The advanced photonics laboratory is a biannual course offered to graduate students, after they have taken a few basic courses in optics and photonics. The course contents include experiments involving different areas in optics and photonics. Learning outcome includes theoretical formulation in optical phenomena and adoption of its instruments. Students are encouraged to explore experimental parameters, observe the effect on measured quantities, correlate them to theoretical predictions and finally explain any discrepancies. The methodology encourages students to question both theoretical models and experimental techniques. © 2015 SPIE.