Optics for Graduate Engineering: Pre-Req E&M Knowledge?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the prerequisite knowledge of undergraduate Electromagnetism (E&M) necessary for success in a graduate engineering optics course. Participants explore the relevance and necessity of E&M courses in relation to optics, particularly in the context of different academic programs and individual backgrounds.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that a solid understanding of undergraduate E&M is essential for performing well in a graduate optics course, with at least two semesters of E&M likely needed.
  • One participant, a biochemist student, expresses skepticism about the practical utility of E&M in their future career, despite acknowledging its importance for foundational knowledge in optics.
  • Another participant shares their experience of taking a senior-level optics course without prior upper-level E&M, indicating it was manageable but required additional effort to catch up on classical EM wave propagation concepts.
  • There is a suggestion that the specific requirements may vary by university and program, with a participant noting the importance of checking the course catalog for precise prerequisites.
  • One participant mentions that classical electrodynamics content in E&M textbooks should cover the necessary material for an optical engineering curriculum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the necessity of E&M as an absolute prerequisite for graduate optics courses. While some emphasize its importance, others highlight variability based on individual circumstances and program specifics.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific information about the course content and structure, as well as the varying definitions of what constitutes an 'absolute prerequisite' across different institutions.

jmills11
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Does anyone know how much undergraduate E&M you need to know in order to do well in a graduate engineering Optics course? Is it an absolute pre-requisite?
 
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Yes, it seems it is. As a biochemist student exploring biophysics options, it seems that for me I have to take E&M courses, and sometimes mechanics, before I get to take a course on electrodynamics or optics. I think these courses can be useful for me, but I suspect I might never use 90% of what I will learn in my professional career, and there's so many other courses that I can take that have direct applications.

For math and physics, programs are going to be very rigid. If I end finding the need for optics myself, I'd take E&M first to get a foundation. Even if you know the math, if you don't know the physics, I assume it is just going to be a hassle and probably a waste of time.

I guess you also aren't a physics student so maybe you are in a similar position. And in the end 'absolute prerequisite' means if they will allow you without it or not. I mean, if they allow student without E&M to take the course, but they fail 100% of the time, I guess it isn't an 'absolute prerequisite'.
 
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It's hard for us to answer that question since it probably depends on your university and/or specific program. However, probably at least two semesters of E&M will be needed.
 
It's an Electrical Engineering graduate level optics course at Colorado State University
 
I would say, the classical electrodynamics part of any EM textbook will be able to cover any possibilities of optical engineering curriculum.
 
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jmills11 said:
It's an Electrical Engineering graduate level optics course at Colorado State University
Did you look in their course catalog? It is almost certainly online.

jason
 
I took a senior level physics course in optics (Optics by Hecht) before taking any upper-level E&M and it was manageable, but I can't really speak or a graduate level engineering course. I had to spend some time catching up on classical EM wave propagation things, but the first couple weeks of the class were reviewing that anyway. What topics will your course be covering? I think that's important. Also, what book will you be using?
 

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