About this program

  • Credential Awarded: 3 Year Advanced Diploma
  • Campus: Welland
  • Code: 0751 P0751
  • Delivery Length: 3 Years
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Overview

Do you want the chance to build a camera that goes to outer space, is strapped to a helicopter, or for the next movie blockbuster? How about setting up the latest generation laser projector for a red-carpet Hollywood premier?

Maybe you would prefer to work in the bio-medical field, manufacturing diagnostic equipment and lasers used to save lives. From smart phones to self-driving cars; fibre-optic communications, the internet, satellites and sensor technologies used in combating climate change; Optics and Photonics underpinn all modern technology. The world needs people like you to make it. Build the future and make your future in photonics.

Highlights
  • Hands-on experiential learning in Canada’s largest undergraduate photonic labs and teaching clean-room facility.

  • Gain advanced skills in precision optics, electro-optics, fibre-optics and laser technologies.

  • Final program year includes an eight-month photonics applied research project, providing extensive applied learning opportunities and putting graduates in high demand.

Career Opportunities
  • Aerospace industry
  • Biomedical sector
  • Defence sector
  • Electro-optical technologist
  • Entertainment sector (advanced visualization)
  • Fibre-optics technologist
  • Laser technologist
  • Optical coating technologist
  • Precision optical manufacturing technologist

Learn more about photonics and optics:

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Courses

Term one (2024 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
CAPT1011 Computer Programming and Applications 2
COMM1120 Introduction to Writing and Communicating in the Workplace 3
MATH1134 Mathematics I for the School of Technology Studies 4
MMFG1279 Manufacturing Technology for Photonics 3
PHTN1101 Introduction to Lasers and Optics 4
PHYS1220 Physics for Photonics 5
Elective Information

Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Term two (2025 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
CAPT1012 Computer Aided Drafting 3
COMM1430 Technical Communications 3
ELNC1220 Electrical Principles for Photonics 5
MATH1231 Mathematics II for Technicians and Technologists 4
PHTN1230 Photometric Testing 3
PHYS1215 Light and Spectroscopy 4
Elective Information

Completion of additional General Education elective 1 course required

Term three (2025 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
CAPT1013 Computer Aided Drafting (3D) 3
COMM1308 Understanding Society: Communication Model 3
ELNC1321 Electronic Principles for Photonics 5
MATH1332 Mathematics III for Technology 3
PHTN1300 Lasers 5
PHTN1334 Fibre Optic Applications 5
Term four (2026 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
MATH1436 Mathematics IV for Photonics Engineering Technology 3
PHTN1304 Supporting Laser Technology 3
PHTN1305 Optical Test and Measure 4
PHTN1400 Lasers II 5
PHTN1431 Manufacturing Photonics Components 5
PHTN1432 Vacuum and Thin Film Coating Applications 4
TECH1100 Sustainable and Professional Practices 2
Term five (2026 Fall)
Code Course Name Credits
COMM1522 Photonics Research Project I 2
ELNC1430 Digital Electronics 4
PHTN1306 Lasers III 4
PHTN1307 Optical Design 4
PHTN1531 Opto-Electronics 4
PHYS1630 Thermal Control Systems 4
Term six (2027 Winter)
Code Course Name Credits
COMM1622 Photonics Research Project II 2
PHTN1310 Optical Design II 4
PHTN1311 Photonics Manufacturing II 4
PHTN1312 Integrated Technology Project 3
PHTN1631 Imaging and Image Processing 4
TECH1101 Quality and Manufacturing Practices 2
TECH1102 Project Management 3
Program Outcomes Term: 1244
  1. Design, construct and test laser devices and systems.

  2. Design, construct and test Photonic/optical components and systems

  3. Design, construct and test electronic systems

  4. Construct and test opto-mechanical components and systems

  5. Apply health and safety practices to minimize exposure to unsafe conditions and ensure a safe working environment for oneself and co-workers.

  6. Perform tasks in accordance with relevant law, policies, procedures, standards, regulations and ethical principles.

  7. Apply the principles of mathematics and science to analyze and solve technical problems related to photonics technology.

  8. Apply the principles of physical and natural science.

  9. Communicate information effectively, credibly, and accurately for the installation, maintenance, repair and manufacture of components.

  10. Manage, evaluate and document data.

  11. Manage, lead and work in a team to meet target goals.

  12. Evaluate and analyze systemic problems and produce troubleshooting techniques to address these problems.

  13. Apply strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance performance as a photonics professional.

  14. Select for purchase equipment, components, and systems that fulfill job requirements and functional specifications.

  15. Implement and conduct quality control and quality assurance procedures.

  16. Apply business/management principles, ethics, sustainability, contracts, codes and standards.

  17. Manage projects adhering to the standards of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).

  18. Research, analyze, prepare, document, submit and defend a technology report.

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Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent including the following required course(s):
  • English – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
  • Mathematics – any Grade 12 (C) or (U), or equivalent
Recommended Courses and/or Skills:

These courses and skills may help you succeed academically in this program, but they are not required for admission.

  • Physics – Grade 11 (U) or Grade 12 (C) or (U)
Selection and Ranking

Applications are evaluated based on the published admission requirements. When the applicant provides proof of meeting the requirements, an offer of admission can be issued, provided space is available in the program.

Learn more about admission decisions.

Program Requirements
Computer/Technology Requirements

Students are responsible for ensuring that they have a Microsoft Windows 10 based desktop or laptop system that meets or exceeds the following general personal computer technology requirements:

  • A desktop or laptop system running on an updated Microsoft Windows 10 operating system.
  • Minimum 256GB SSD storage and 8 GB memory.
  • An integrated or peripheral video camera, microphone and speaker system.
  • Reliable internet connectivity with Broadband capabilities (a minimum download speed of 5 Mbps) is recommended.
  • Successful installation and activation of both AutoCAD and Multisim found on the Blackboard Homeroom page (after timetable selection).

Niagara College will not be able to provide support for systems different than the above specifications. Any provided software may not operate properly. Academic software for your courses (supported under the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system) will be made available for download and remote use. Access will also be provided to remote high performance computer labs if software downloads are not feasible.

Note: There is no support for Chromebooks or Apple products for this program.

All costs associated with program requirements are the responsibility of the student.

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Availability

Domestic Applicants Apply
International Applicants Apply
Legendfor intake status table
Open

Accepting applications

Waitlisted

Eligible applications will be placed on a waiting list

Closed

Not accepting applications

Suspended

No longer offered this term

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Tuition

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I was always conditioned to believe that university was the way to go. I went, and dropped out. It was awful. I chose NC hoping it would be bearable and I could still become skilled at something. But every single problem that plagued university, dissipated in college. Niagara College, and especially my program of photonics, blew my expectations away. It has far and surpassed anything I could’ve expected out of any program at any school.

Justus, program graduate

I chose Niagara College because I wanted to be sure I got the best education available as well as find my true passion in life. The Photonics program provided me with the knowledge and skills on a wide variety of topics which have been very helpful in the workplace. Being a student at Niagara College was one of the best times of my life.

Thomas Grange, program graduate
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