices (eye, microscope, telescope, etc.). In the course of the oral presentation and as much as possible, new concepts are introduced through live experiments, video views, or simple demonstrations. This is followed by an exposition of fundamental laws, with an emphasis on the physicist's usual approach: description, analysis, and generalization of the phenomenon. The practical and aesthetic significance of the laws is illustrated by studying numerous applications, including those with a direct impact on sustainable development, such as renewable energy systems (SDG 7), understanding climate change (SDG 13), and ecosystem monitoring (SDG 14 and 15). Theoretical courses are accompanied by practical work and tutorials, which will allow the student to apply or deepen the concepts and notions covered.
The main topics studied are:
Geometrical Optics
Wave Optics
Spectroscopy
Exercise sessions organized in tutorials (TD) by an instructor in small groups (20 to 30 students per group).
This teaching unit consists of three distinct but complementary parts; the evaluation will include an exam on the theoretical course, including exercises (assessment of the tutorials), and continuous assessment of the practical work.
The practical work (lab sessions) is continuously assessed by the assistants/instructors. The lab sessions are mandatory. In case of illness or an exceptional justified absence, the student must contact the assistant as soon as they return to the university to arrange a makeup session. Since the lab work is subject to continuous assessment, the grade obtained during the year will be carried over to the different sessions, if necessary. The lab grade thus obtained will then be integrated into the course grade, accounting for approximately 15% of the overall grade.
The evaluation of the tutorials (TD) takes place during the January, June, and August sessions, simultaneously with the exams on the theoretical course. The written TD exam requires solving exercises inspired by those done during the year in TD sessions. The TD grade thus obtained will then be integrated into the course grade, accounting for approximately 30% of the overall grade.
The assessment criteria are mainly understanding and logical reasoning: starting from clear hypotheses and/or precise definitions, expressing, sometimes with minimal mathematical development, the 'physical' perception of a problem; it may also require explaining an application. An answer often requires the presentation of a clear and properly drawn diagram or graph. Rote memorization is discouraged; a few numerical orders of magnitude should be retained.
The exam will be conducted in person. The exam on the theoretical course and TD is written in January, June, and August.
Specific instructions will be communicated in due course.
A syllabus is available to students enrolled in this course, online and free of charge, on WebCampus, or for sale (paper version) at the Reprography Department. This syllabus is not compulsory and does not claim to be exhaustive, but it does provide a significant learning aid.
Dr Dhyne's syllabus is also available online and free of charge.
These syllabi provide additional learning aids.
Curious students should also consult :
| Training | Study programme | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Physics | Standard | 0 | 3 | |
| Bachelor in Chemistry | Standard | 0 | 3 | |
| Bachelor in Physics | Standard | 1 | 3 | |
| Bachelor in Chemistry | Standard | 1 | 3 |