The first year is all basic science-y subjects, anyway.
You dont start the opto-specific stuff until second year anyway.
Bring it on, I say!
I'm currently doing the previous degree, bachelor of technology in optoelectronics. Will probably end up doing it over 4 years though, so I can do the new subjects, and to avoid insane timetable clashes.
*curses the electronics department for cancelling classes*