The College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona is a
world-class academic and research facility specializing in the field of
Optics. Optics is the science of light, both visible and invisible
light, such as ultra-violet and infrared light. Research is currently
underway in the areas of large optic telescopes, bio-medical imaging,
optical data storage, fiber optics and fiber lasers, MEMS and nano
technology, remote sensing, and thin film technology. The goal of the
undergraduate program is to give students a high-quality education to
prepare them for exciting careers in optical design, optical
fabrication and testing, lasers, optical detectors, optical
instrumentation and optical fiber communications. The College of
Optical Sciences prides itself in a hands-on, engineering themed
education where all students have weekly lab classes that supplement
the phenomenal classroom education provided by the faculty. Part-time
research opportunities are abundant and strongly encouraged by both the
teaching and research facility, preparing the students in the program
beyond the basic level that several other engineering disciplines
provide. Graduates of the College of Optical Sciences are the most
highly educated, best prepared, and overall preeminent new hires in the
field of Optics.
The Optics Outreach program is a community education program designed
and run by current students in the College of Optical Sciences. Several
years ago, local students out of Tucson high schools realized that no
one ever told them about the wonderful academic, research, and career
opportunities that this college provides to its students. In the spring
of 2007, ten seniors created a formal opportunity in which Optics
students talk directly to middle and high school students to provide
these younger students a first hand experience of what both college
life and Optics is all about. The program typically provides a 50
minute presentation, focusing on the background of optics and the
college experience here at the University of Arizona, as well as
providing several practical demonstrations regarding different
principals of optics. However, this format is extremely flexible; our
primary goal is to inform the Tucson public and beyond about the
wonderful opportunities that the College of Optical Sciences provides
to its students. Since 2007, this program has talked to over 5,000
students from Indiana to South Korea, from students in kindergarten to
high school seniors.