Course coordinator
Dr Tina Qi
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Elec Engineering & Comp Science School
Introduction to modern optics and photonics for applications such as telecommunications, sensing and imaging. Topics cover both the wave and particle nature of light, including diffraction, coherence, waveguides, polarisation and resonators. Topics also include semiconductor light sources such as LEDs and VCSELs, as well as photodetectors.
An introduction to optics, semiconductor fundamentals, and modern photonic devices for applications in optical communications, optical sensing, imaging and computing. After completing the course students will have the understanding of operation and limitations of enabling technologies for optical networking, optical communications, optical sensing and optical computing. This year some examples of typical photonic devices used for optical sensing, imaging and telecommunications will be added in the last lecture.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course is all about generation, detection, amplification, guiding and manipulation of light-waves (electromagnetic waves). Therefore it is expected that student is familiar with the basic concepts of electromagnetic waves and electromagnetic fields. Also, as the light is being generated, amplified and detected by semiconductor devices it will help if student is familiar with some basic concepts of semiconductor theory. The elementary understanding of differential equations is needed.
ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
ELEC3100 or PHYS3051 or PHYS7250
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
COMS4103
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Students will have to attend (physically and/or remotely) three 3-hour laboratory sessions for the duration of the course.
ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
This course aims at providing students with the systematic introduction to modern photonic devices and subsystems for applications in optical communications, optical sensing and imaging, optical data-storage and computing and solid state illumination.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Analyse and explain the principles of operation of photonic devices
LO2.
Model the photonic devices using analytical and numerical methods and reflect on the results
LO3.
Evaluate how the performance of the photonic device affects the behaviour of an optoelectronic system.
LO4.
Analyse subsystems that contain photonic devices by means of analytical and simulation techniques.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Code, Quiz | Take Home Assignment | 15% |
11/04/2025 1:00 pm
Assignment will be released on 09/04/2025 1pm |
| Practical/ Demonstration | Laboratory Reports | 24% |
28/05/2025 4:00 pm |
| Computer Code, Role play/ Simulation | Simulation Assignment | 16% |
30/05/2025 4:00 pm |
| Computer Code, Presentation, Role play/ Simulation |
Final Assignment
|
45% |
11/06/2025 4:00 pm
Exam released 4pm 9 June and due 4pm 11 June. Presentation on 16 June. |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Take Home Assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Computer Code, Quiz
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
11/04/2025 1:00 pm
Assignment will be released on 09/04/2025 1pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
This take-home assignment is a Matlab based exam testing concepts and problems. This is a short 48-hour turnaround assignment, meant to replace what would traditionally have been a mid-semester exam. The take home assignment will be released at 1pm 09/04/2025 and due 1pm 11/04/2025.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Please upload all related files including the scripts as a single zip archive in blackboard: take home assignment.
NB: This is an individual assignment; the electronic copy of your code will be checked for plagiarism.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Laboratory Reports
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 24%
- Due date
28/05/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L03, L04
Task description
Students will be required to do three laboratory experiments, present the results in three laboratory reports, reflect and draw conclusions.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Results must be zipped up together with the completed report (in PDF format) and submit the bundle through Blackboard (Assessment/Lab Pracs) unless otherwise specified for a particular assessment item.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Prac reports are completed outside the scheduled prac class and are marked and returned to students within 14 days
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Simulation Assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Computer Code, Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 16%
- Due date
30/05/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04
Task description
Students will be required to develop a numerical code in Matlab (or another programming environment of their choice), simulate semiconductor laser using this code, reflect and draw conclusions.
Students will be required to write a short report to present the results, due 4pm 30/05/2025.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Electronic submission of the report and code via Blackboard (Assessment/Simulation Assignment) unless otherwise specified for a particular assessment item. NB: This is an individual assignment; the electronic copy of your code will be checked for plagiarism.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
This course uses a progressive assessment approach where feedback and/or detailed solutions will be released to students within 14 days.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final Assignment
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Computer Code, Presentation, Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
11/06/2025 4:00 pm
Exam released 4pm 9 June and due 4pm 11 June. Presentation on 16 June.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
A Matlab based assignment testing concepts and problems throughout the course will run for 48 hours starting June 9th (Monday) at 16:00 and closing June 11th (Wednesday) at 16:00. On June 16th students will be required to give an oral presentation of approximately 5 minutes to explain the results for one of the problems in the final assignment chosen by the course staff. The 5-minute oral presentation summarizing the results of the simulation assignment is an identity verified piece of assessment. You have to pass the final assessment > 40% to pass the course, as well as pass the oral presentation part, which is pass/fail.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
You have to pass the final assessment > 40% to pass the course, as well as pass the oral presentation part, which is pass/fail.Submission guidelines
Assignments are to be submitted via Blackboard (Assessment/Final Assignment).
