What is E&M and Optics?

E&M stands for electromagnetics, which is the study of how fields and waves interact with the world.  In electromagnetics, the fields are no longer tethered to a circuit board and can instead move through space. Their interaction with the world around them (for example the human body or your cell phone or an aircraft) enables all kinds of imaging, communication, sensing and ranging applications. The ability of electromagnetic fields to carry power and signals enables wireless communication (like your cell phone) and wireless power transfer (for implantable medical devices, Airbuds, electric vehicles, and more).

Simulation of Eddy Currents

Visible light, UV radiation, and infrared light are all forms of electromagnetic waves.  Optics is the science of bending and focusing light, which allows us to send signals and create images.  Such technology can be used to concentrate sunlight for solar cells or project blockbuster films on the big screen.

Electromagnetic and optical engineers design a variety of everyday technologies including…

  • medical imaging systems like MRI scanners
  • radar
  • GPS
  • microwave heating
  • fiber optic cables
  • lasers
  • virtual reality headsets
Skin cancer sensor designed by the Sanchez Research Lab

Courses

Course Numbering System: X3xx = Electromagnetics
ECE 3300/3305 Electromagnetism and Transmission Lines and Lab, are foundational courses for this area.

 

Fall
Class Non-yearly Options
5320/6322 Microwave Engineering I Hybrid, IVC
5350/6350 Computational E&M with Commercial Solvers

Spring
Class Non-yearly Options
5324/6324 Antennas
5340/6340 Computational E&M with self-written codes Hybrid, Online
5321/6323 Microwave Engineering II Odd years IVC
5310/6310 Advanced EM Even years IVC, Online

Course Numbering System: X4xx = Optics
ECE 3300 Electromagnetism and Transmission Lines, is a foundational course for this area.

Fall
Class Non-yearly Options
5410 Optics I IVC
6440 Integrated Optics & Sensors
5331/6331 Optics for Energy IVC, Online

Spring
Class Non-yearly Options
5412 Optics II IVC
5411 Optical Communication Even years
6420 Fourier Optics & Holography intermittent
5960/6960 Computational Photography Hybrid

ECE 3300/3305 Electromagnetism and Transmission Lines and Lab, are foundational courses for this area.

Fall
Class Non-yearly Options
5361/6361 Neural Engineering
5360/6360 Bioinstrumentation even years Hybrid, IVC
5330/6330 Medical Instrumentation Online

Spring
Class Non-yearly Options
5480 Ultrasound intermittent

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Class Number Class Name Terms Offered
ECE 5960/6960 Computational Photography Spring
ECE 6730 RFIC Spring

Geophysics

Class Number Class Name Terms Offered
GEO 5250 Inversion Theory Fall

Mechanical Engineering

Class Number Class Name Terms Offered
ME 5510 Intro to Finite Elements Fall

Math

Class Number Class Name Terms Offered
Math 5600 or Math 5610 and 5620 Numerical Analysis Fall, Spring
Math 6610 + 6620 Analysis of Numerical Methods I Fall
Math 6620 Analysis of Numerical Methods II Spring
Math 5710 Intro to Applied Math I Fall
Math 6630 Numerical Solutions of PDEs Spring

Physics

Class Number Class Name Terms Offered
PHYS 3410 Foundations of Modern Optics Spring
PHYS 5020 EM Spring