I. Scientific and Technical Applications of Photography - Technical and Creative Problem Solving

1.1 4 credit hours
1.2 3 lecture/lab hours per week (additional darkroom time may be required)
1.3 Prerequisites: for upper division SPAS students.

II. Course Catalog Description

Introduction to special or unusual methods particularly useful in technical, scientific or research photography. Emphasis on the student's development of innovative solutions to a set of photographic problems. Topics to include such subjects as High Speed Photography, Strip Photography, Velocity and Time measurement cameras, Polarization, Time Lapse, Astrophotography and others. First hand experience is encouraged by participation in simulated and simplified approaches to more complex specialties.

III. Objectives

At the conclusion of the course the student will be able to:

3.1 Understand the limits and the potential of specific photographic techniques listed below in regards to their suitability for specialized applications.
3.2 Identify the equipment necessary for undertaking these photographic assignments.
3.3 Function in a more knowledgeable manner in future industrial photographic situations.

IV. Course Outline

4.1 Examine and manipulate a shutter with the purpose of better understanding its function and limitations. Learn a quanti- tative approach to a photogaphic system through a basic experiment in shutter calibration.
4.2 Apply photography to the purpose of making measurements. Students will be involved in an experiment designed to estimate rate of subject movement or rotation through deliberate introduction of controlled blur in a photograph.
4.3 Review focal plane shutter distortion and relate a familiar system to an unfamiliar one. Demonstrate simplified strip photographic methods and experiment with photofinish type photography.
4.4 Review the possibilities and present limits of ultraviolet and infrared photography. Produce photographs with electromagnetic radiation other than light. Demonstrate the transformation of incident radiation by certain materials.
4.5 Photogaph constellations with a conventional camera with black and white or color film. Photograph star trails with Tech Pan 2415. Demonstrate angle measurements of trails to determine exposure time. Identify certain stars. Understand theory of refractor and reflector telescopes.
4.6 Explore parameters involved in high speed photography. Review historical aspects and modern applications. Investigate a subject of interest using improvised "instrumentation".
4.8 Experiment with and understand basic concepts and principles of stereoscopic vision, photography and presentation. Produce photographs for a stereoscopic slide show to be presented in a class show.
4.9 Polarization and polarization effects are introduced. Theory and application of instances where polarized light is a constructive technique or an unwelcome nuisance are described. Experiment with various methods of photographing crystals by transillumination with polarized light.
4.10 Other techniques and applications as deemed appropriate by the instructor for the group. Some of above topics may not be covered at the discretion of the instructor depending on the make-up of the class.

V. Evaluation

5.1 Student evaluation is based on fulfillment of course objectives through completion of specific assignments in an acceptable manner at the discretion of the instructor and, optionally, as additionally influenced by performance in a final exam. To obtain grade of D at least 4 project reports must be turned in. For a grade of C at least 6 project reports must be turned in. For a grade of B at least 8 project reports must be turned in. Highest grade possible through completion of course projects is a B. Grade earned with projects can be raised one letter grade by earning a grade of at least 85% in the optional final exam.

VI. Course texts

6.1 There are no texts required for this course. Instructor will make appropriate printed information available to students whenever possible.

filed as sci&tech.des
rev. 9-27-97