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

Explore the Optics Course Catalog

University of Colorado Boulder
Optical Efficiency and Resolution
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Engineering, Simulation and Simulation Software, Design Software, Engineering Analysis, Numerical Analysis, System Design and Implementation, Engineering Design Process, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Differential Equations
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
62 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Rice University
Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism
Skills you'll gain: Basic Electrical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Torque (Physics), Physics, Electrical Systems, Engineering Analysis, Electronic Components, Mechanics, Electronic Systems, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Engineering Calculations, Calculus, Advanced Mathematics, Trigonometry, Linear Algebra
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
208 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
National Taiwan University
Operations Research (2): Optimization Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Operations Research, Linear Algebra, Numerical Analysis, Applied Mathematics, Algorithms, Process Optimization, Engineering Calculations, Program Implementation, Mathematical Software, Computational Thinking, Operational Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Decision Making, Calculus
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
148 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Electrodynamics
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Engineering, Basic Electrical Systems, Electronic Components, Electrical Systems, Differential Equations, Physics, Engineering Analysis, Integral Calculus, Applied Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Scientific Visualization, Engineering Calculations, Calculus, Electronic Systems, Mechanics, Electronics, Energy and Utilities, Mathematical Modeling, Linear Algebra
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
949 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
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
Arizona State University
Additive Manufacturing
Skills you'll gain: Manufacturing Processes, Schematic Diagrams, Engineering Design Process, Computer-Aided Design, Production Process, Design Specifications, Design Strategies, Prototyping, Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, 3D Modeling, Manufacturing Operations, Design, Industrial Design, Equipment Design, Experimentation, Laboratory Experience, Manufacturing and Production, Process Analysis, Process Control
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
163 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Rice University
Physics 102 - Electric Charges and Fields
Skills you'll gain: Basic Electrical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mechanics, Electrical Systems, Calculus, Mathematical Modeling, Trigonometry, Applied Mathematics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
154 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
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
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Electrodynamics: An Introduction
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Engineering, Basic Electrical Systems, Physics, Integral Calculus, Calculus, Applied Mathematics, Differential Equations, Scientific Visualization
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
624 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
Semiconductor Devices
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Systems, Electronic Components, Electronics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Physics, Electronics Engineering, Scalability, Differential Equations, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling
Build toward a degree
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
599 reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Electrodynamics: Analysis of Electric Fields
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Engineering, Electronic Components, Basic Electrical Systems, Engineering Analysis, Applied Mathematics, Scientific Visualization, Engineering Calculations, Differential Equations, Advanced Mathematics, Physics, Mathematical Modeling, Calculus
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
167 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Rice University
Physics 102 - AC Circuits and Maxwell's Equations
Skills you'll gain: Basic Electrical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Engineering Analysis, Electronic Systems, Electrical Systems, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Calculus
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
40 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks