This program has been discontinued. No new students will be admitted.
Dino Laury, Chairperson
(585) 286-4613 (VP), dino@mail.rit.edu
The applied optical technology program prepares students to work in the field of precision optics. Students may choose from AAS or AOS degree options. To ensure the highest quality optical components, students develop skills in blocking, edging, curve generating, process control, and testing methods. Additional skill sets will incorporate troubleshooting lens systems, utilizing automation equipment, tooling, testing, and overall quality assessment to ensure compliance with customer specifications. Students have the opportunity to train on equipment used by the industry, including instructional interferometers, autocollimators, spectrometers, and computer numerical control technology. Students work in a highly technical atmosphere producing optical elements designed for use in a wide range of industries such as aerospace, medical, cinematography, and the military.
On-the-job responsibilities
Precision optical technicians set up and operate equipment; execute precision grinding, polishing, and edging processes to produce optical components/systems; and perform end product metrology.
Places of employment
The program prepares graduates for technical jobs in precision optics manufacturing industries. Positions for which graduates will qualify include entry-level hands-on laboratory and/or manufacturing positions in precision optics.
Prerequisites
English: Placement into English level C or above. Students successfully completing AOS degrees typically enter with reading scores equivalent to 8.0 on the California Reading Test.
Mathematics: Placement into Foundations of Algebra (0884-180), Elements of Geometry (0884-170), or a higher-level course. Typically, students entering this program will have completed at least three years of high school mathematics.
Science: Placement into Optical Technology Physics (0885-200) or a higher-level course. Typically, students entering this program will have completed at least two years of high school science.
Applied optical technology, AOS degree, typical course sequence (quarters)
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| 0813-220 | Engineering Fundamentals | 4 |
| 0890-212 | Computing Tools for ET | 4 |
| English Level C | 12 | |
| 0813-222 | Manufacturing Processes | 4 |
| 0884-180 | Foundations of Algebra | 4 |
| 0884-212 | Integrated Algebra | 4 |
| 0884-185 | Fundamental Geometry | 1 |
| 0887-200 | Freshman Seminar | 2 |
| 0890-214 | CAD Applications in ET | 4 |
| 0885-200 | Applied Optical Physics | 4 |
| 0813-255 | Precision Measurement | 2 |
| 0813-250 | Introduction to CNC | 2 |
| Wellness Education† | 0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| 0827-210 | Fundamentals of Photonics | 3 |
| 0827-270 | Orientation to Lens Surfacing | 3 |
| 0813-252 | CNC Graphics | 3 |
| Deaf Cultural Studies/ASL* | 3 | |
| 0827-235 | Fundamentals of Optical Testing | 3 |
| 0827-217 | Lens Design and Applications | 3 |
| 0827-280 | Application of Lens Surfacing | 4 |
| 0827-237 | Optical Testing | 3 |
| Communication Studies* | 3 | |
| 0806-101 | Job Search | 2 |
| 0827-200 | Optical Processes I | 4 |
| 0827-220 | Optics of Imaging and Design | 3 |
| 0827-240 | Precision Optics Manufacturing I | 3 |
| Social Science* | 3 | |
| 0827-299 | Cooperative Education | Co-op |
| Third Year | ||
| 0827-245 | Precision Optics Manufacturing II | 3 |
| 0827-201 | Optical Processes II | 4 |
| Technical Elective | 3 | |
| Humanities* | 3 | |
| Capstone* | 3 | |
| Total Quarter Credit Hours | 106 | |
* Please see NTID’s General Education Distribution Requirements chart for more information.
† Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information.
** Please note: Admission to this program has been suspended for the 2011-2012 academic year.