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 .

Top Optics Courses - Learn Optics Online

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Explore the Optics Course Catalog

Columbia University
Camera and Imaging
Skills you'll gain: Image Analysis, Computer Vision, Photography, Color Theory, Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Electronic Components, Semiconductors, Algorithms, Linear Algebra, Advanced Mathematics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
142 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
MathWorks
Introduction to Image Processing
Skills you'll gain: Image Analysis, Matlab, Computer Vision, Spatial Data Analysis, Quantitative Research, Graphical Tools, Data Access, Data Import/Export
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
170 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado Boulder
First Order Optical System Design
Skills you'll gain: Equipment Design, Performance Tuning, Engineering Calculations, Hardware Design, Engineering Analysis, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Computer-Aided Design, Engineering Design Process, Applied Mathematics, Simulation and Simulation Software, Medical Imaging, System Configuration, Physics
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
327 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Rice University
Physics of Light and Materials
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Mechanics, Physical Science, Trigonometry, Mathematical Modeling, Advanced Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Applied Mathematics, Integral Calculus
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado Boulder
Light Emitting Diodes and Semiconductor Lasers
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Systems, Equipment Design, Electronic Components, Mathematical Modeling, Physics
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
46 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
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
École Polytechnique
Quantum Optics 2 - Two photons and more
Skills you'll gain: Emerging Technologies, Telecommunications, Cryptography, Network Planning And Design, Simulation and Simulation Software, Physics, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Applied Mathematics, Algorithms, Experimentation
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
126 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Arizona State University
Optical and X-Ray Characterization
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Laboratory Equipment, Failure Analysis, Laboratory Testing, Electronics, Quantitative Research
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
17 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
University of Maryland, College Park
Exploring Quantum Physics
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Quantitative Research, Science and Research, Mechanics, Physical Science, Chemistry, Advanced Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Calculus, Mathematical Modeling, Engineering Analysis, Differential Equations
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
67 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
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, Linear Algebra, Color Theory, Bayesian Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Sampling (Statistics), Algorithms
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
École Polytechnique
Optique non-linéaire
Skills you'll gain: Simulation and Simulation Software, Engineering Analysis, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Laboratory Equipment, Mathematical Modeling, Differential Equations, Physics, Experimentation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
56 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Fundamentals of Materials Science
Skills you'll gain: Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Manufacturing Processes, Physical Science, Semiconductors, Thermal Management, Mechanics, Failure Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
183 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months