How to Get Started in Laser and Fiber Optic Technology at
Three Rivers Community College

Before you sign up for classes you need to make some decisions about your goals in studying in the laser optics programs at Three Rivers. Some factors to consider are:

What is the difference between an associate degree and a certificate?
Will I be a full time or part time student?
Do I prefer day, evening, or online classes?
What prerequisite courses are needed?
What if I want to transfer to a four year program?
When do I take TCN 105 Laser and Lab Safety?

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Associate degree or Certificate?

The Associate Degree in Laser and Fiber Optic Technology (LFOT) is a two year program combining electronics and optics and leading to a technician or senior assembler job in the photonics industry, or transfer to a four year technology degree program. Program prerequisites are knowledge of computer applications (word processing, email, internet), high school Algebra, and high school physics or chemistry or equivalent. If you don't have these courses, you can take them at Three Rivers prior to beginning the program or while you are taking prerequisite courses. All students are placement tested in math and English, ensuring that you will begin the program at a level appropriate for your background and experience.

The Certificate in Laser and Fiber Optic Technology is an academic certificate. Most students prefer to use the courses in the Certificate as electives in the General Engineering Technology A.A.S. program, or the College of Technology Technological Studies A.S. degree, or other programs with approval of the Program Coordinator. In some cases, this certificate has been taught to current photonics industry employees as incumbent worker training provided by the employer. Many of the courses are taught online, however, there may be on-site lab requirements. (In the case of corporate training, the labs may be performed at a company site.) Students are expected to be familiar with basic algebra; other math will be taught as part of the program.

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Full time or part time? 

All Laser and Fiber Optic programs may be pursued either full time or part time. You should be aware that many courses have prerequisites. This means that courses should in most cases be taken in a prescribed order. If you have questions, ask an academic advisor. You should also be realistic about how much time you can give to studying if you are working a full time job. Students who try to work more than 20 hours per week and go to school full time are usually not very successful.

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Courses in the A.S. in Laser and Fiber Optic Technology are taught according to the semester schedule shown below, depending on instructor and classroom availability. Note that some changes may occur due to campus construction and consolidation. PLEASE email regarding evening course availability.

• Students with the appropriate math prerequisite may start either semester with PHO 101 or PHY 141.
• TCN 105 Laser and Lab Safety is either an online course or a hybrid course (1-2 class sessions, remainder online)

For required courses in other areas (such as Math or English) please consult with the Department Chair (DC) or Program Coordinator (PC) for that area. You can find a listing ot PCs and DCs on the Three Rivers Community College web site. Course schedules may be found at http://www.online.commnet.edu  http://www.online.commnet.edu Ý

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PREREQUISITE COURSES  

Students entering the program should be able to do basic algebra (Three Rivers MAT 095 or equivalent). Students taking courses ONLINE should have experience with email and web applications. The ability to take ENG 101 (College Composition) is also a requirement for all certificate programs. Students with questions should consult the Program Coordinator.

Students entering the program are required to have successfully completed the equivalent of high school Algebra II. Additional mathematics is recommended. High school physics (or its equivalent) and some computer experience are also highly recommended. If these courses have not been taken, they may be completed at Three Rivers along with the courses in the degree program. (Additional time may be required.)

Some optics and photonics courses also have specific course prerequisites.

Students entering these programs should possess a high school diploma or GED and should have successfully completed courses at the high school Algebra II level. Physics and computer courses are useful, but not required. (They may be taken at Three Rivers as a part of the programs.)

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What about transfer to a four-year university?

In general, Engineering Technology programs transfer best to four year degree programs in Engineering Technology or Industrial Technology, rather than to Engineering programs. Engineering Technology programs are more hands-on and less theoretical; Engineering programs require a higher math level (usually 3-4 semesters of calculus and advanced math). Students transferring from the Laser and Fiber Optics AS program will need to take additional math and science before beginning an engineering program.

All Three Rivers Engineering Technology programs transfer to Central Connecticut State University's School of Technology/Industrial Technology. (The BS can be completed in 2 years as a full time student.) Students in Laser and Fiber Optic Technology may also transfer to Southern Connecticut State University's Physics Department. (Very well prepared students may finish the BS degree in two years one summer.)

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TCN 105 Laser and Lab Safety

Laser and Lab Safety is a one credit course required of all students taking laser or manufacturing courses. It is best to take this course as early as possible, but it must be taken before PHO 240 Introduction to Lasers.

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