Level 5 Photonics Systems (Short Course)

Evidence of successful study at Level 4 in Electrical Engineering or similar. Applicants with non-standard entry qualifications will be considered on the basis of relevant work experience and attainment of skills, which demonstrate an ability to study at this level. This may include an interview. Students with non-standard qualifications may also be asked to complete a controlled entry assessment on a relevant subject as part of the selection process. 

Students undertaking work experience or professional activity may be required to undertake a satisfactory DBS check. Criminal records should be positively disclosed upon application, in order for applicant suitability to be assessed. 

Literacy skills can be evidenced with a Level 2 qualification in English (GCSE grade 4/C or above), or completion of a controlled entry assessment.

If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component (Reading , Writing, Listening and Speaking or an equivalent English Language qualification).

This is not a module, it is a short course that is worth 20 academic credits at Level 5. However, it can be completed as a non-assessed, non-accredited course.

Indicative Course Content

The above course outcomes are fixed but the course content can be adjusted to meet your needs and specialisms.

1. Introduction and history of fibre optic communication
2. Telecommunication standards and concepts of transmission
3. Optical fibre types and applications
4. Overview of modulation schemes
5. Lasers as optical transmitters
6. Discrete optical modulators for enhanced transmission
7. Presentations
8. Bit error rate
9. Direct detect optical receivers
10. Advanced photonic coherent transmitter structures
11. Digital signal processing for coherent transmission
12. Optical amplifiers
13. Optical add/drop multiplexers
14. Estimate link budgets
15. Photonic integrated circuits

The course will be delivered on Tuesday mornings, February 2023 – June 2023. Exact dates and times will be provided in the Short Course Guide. This will be made available once you have enrolled onto the course.

This course has been developed through a collaboration between Lumentum and South Devon College. Therefore, it meets both the current needs of the electronic and photonics sector as well as the requirements of Higher Education academic regulations.

To achieve the accredited 20 academic credits at Level 5, requires successful completion of the assessed elements:

• Presentation on the development of photonics technologies
• 2500-word report on the application of photonics systems

The balance of assessment by examination/test, coursework and practical depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by coursework is as follows:

75% coursework, 25% practical

UCSD recognises feedback as an essential component of your learning and progression. It adopts a feed-forward approach whereby feedback is given in a developmental manner to support your continued progression. You will receive feedback on all assessments within 20 working days.

Our dedicated teaching teams will support with your application of theoretical and practical knowledge and will be invaluable to your development as an effective practitioner. Their passion and enthusiasm is exceptional, with dedicated support and tutorial time available so that you can make the most of your studies. This support has been crucial to the success of many past students who may not come from a traditional education pathway, and helps ensure your success.

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes academic staff, professional practitioners with industry experience, and where relevant, technicians. Postgraduate students undertaking teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by research, professional practice and industry experience to provide you with the most up to date and relevant learning opportunities.

When not attending lectures, seminars or practicals you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for examinations where applicable. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities, including the library, the UCSD Research Centre, and our course specific environments.

Students who successfully complete this short course can apply to progress on to the FdSc Engineering (Photonic and Optical Electronics) degree programme.

This course has been developed through a collaboration between Lumentum and South Devon College. Therefore, it meets both the current needs of the electronic and photonics sector as well as the requirements of Higher Education academic regulations. 

Course Related Costs Included

• Equipment to support practical sessions related to your programme of learning
• Compulsory visits related to your programme of learning
• Annual £10 printing allowance
• Access to e-books and e-journals relating to your programme of study

You will have access to the following across our campuses: 

• 1,200 computers
• 25,000 books 
• Campus-wide wireless network 
• A comprehensive catalogue of e-books, journals, newspapers and electronic resources 
• A virtual learning portal 
• A student email address 

• Additional printing over the initial allowance
• Optional overseas and UK based field trips
• The cost of books you may wish to purchase
• An annual parking fee or bus pass for travel to UCSD