OPTICAL SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY

A.A.S. DEGREE

Description
The Optical Systems Technology Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree prepares students for a career in the field of optics. Students take courses that include content in optical fabrication and metrology, photonics, applied optical mathematics, optical elements and ray optics, wave optics, optical systems, lasers, and photo science. Students use state of the art optics equipment that prepares them for immediate career placement. The Optical Systems Technology program provides pathways to rewarding careers in companies critically important to our economic growth and national defense. Students in the program will gain practical skills in advanced manufacturing areas such as lens assembly, metrology, Computer Numeric Control (CNC) grinding, CNC polishing, conventional optical fabrication, and diamond turning. The degree is designed for students looking for a way to enter the optics workforce as well as for those currently in the workforce looking to advance their skills. Students who wish to continue on a four-year pathway can transfer from the A.A.S. degree to a variety of schools in the region, in New York State or other states. Students who plan to transfer to a four-year college to earn their Bachelor's degree should discuss their plans with an advisor as early as possible to identify the appropriate courses.(Housed in the Engineering Technologies Department)

Program Learning Outcomes
1. Evaluate an optical system using a number of geometrical optics test procedures.
2. Make standard electro-optic measurements and evaluate typical electro-optic configurations.
3. Understand and perform the basic and advanced optical manufacturing techniques for today’s precision optical components.
4. Understand and perform the basic and advanced metrology techniques for testing optical systems and individual optical components.

Requirements for Program Entrance
Admissions Requirement: MTH 150 Survey of Mathematics- or OPT 175 Quantitative Skills in Optics-ready.
Recommended High School Courses: Technical Courses, Dual Enrollment Optical Courses (OPT 110 Intro to Optical Technologies encouraged)


Distribution Requirements

Credit Hours
TRADITIONAL OPTICS OPTION



FIRST SEMESTER: 15 Credit Hours

OPT 110 Introduction to Optical Technology
3
OPT 213 Optical Fabrication and Metrology
4
TEK 145 Career Communications
3
HED 101 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Care
1
OPT 175 Quantitative Skills in Optics OR MCC General Education Quantitative Literacy Elective (MCC-QL) (*1)
4
Total
15


SECOND SEMESTER: 15 Credit Hours

OPT 131 Optical Elements and Ray Optics
4
OPT 201 Photo Science
4
OPT 235 Advanced Optical Fabrication and Metrology
4
PHL 250 Professional Ethics
3
Total
15


THIRD SEMESTER: 17 Credit Hours

ENG 101 College Composition OR ENG 200 Advanced Composition
3
OPT 151 Optical Instruments and Testing 4
OPT 211 Wave Optics and Applications
4
GEG 133 Introduction to Remote Sensing
3
HEG 215 Global Health and Culture
3
Total
17


FOURTH SEMESTER: 17 Credit Hours

OPT 245 Optical Systems
 4
OPT 255 Photonics
4
ANY SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION ELECTIVE (*2)
3-4
ANY SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION ELECTIVE (*2)
3-4
Total
14-16


TOTAL CREDITS
61-63


ELECTRO-OPTICS OPTION



FIRST SEMESTER: 17 Credit Hours

ELT 111 Introduction to Digital Electronics
 3
OPT 110 Introduction to Optical Technology
 3
OPT 175 Quantitative Skills in Optics OR MCC General Education Quantitative Literacy Elective (MCC-QL) (*1)
 4
OPT 213 Optical Fabrication and Metrology
 4
TEK 145 Career Communications
 3
Total
17


SECOND SEMESTER: 16 Credit Hours

ELT 121 AC/DC Circuit Analysis
4
OPT 131 Optical Elements and Ray Optics
4
OPT 235 Advanced Optical Fabrication and Metrology
4
HED 101 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Care
1
PHL 250 Professional Ethics
3
Total
16


THIRD SEMESTER: 16 Credit Hours

OPT 151 Optical Instruments and Testing
 4
ELT 134 Introduction to Programmable Logic Controller
 3
GEG 133 Introduction to Remote Sensing
 3
HEG 215 Global Health and Culture
 3
ENG 101 College Composition OR ENG 200 Advanced Composition
 3
Total
16


FOURTH SEMESTER: 13-15 Credit Hours

OPT 255 Photonics
 4
ELT 234 Advanced Programmable Logic Controllers
 3
ANY SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION ELECTIVE (*2)
 3-4
ANY SUNY GENERAL EDUCATION ELECTIVE (*2)
 3-4
Total
13-15
TOTAL CREDITS
62-64
(*1) It is recommended that optics students take OPT 175; any MCC-QL elective must be 4 credits.
(*2) Choose a course from any SUNY-GER category, except for performance and studio art courses listed under SUNY-A. Recommendations are given below for pathway students.
  • Workforce students not planning to transfer recommend but not required courses to select from include: ECO 101, GEG 133, SPC 141, SPC 144, MTH 152 or higher.
  • Students seeking to Transfer are recommended but not required to select from the following courses: PHY 145 or higher, MTH 175 or higher.
  • ADDITIONAL NOTE: Students seeking transfer to a 4-year institution should consult with a program coordinator or advisor for general education course selection.