Photonics Certificate Program

The Fitzpatrick Institute for Photonics at Duke University offers a Photonics Certificate, open to any graduate student at Duke. The goal of the program is to provide a venue for students to learn more about photonics as a path to interdisciplinary research and technology development.

Requirements

  • For all certificate candidates:
    • Complete four photonics courses from the approved course listing, of which one course must be a qualified “Introductory Survey Course.” (See Certificate Course List)
    • Present research at a Fitzpatrick Institute Student Group meeting.
    • Attend at least four FIP seminars a year and submit attendance record to the certificate Director of Graduate Studies (DGS). The DGS maintains a list of approved student seminar series.
  • For Ph.D. candidates: Ensure at least one member of the FIP is on the student's Ph.D. dissertation committee.

Certificate Course List

The following is a list of approved certificate courses. This list is subject to change over time as new courses are offered, including special topics offerings. Please consult with the certificate DGS for guidance and approval. Courses marked with an asterisk qualify as an introductory survey course.

Courses:

  • *ECE 299 Introduction to Photonics 
  • *BME 238/ECE 221/PHY 265 Advanced Optics 
  
  • *BME 335 Advances in Photonics
  • BME 236 Biophotonics Instrumentation
  • BME 234 Modern Microscopy
  • BME 274 Biomedical Optical Spectroscopy
  • BME 265 Biophotonics Design
  • CHEM 349 Molecular and Biomolecular Imaging
  • ECE 225 Nanophotonics
  • ECE 226 Optoelectronic Devices
  • ECE 227/PHY 272 Quantum Information Science
  • ECE 273 Optical Communications Systems
  • ECE 299 Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy
  • ECE 299 Laser Systems
  • ECE 299 Quantum Electronics
  • ECE 299 Lens System Design
  • ECE 195 Advanced Photonics
  • ME 265 Optical Properties of Nanostructured Materials
  • PHY 271 Quantum Optics
  • PHY 318 Fundamentals of Electromagnetism
  • PHY 319 Advanced Electromagnetism

Process to Earn the Certificate

  1. Apply to the certificate program by completing this form.
    1. Mail form to Attn: Dr. Wax, 136 Hudson Hall, Box 90281, Durham, NC 27708.
    2. Students are encouraged apply for the certificate program early and to consult the DGS for guidance on courses. Application must be made at least one semester prior to the student's scheduled graduation date.
  2. Complete the requirements of the certificate and meet with DGS to provide the following information:
    • Graduate transcript indicating completion of four courses from the approved certificate course list, including an introductory survey course.
    • Title and date of the seminar given by the student.
    • Ph.D. dissertation title and abstract (if applicable).
    • List of Ph.D. dissertation committee members (if applicable).
    • Date of Ph.D. thesis defense (if applicable).
  3. When filing Graduate School Intent to Receive Degree Form, indicate that you want to receive the Photonics Graduate Certificate.

Certificate Program Contacts:

Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) : Associate Professor Adam Wax

Co-Director: Associate Professor Jungsang Kim

     

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