A Welcome Message from James C. Wyant, Dean |
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| Optical Sciences at the University of
Arizona is the world’s premier optical institute, with outstanding
faculty members, an international student body, a challenging curriculum,
pioneering research programs and close relationships with the optics industry.
Optics is perhaps the most exciting field there is -- fast-paced, technologically challenging, and rapidly changing. Research thrusts at Optical Sciences have initiated many of the changes we see in the field and we are continually working to reflect those changes in our academic and research programs. This year brings several new initiatives to Optical Sciences. First, industry has asked us for more graduates with degrees in optics. In partnership with the University of Arizona’s College of Engineering and Mines, we launched a new degree program: The Bachelor of Science in Optical Sciences and Engineering. It’s an exciting and challenging program, and already it is attracting many of the most talented and promising students at the University of Arizona. Industry has also asked us to provide graduate educational opportunities for working professionals. In response to that request, we launched a distance learning program for post-baccalaureate students: The Professional Graduate Certificate in Optical Sciences. Students in this program earn the professional certificate entirely by distance learning. The coursework encompasses the same classes that lead to our Master of Science degree, so certificate students have the option of transferring into the Master’s program and of applying their certificate courses toward a Master of Sciences degree. The optics industry that has grown up around Optical Sciences in Tucson and Arizona continues to thrive, and in combination with our educational program expansion, brings a need for more space. To meet that need, we are launching yet another new project: we are building a new Optical Sciences teaching, research and conference facility. In addition to high-tech classrooms, state-of-the-art research laboratories and offices for additional faculty members, the new facility will include the extensive conference facilities and meeting rooms that will enable us to expand and improve our services to our alumni, our Industrial Affiliates and the optics industry. The pursuit of excellence can never be confined to just a few highly-visible targets. Excellence in graduate education and innovative research initiatives play a key role in our mission. At Optical Sciences, the development of new research programs is as dynamic as the field of optics itself and is the foundation of our educational program. If you would like to visit Optical Sciences, please call me. It is always a pleasure to escort visitors through our laboratories and introduce them to our students and faculty members. I can be reached by email at jcwyant@optics.arizona.edu or by telephone at 520-621-2448. |
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