MSc Photonics and Optoelectronic Devices
Course Overview
We run a twelve-month taught MSc that includes a 3.5-month research project, usually in industry. The course material features lasers, nonlinear optics, semiconductor optoelectronics, modern optics, optical waveguides and optical communications, awareness of the photonics and optoelectronics industries, and a mix of theoretical and practical work. There is more information below, and also from the links in the light-grey boxes on the menu at the left hand side of the window.
The
broadly tunable optical parametric oscillator This well established twelve-month course, which was started in 1981-82 under the title of Optoelectronic and Laser Devices, provides postgraduate vocational training in lasers, modern optics and semiconductors, tailored to the needs of the optoelectronics, lasers, photonics, and optical communications industry. Needless to say, the contents of the programme are somewhat different now to when the programme first started, but the general aim of providing an excellent and relevant education in photonics remain. Optoelectronics and Photonics are seen as major areas of enabling science for the technology of the 21st century. We are pleased to hear from our industrial partners (November 2011) that a number of UK photonics companies are doing well despite the current economic climate, and are recruiting. Students take modules at both St Andrews University and Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh), followed by 3.5 months normally with an optoelectronics company, undertaking an industrial research project. The joint involvement of the School of Physics and Astronomy at St Andrews University and the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University makes available to students the combined expertise and diversity of research equipment and expertise in the two universities. The course topics include: Laser Physics, Modern Optics, Photonic Materials, Optoelectronic Devices, Technical Communication, and other professional skills. Extensive practical experience is gained in state-of-art dedicated laboratories at the two universities, as well as during the industrial project. The project can be a great opportunity to get hands-on research/development experience in a commercial environment, working on a project that is important to the company concerned. Candidates should hold a good honours degree (2II or better), or its equivalent, from a British or overseas university, but lesser qualifications linked to appropriate experience may be acceptable. Applications from company employees are also welcomed.
Some members of the 2008-9 class enjoying a break together The lead university for 2012-2013 is St Andrews, and applications to the course should be made through us. In all years, the participants on the course will spend their first semester at the University of St Andrews, where the course participants will be part of this University's postgraduate community in this beautiful town on the coast of Fife. Travel information to St Andrews is available here. More details on the School of Physics and Astronomy and its research areas are available from the School's web pages. A summary of relevant research at St Andrews is provided on a special web page for this course. Students will also benefit from spending the second semester at Heriot-Watt University, which has a major research interests relevant to the course. Students will then be close to the attractions of the capital city of Edinburgh. We have information on these pages about why Optoelectronics and Lasers are so important in today's world, and on why this particular MSc course is highly regarded. |
To communicate with the academic staff co-ordinating the course, please use the contact details below. |
Dr
Bruce Sinclair |
Professor
Ajoy Kar Email: A.K.Kar@hw.ac.uk
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Last revised 15.11.11 BDS
