Mar 29, 2024  
2019-2020 Hill Book (Class of 2023) 
    
2019-2020 Hill Book (Class of 2023) [ARCHIVED HILL BOOK]

Photonics, B.A.


Program Director

David Simon
Office: Shields Science Center 305
Phone: 508-565-1651
dsimon@stonehill.edu

Mission of the Program

Photonics is the study of light-based technology and its applications. It is a rapidly growing area that has extensive interactions with nearly every other branch of science and technology. The Photonics B.A. major is intended to build a strong background in physical and optical sciences, while developing skill in the application of mathematical and computational skills to real world problems. The BA provides an excellent foundation for those seeking to pursue careers in teaching, to pursue graduate studies at research universities, or to go on to medical school.  In particular, the Photonics B.A. can be useful to those wishing to pursue advanced degrees in areas such as photonic or electronic engineering, optical physics, experimental or theoretical physics, or biomedical sciences. In addition to serving as a stand-alone major, it is designed to also serve as a second major that would provide an excellent complement to studies in chemistry, biology, engineering, or astronomy.

Learning Goals

Majors in the Photonics B.A. will:

  • demonstrate a clear understanding of the fundamental underlying areas of electromagnetism, optics & waves, electronics.
  • be able to use the principles of the disciplines above to analyze the workings of photonic devices and of optical phenomena in nature.
  • be able to carry out mathematical and computational analysis of physical and photonic systems.
  • understand how science is performed: observation, hypothesis development, experimental design & execution, data collection and interpretation.
  • understand the philosophical, ethical, and societal dimensions of science and technology as a human endeavor.
  • understand the uses and implications of photonic technology in both scientific applications and in everyday life.

The B.A. in Photonics requires the completion of sixteen courses.