Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to :

  •  understand the basic notions and concepts related to geometrical, wave and quantum optics ;
  •  apply this knowledge to the understanding of various physical phenomena related to the life sciences (microscopy, how the eye works, endoscopy, X-ray imaging, etc.);
  •  express themselves in correct scientific terms;
  •  model a situation from everyday and/or professional life, making appropriate use of the formulae, laws and principles of optics;
  •  Develop a critical scientific mind and establish sound scientific reasoning.

Goals

The aims of the course are to :

  • to provide a solid knowledge base in physics, more specifically in the field of optics
  • to highlight the close links between optics and the life sciences.

Students will be led to understand matter in depth, going beyond a simple knowledge of laws and concepts.

Content

This physics course is usually based on simple observations and experiments carried out in class. From these observations, we draw lessons, rigorous reasoning and the deduction of physical laws. Simple demonstrations are presented, as well as an explanation of the fundamental laws of optics. These laws are then applied to explain phenomena in everyday life or in nature. The links between optics and the life sciences are essential in this course (microscopy, how the eye works, endoscopy, X-ray imaging, etc.).

Table of contents

The following lesson plan is provided for illustrative purposes:

1. Introduction

1.1 Historical overview
1.2 The nature of light
1.3 Different models of light
1.4 The electromagnetic spectrum
1.5 Optical medium
1.6 Light sources

2. Geometrical optics and optical instruments                                            

2.1 Model assumptions
2.2 Reflection
2.3 Refraction
2.4 Thin lenses  
2.5 The magnifying glass

3. Wave optics                                        

3.1 Model assumptions
3.2 Wave interference
3.3 Huygens' principle
3.4 Young's experiment
3.5 Diffraction

4. Quantum optics

4.1 Model assumptions
4.2 The laser

5. Microscopy

5.1 Principle of an optical microscope
5.2 Resolution limits
5.3 Electron microscopes
5.4 Other microscopes

6. The eye

6.1 Anatomical description
6.2 Optical model of the eye
6.3 Accommodation
6.4 Defects and corrections
6.5 Colour perception and colours in nature
6.6 The animal eye

7. Endoscopy

7.1 Total internal reflection

7.2 Application of total internal reflection
7.3 The endoscope

8. X-ray imaging

              8.1 X-ray spectrum
              8.2 X-ray diffraction and DNA structure
              8.3 Photon-matter interaction processes
              8.4 Attenuation of photons in matter
              8.5 Imaging and contrast

9. Colorimetric oximetry
              9.1 Oximeter
              9.2 Blood composition
              9.3 How it works

Exercices

Exercise sessions organised by an assistant in small groups (20 to 27 students per group).

10 hours of practical exercises (TD) are linked to this teaching unit. These sessions are part of a set of practical sessions associated with the Physics II unit (SPHY B113).

Assessment method

This teaching unit comprises three distinct but complementary parts:

  • An examination covering the theoretical material is organised in a session corresponding to 65% of the overall mark. The written examination is closed book, in the form of MCQs. The subject covered by the assessment includes everything covered in the course.
  • TD mark: written examination held in the June and August sessions, at the same time as the theory course examinations. The TD mark accounts for 20% of the overall mark.
  • Practical work mark: continuous assessment throughout the year (the results obtained are definitive, there are no practical work examinations in term time) corresponding to 15% of the overall mark. Please note that practical sessions are compulsory. In the event of illness or exceptional absence, which must be justified to the faculty secretariat, the student must contact the assistant as soon as he/she returns to the University in order to organise a recovery session.

Sources, references and any support material

Course materials will be available online free of charge on Webcampus.

Curious students should also consult

    Physics for the life sciences - 3rd edition - Martin Zinke Allmag
    Physics, Eugène Hecht, De Boeck, ISBN 978-2744500183
    Physics, Joseph Kane and Morton Sternheim, Dunod, ISBN 2100071696
    Physics III - Waves, optics and modern physics, Harris Benson, De Boeck, ISBN 9782804193812

Language of instruction

Français
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine Standard 0 3
Bachelor in Biology Standard 0 3
Bachelor in Veterinary Medicine Standard 1 3
Bachelor in Biology Standard 1 3