Description of the fundamental phenomena in optics and presentation of the relevant physical - mathematical background. Light models. Fermat’s principle. Huygens’ principle. Huygens-Fresnel principle. Wave equation. Light propagation in absorbing media. Light reflection and transmission on a plane interface. Total internal reflection, evanescent wave, Brewster effect. Geometrical optics. Eikonal-equation. Paraxial optics, matrix optics. Concept of principal planes. Two- and multiple-beam interferometry, basic interferometers (Michelson, Mach-Zehnder). Resolution of diffraction gratings. Scalar diffraction, Fresnel-Kirchhoff integral formula. Fraunhofer and Fresnel approximation. Far-field diffraction of a rectangular and circular aperture. Polarization. Polarization-sensitive optical elements. Birefringence. Ordinary and extraordinary beams. Light propagation in anisotropic media. Phase-shifting and polarization rotating plates. Statistical optics. Spatial and temporary coherence. Connection of the coherence function with the visibility of the interferogram and power spectrum density of the light source.