Optoelectronics
Business & Technology
Degree awarded: Associate in Applied Science
Program Narrative
Optoelectronics technology involves both science and electronics in the application of light to achieve voice and data communications. It is the basis of an industry that's growing rapidly both technologically and financially. The Lehigh Valley itself is now part of a growing 'opto beltway' made up of major corporations and new and exciting venture-capital start-up firms.
Today's employers want to hire electronics and opto technicians who have a command of fundamentals so they are then easily trained to keep up with change. The Optoelectronics Technology program provides the background you need to compete in the advancing world of fiber optic communications manufacturing, installation, research and development, repair, and technical sales. Technicians with this knowledge command above-average salaries and opportunities for advancement as their business grows.
Program Features
Northampton's Optoelectronics program begins with electronics courses that serve as a foundation in electronic theory. You'll gain fundamental lab skills needed to solve most design and application problems. The optoelectronics coursework will specifically give the technician the latest experience in working with the materials, electronics, and systems used in today's fiber optic communications while learning the capabilities of managing light as a transmission source.
The Optoelectronics Technology program allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to the design of communications systems and components utilizing fiber optic technology. Installation and testing in data, voice, and video communications is experienced in an industrial lab environment. All technical courses include lab work for hands-on skills in troubleshooting, test equipment operation, bread-board and hardware circuit construction, and related computer skills.
Most technical work in the program is practiced in well-equipped labs on Northampton's Main Campus, while some work may be performed at Lehigh University in the new Photo Optics Center.
There are several flexible options to this program:
- Students can enter the program at the beginning or easily transfer courses from any accredited program in electronics technology to begin Opto studies immediately.
- Electronics students can complete their degree and simply pick up several courses in optoelectronics to obtain Fiber Optics Association (FOA) level certification along with the knowledge of fiber optics components and systems and premise wiring.
- Electronics students can choose to work towards a second major in Optoelectronics Technology.
- Students can work towards a third degree in Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology by completing a semester at Penn State University's main campus to get a highly-prized range of skills for the opto device companies in the area.
The Optoelectronics AAS degree may be completed part-time and full-time days and evenings.
Program Requirements
Good math and mechanical aptitude required.
Transfer Programs
Students who consider their AAS as a stepping stone toward longer term goals in optoelectronics engineering should work closely with an advisor to selecting math, science and engineering courses that will transfer. Students completing this program may also complete their Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Management through Franklin University by completing approximately 24 additional course credits at NCC and an additional 40 course credits through Franklin University's online courses. Check with your advisor for more information and options in course selection.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the program will:
- Describe the theory, operation and physical principles of electronic components and circuits as commonly applied to analog, digital and optical systems used in electronics, communications and network design and repair.
- Demonstrate the application of electronic theory and commonly used methods of circuit analysis.
- Prototype, test, troubleshoot and repair electronic circuits.
- Describe the structure of analog, digital, and fiber optic systems and peripheral components and signals processed in each system.
- Interface external devices to electronic or communications systems and write appropriate technical guides to describe configuration of the system.
- Describe the structure, function and operation of electronic communications systems and their interrelated components.
- Demonstrate proficient research and computer skills in data gathering and analysis.
- Measure data accurately and safely using standard electronic and optical test equipment and analyze and present data in an acceptable and standardized manner.
- Solve common service related problems using both a reactive and proactive approach.
- Demonstrate competent technical writing skills.
- Demonstrate competent speaking skills when working with diverse groups.
- Demonstrate a basic framework of technical vocabulary and graphics interpretation as it applies to electronic, fiber optic, and communications systems.
- Demonstrate observational, integrative, and synthetic skills.
- Design, construct, and troubleshoot electronic and communications circuits of varying types.
- Perform service-related administrative functions.
- Describe the history and complexities of existing and upcoming telecommunications systems.
Associate in Applied Science Degree
| Course Code | Course Title |
Credits
|
| First Semester | ||
| CMTH 102 | Speech Communication |
3
|
| ELEC 101 | DC/AC Circuit Analysis |
4
|
| ELEC 121 | Technical Computer Applications |
2
|
| ELEC 177 | Electronics Manufacturing I |
2
|
| ENGL 101C | English I |
3
|
| MATH 140 | College Algebra |
3
|
|
17
|
||
| Second Semester | ||
| ELEC 126 | Digital Electronics I |
3
|
| ELEC 151 | DC/AC Circuit Analysis II |
4
|
| ELEC 155 | Introduction to Solid State Devices |
2
|
| EMEC 115 | Mechanical Skills for Technicians |
1
|
| ENGL 151 | English II + |
3
|
| OPTO 100 | Technology of Telecommunications |
3
|
|
16
|
||
| Third Semester | ||
| MATH 145 | Trigonometry |
3
|
| OPTO 101 | Introduction to Optoelectronics |
4
|
| PHYS 101 or | Physics I or | |
| CHEM 120 | General Chemistry I |
4
|
| -------------- | Technical Elective: ELEC or OPTO |
3
|
| -------------- | General Education Elective |
3
|
|
17
|
||
| Fourth Semester | ||
| OPTO 201 | Fiber Optic Test & Measurement |
4
|
| OPTO___ | Technical Electives: OPTO |
6
|
| ------------- | General Education Elective |
3
|
| ------------- | Elective |
3
|
|
16
|
||
| Total Credits |
66
|
+ Students are strongly encouraged to select the Technical Writing option of ENGL 151.
- For the General Education Electives, students must select one course from the list of approved courses in two of the following categories: Arts & Humanities (AH); Social Science: Societies and Institutions over Time (SIT); Social Science: Scientific Study of Human Behavior (SSHB).
- One course should be designated as Diversity (D).
- One General Education course must be taken in a Writing Intensive (WI) section.
- Computer competencies included in various courses in this program. Thus, completing the program automatically satisfies the computing requirements for program.
Career Potential: Electronics Technician, Optoelectronics Technician, Fiber Optic Installation Technician