An integrated lecture-laboratory course in contemporary Applied Optics is being implemented. The course is addressed mainly to physics juniors and seniors, but other science and engineering students will be attracted to it. The objectives of the course are: (1) improvement of student's perception of physics as useful in the "real world"; (2) enhancement of prospect of employment by industry of physics graduates, and (3) increase of opportunity for "hands on" experience in current techniques and methods useful in experimental physics. The laboratory includes experiments in optical radiation detectors, optoelectronic laser beam manipulation, holography, optical image processing, and fiber optics. This course serves as a prototype for other courses in applied physics in the department. The final goal is the increased participation of minority students in science careers.NSF grant funds are being matched with funds from non-federal sources.