NB: This is an individual assignment; the electronic copy of your code will be checked for plagiarism.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
If you are unable to complete the Take Home Assignment 2, please submit an Extension of Assessment Due Date request through my.UQ to apply for a rescheduled assessment date.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Marks | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
The final mark will be rounded to the nearest integer (with half integers rounded up) prior to final grading being applied.ﾠIn order to achieve a grade of 4 (pass), students must achieve at least 40% in theﾠFinal Assignment and pass the oral presentation. Final grade is capped at 3 if the above conditions are not met.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Having Troubles?
If you are having difficulties with any aspect of the course material, you should seek help and speak to the course teaching staff.
If external circumstances are affecting your ability to work on the course, you should seek help as soon as possible.
The University and UQ Union have organisations and staff who are able to help; for example, UQ Student Services are able to help with study and exam skills, tertiary learning skills, writing skills, financial assistance, personal issues, and disability services (among other things).
Complaints and criticisms should be directed in the first instance to the course coordinator. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may bring the matter to the attention of the School of EECS Director of Teaching and Learning.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Handouts
Before each Module a set of Lecture notes for that module will be posted on the Blackboard.ﾠLecture notes provide a basic coverage of the content for the module and material for further reading. The notes will reference the textbooks and any additional material in context.ﾠThe notesﾠare the summary of the module and should be used as a companion to the textbook.ﾠ
The Lecture /contact notes will also contain questions and exercises.ﾠStudents are expected to solve (or attempt) all the problems.ﾠ Some of the problems will be solved during the contact sessions and the solutions will be placed on the web.ﾠThe rest of the problems will be left for students to solve later and are also examinable.
Laboratory Facilities
Laboratory practicals are held in GP South (Building 78) as well as through remote access.ﾠEach student has to attend three 3-hour laboratory sessions for the duration of the course
Simulation Tools
The only simulation tool used in this courseﾠis Matlab.ﾠStudentsﾠwill simulate the performance of the photonic subsystems.ﾠMatlab is available 24 hours/day in the computer labs in GP South building.
Distribution of Notices
Notices will be distributed exclusively through Blackboard.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 1 Course introduction - Introduction to optoelectronic devices -Wave Nature of Light Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2 Diffraction Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
General contact hours |
Week 2 Wave Nature of Light Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 3 Coherence and Waveguides Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
General contact hours |
Week 3 Diffraction Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 4 Coupled modes Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
General contact hours |
Week 4 Coherence and Waveguides. As a part of the tutorial session a Q&A session will run during the last 30 minutes of the tutorial and based on the student response feedback on their understanding about the waveguides or lecture contents of previous weeks will be provided. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 5 Polarisation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
General contact hours |
Week 5 Polarisation Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 6 Resonators Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
General contact hours |
Week 6 Resonators Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 7 Revisions Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 8 Semiconductor fundamentals Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
General contact hours |
Week 8 Semiconductor fundamentals Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 9 To Week 12 |
Practical |
Laboratory practicals The laboratory practicals will start in this week. Times and groups will be handled via mySI-Net. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Week 9 LEDs Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
General contact hours |
Week 9 LEDs Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Week 10 Semiconductor lasers & amps (Part 1): this lecture will be recorded and uploaded in Blackboard due to Labor Day (public holiday) on 5th May 2025. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
General contact hours |
Week 10 Semiconductor lasers & amps (Part 1) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Week 11 Semiconductor lasers & amps (Part 2) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
General contact hours |
Week 11 Semiconductor lasers & amps (Part 2) Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Week 12 Photodetectors Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
General contact hours |
Week 12 Photodetectors Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Week 13 Photonic devices and the applications in sensing, imaging and telecommunications, and revisions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
General contact hours |
Week 13 Simulation assignment Q/A session Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: