Optics is the scientific study of light that's visible and light that's invisible, in the field of physics. Additionally, the field of optics deals with vision. As part of the study of how light behaves in optics, physical scientists explore the specifics of how light moves and is transmitted to one place or deflected away from another. The transmission and deflection of radiation is also included in the field of optics. Some of the other forms of radiation included in this field are microwaves, radio waves, and X-rays.

Why is it important to learn about optics?

It's important to learn about optics because light is the source of so many things that surround you in the everyday world, and understanding its properties can help make everything around you more interesting. You can also use learning about optics as a way to improve your skills in the field of physics to upgrade your career, as part of earning a certification or a degree, or as a way to enter an entirely new field of work.

What are typical careers that use optics?

Some typical careers that use optics are in the engineering field, such as optical engineers, laser engineers, mechanical design engineers, and machine vision engineers. These careers require strong mathematical skills and analytical skills. Some other optics careers include research and scientific careers, such as optics physicists, observatory scientists, and camera design researchers. There are also jobs in the optical field making eyewear, such as optical technicians and optical fabrication technicians.

How can taking online courses on Coursera help me learn optics?

Taking online courses on Coursera can help you learn optics by providing opportunities to apply the information you're learning alongside projects that can make your studies come alive for you. Additionally, you can start out with the beginner level optics courses to build a solid understanding of optics before moving into more advanced courses on topics like optical efficiency, resolution, and quantum optics.

What are the benefits of taking an online Optics course?

Online Optics courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Optics skills. Choose from a wide range of Optics courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Optics courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Optics, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Best Optics Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Optics Course Catalog

École Polytechnique
Quantum Optics 1 : Single Photons
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Experimentation, Quantitative Research, Cryptography, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Emerging Technologies
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
332 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Physics of Waves and Optics
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Mechanics, Engineering Calculations, Vibrations, Applied Mathematics, Physical Science, Trigonometry, Mathematical Modeling, Advanced Mathematics, Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Integral Calculus, Problem Solving
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Optical Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Equipment Design, Engineering Calculations, Computer-Aided Design, Simulation and Simulation Software, Design Software, Engineering Design Process, Performance Tuning, Engineering Analysis, Numerical Analysis, z/OS, Image Analysis, System Design and Implementation, Laboratory Equipment, Systems Design, Human Factors, Medical Imaging, Applied Mathematics, Physics
Build toward a degree
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
365 reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
École Polytechnique
Quantum Optics 2 - Two photons and more
Skills you'll gain: Emerging Technologies, Digital Communications, Telecommunications, Cryptography, Simulations, Theoretical Computer Science, Physics, Algorithms
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
130 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Physics of Geometrical and Physical Optics
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Engineering Calculations, Applied Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Physical Science, Mathematical Modeling, Trigonometry, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Problem Solving
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
National Taiwan University
基礎光學一 (Introduction to Optics (1))
Skills you'll gain: Medical Imaging, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Physics, Physical Science, Engineering Calculations, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Experimentation, Scientific Visualization, Scientific Methods
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
71 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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Georgia Institute of Technology
Introduction to Electronics
Skills you'll gain: Electronic Components, Semiconductors, Electronics, Basic Electrical Systems, Electronics Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Schematic Diagrams
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.5K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Arizona
Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space
Skills you'll gain: Physical Science, Physics, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Ancient History, Chemistry, General Science and Research, Scientific Methods, Scientific Visualization, Research, Simulations
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Virginia
How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Torque (Physics), Physics, Energy and Utilities, Experimentation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
The Museum of Modern Art
Seeing Through Photographs
Skills you'll gain: Photography, Culture, Art History, Aesthetics, Media and Communications, Cultural Diversity, Journalism, Storytelling, Social Justice, Research
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
4.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Pigmentos y fotones
Skills you'll gain: Color Theory, Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Photography, Physical Science, Physics, Chemistry, Scientific Visualization, Science and Research, Art History, Image Analysis, Curiosity
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Northwestern University
Fundamentals of Digital Image and Video Processing
Skills you'll gain: Image Analysis, Digital Communications, Computer Vision, Data Processing, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Medical Imaging, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Motion Graphics, Matlab, Color Theory, Bayesian Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Sampling (Statistics)
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months