UMass Lowell is offering an online degree program that focuses on optical fiber and its installation.

UMass Lowell Online Learning, an online course provider in New England, allows students to earn a degree or certificate in Photonics and Optoelectronics from their home or office computers. The system uses the Worldwide Web, online chat and other Internet-based resources.

The Photonics & Optoelectronics Graduate Certificate program provides a fundamental overview of electro-optics and optical fiber in data rates and the opportunity to specialize in optical fiber. Four courses compose the graduate certificate.

Two of the courses, Introduction to Fiber Optics, and Fiber Optic Communications and Networks, deal with installation.

Introduction to Fiber Optics teaches the advantages and disadvantages of fibers and their fundamental properties and applications. The course also teaches cable splicing and connectorizing.

Fiber Optics Communications and Networks teaches about optical fiber losses and optical networks.

UMass Lowell Online Learning is part of the university's Division of Continuing Studies, Corporate and Distance Education. For more information or a course catalog call 800-480-3190 or visit http://www.cybered.uml.edu.