Master in Optical Communications and Photonic Technologies

Optical communications are at the core of today’s Internet revolution. Such revolution could not be happening without the ultra-high capacity optical transmission systems and networks that make up the massive backbone infrastructure needed to support it.
In addition, optical systems are currently extending their reach from the backbone to the metropolitan area, all the way to the last mile and to the end-users’ homes.
This is a whole new market that is opening up and that will greatly expand in the coming years. A number of challenging problems will have to be dealt with to support such growth and expansion, regarding transmission techniques, network architectures and design, key optical components and enabling technologies.

The MOCPT aims at providing the student with a comprehensive view of all these aspects.
Its contents are designed to enable the II Level Specializing Master graduates to fulfill the cultural requirements set forth by the most advanced companies in the field, also in challenging R&D contexts.

In order to be admitted into the second level Specializing Master program, applicants must possess a 5-year (10 semesters) university degree. Applications from students who possess a 4-year (8 semesters) university degree may be possibly evaluated by the selection commission.

The MOCPT program is addressed to graduate students who have completed a curriculum in Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Information Technology or equivalent subjects.

Prospective candidates must have a good command of written and spoken English, together with basic notions in communication theory and electronics.

To profitably attend the II Level Specializing Master program, candidates should have a good background in these areas:

• Fourier Transforms
• Stochastic Variables and Processes
• Elements of Digital Transmission
• Elements of Communication Networks
• Protocols Basics of Semiconductor Devices and Materials
• Transmission Line Theory
• Basics of Analog and Digital Electronic Circuits
• Basics of Electromagnetic Wave Propagation

A lack of background in one or two of the above areas is considered acceptable. A lack in three or more areas should discourage application.
All tuition will be given in English.

This one-year II Level Specializing Master aims at providing an extensive background in optical systems, ranging from transmission aspects, to technological and component-related issues, as well as networking aspects. The teaching staff includes many internationally known researchers from Politecnico di Torino. Seminars on selected topics will be given by experts from companies operating in the field.

Courses and computer-aided training sessions are held at Politecnico di Torino, in special classrooms equipped with workstations.
A specific teaching and training laboratory, equipped with state-of-the-art optical test and measurement equipment, has been also set up, thanks to the sponsorship of CISCO Photonics and Rhode & Schwarz, to carry out hands-on training sessions.
Courses are structured into three quarters plus one quarter devoted to internships.
Courses and training cover an average 24 hours a week.
All tuition and teaching material is in English.

The courses include topics in Optical Transmission Theory (WDM systems, long-haul, non-linear fiber effects, PMD, RAMAN, etc.), Optical Components and Technologies (lasers, detectors, AWG filters, EDFAs, optical integrated circuits, etc.) and Optical Networking (SONET/SDH, Gbit Ethernet, MPLS, MPlS, IP over WDM, Optical Cross Connects, PONs and FTTx, etc.).

The MOCPT program usually starts in OCtober and its duration is 12 months. The program includes 70 credits overall, 50 earned through courses and 20 earned through a Summer quarter internship.
Internships are carried out at companies operating in the field of Optical Communications, possibly including operators and carriers, or at the photonics research lab of Politecnico di Torino).

The teaching staff includes many internationally known researchers from Politecnico di Torino. Seminars on selected topics will be given by experts from companies operating in the field.

Students will obtain a II level specializing master certificate at the end of the course after the dissertation of the II level specializing master thesis based on the internship activity. A certificate of attendance will be provided to the students with a partial registration.

Internship is a training period offered by major companies operating in the Specializing Master field.
During the internship the student is officially allocated within a company, with full insurance coverage during working hours.

It is compulsory and its duration is about 3 months but (with mutual agreement) can be extended beyond the Specializing Master end date (e.g. up to 12 months totally).

During this period student will be supported by the Specializing Master coordinator and supervised by his tutors (at Politecnico di Torino and in the company); at the end they will acquire 20 educational credits (ECTS) doing a pilot project.

The tuition fee is 8.000 Euro divided in two instalments, the first one at the moment of the enrollment and the second one at the end of March 2012, but for this II Level Specializing Master course there is also the opportunity of obtaining a scholarship (see below).

There is also the possibiliy to be enrolled only to some courses of the II Level Specializing Master and this possibility is generally addressed to people that wants to specifically deepen only some topics. The Master Coordinator will take into consideration the request depending on the course admission requirements, availability in the classroom etc...

Scholarship opportunity:

Compagnia di San Paolo - Politecnico project
Politecnico di Torino, thanks to the support of the Compagnia di San Paolo, offers international students the possibility to receive a scholarship in addition to the coverage of tuition fees (8,000 Euro). The gross amount of the scholarship is 6,000 Euro*.
This amount could not be sufficient for the living costs in Italy, students will need their own pocket money.
The amount of the scholarship will not be increased in case the student will have an internship extension.
Payment of the scholarship occurs periodically (12 instalments). The first instalment is dependent upon the possession of the relevant documentation (enrollment certification, residence permit, Italian fiscal code, and bank account in the name of the scholarship recipient), all obtainable upon arrival in Italy; for this reason, the first instalment is not paid at the moment of arrival at the Politecnico di Torino (September 2011), but at the end of October. Payment of the scholarship will be suspended if the academic performance of the recipient does not meet a satisfactory level.

Scholarship winners will be selected among the students who have successfully completed and submitted the online application form within May 12th 2011 (h 11:59 a.m., Italian time). All candidatures correctly received by the deadline will be taken into consideration for the available scholarships, it is not necessary to fill in any other proper document.

* around 450 Euro net per month.

For details please consult the website or call the contact people listed below.

Politecnico di Torino:
Ufficio Master e Formazione Permanente - Gestione Didattica;
Phone: (+39) 011 090 5717 / 6128
E-mail: master.universitari@polito.it

Prof. Roberto Gaudino - Master Scientific Coordinator
Politecnico di Torino - Dipartimento di Elettronica;
E-mail: roberto.gaudino@polito.it

Web: didattica.polito.it/master/optical/