Photonics/Optics SpecialistOften neglected, light plays an important role in daily life; it is the key to survival. Light is used for everything from cellular respiration to lasers in DVD players. Both photonics and optics involve the study of light. Photonics is the study of how light can be used to transfer information. Meanwhile, optics mainly focuses on how light affects and is affected by other things. An optics or photonics specialist is the name given to someone who has expertise in these areas. In Ontario, four post-secondary schools offer programs related to the study of photonics and optics. The first is Wilfred Laurier University. Laurier has a program called Physics, Photonics; in which the possibility of cooperation is offered. To enter this program, students must have an average in the mid-70s. In addition to this, students must also have the following 4U prerequisite courses (with a minimum average of 60% in each course): advanced functions; two of calculus, chemistry or physics; and an English course. Additionally, the minimum combined average in science courses must be at least 70%. Completion of the program will provide the student with a Bachelor of Science degree. The next two post-secondary institutions, Carleton University and Algonquin College, offer a joint program called Information Technology – Photonics and Laser Technology. Like Laurier, this program offers students the opportunity to do a cooperative internship. To access this program, the candidate must have an average age between 70 and 70 years old. Prerequisites include the following 4U courses: advanced functions; physical; one of the fields of calculation, chemistry or earth and space sciences; the calculation being recommended. Completion of the program results in obtaining middle of paper......and increases with more experience. Some of the tasks that someone working as an optics or photonics specialist may perform include assembling, measuring, testing and repairing optical components; such as lenses, lasers and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Other tasks involve product development, as well as research and development. The work of specialists in optics and photonics is becoming increasingly important today, as there are many different technologies using optics-based devices. An example of a commonly used device is a laser. Lasers are used in everything from DVD players to medical devices to entertainment tools. They can be very dangerous, causing burns, or not very harmful. Thanks to the constant evolution of technology, specialists in optics and photonics will be able to continue their study of light for many years to come...