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

The tutorial (TD) and practical (TP) sessions are organized in small groups of 20 to 27 students and are supervised by a teaching assistant.

This course unit includes two tutorial sessions (2 × 2 hours) and two practical sessions (2 × 3 hours and 15 minutes). Each tutorial session is designed to prepare students for the corresponding practical session by providing the theoretical and methodological foundations needed for hands-on application.

Teaching methods

Observations are most often drawn from experiments carried out in front of the students, or from multimedia sources.
The use of Powerpoint projections is favoured to present theoretical concepts and demonstrations
Exercises and practical work sessions, supervised by assistants, are organised in small groups, enabling students to apply the various theoretical concepts.

Assessment method

The assessment for this course unit consists of two distinct and complementary components:

  • A written exam covering the theoretical content is held during the exam session and accounts for 65% of the final grade. It is a closed-book multiple-choice exam, covering all topics discussed during the lectures.
  • The tutorials and lab sessions are subject to continuous assessment throughout the year, contributing 35% of the final grade. The results are final: there is no separate exam for TD/TP during the exam session. Attendance at lab sessions is mandatory. In case of absence due to illness or exceptional circumstances, the student must provide justification to the faculty office and contact the teaching assistant upon returning to arrange a make-up session. Failure to do so will result in the student being ineligible for a final grade.

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

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