Graduate Program

This course surveys observations, theories, and methods of modern astronomy. The course is predominantly for non-science majors, aiming to provide a conceptual understanding of the universe and the basic physics that governs it. Due to the broad coverage of this course, the specific topics and concepts treated may vary. Commonly presented subjects include the general movements of the sky and history of astronomy, followed by an introduction to basic physics concepts like Newton’s and Kepler’s laws of motion. The course may also provide modern details and facts about celestial bodies in our solar system, as well as differentiation between them – Terrestrial and Jovian planets, exoplanets, the practical meaning of “dwarf planets”, asteroids, comets, and Kuiper Belt and Trans-Neptunian Objects. Beyond this we may study stars and galaxies, star clusters, nebulae, black holes, clusters of galaxies and dark matter. Finally, we may study cosmology -- the structure and history of the universe.

Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.

Introduction to Astronomy Lab will include hands-on exercises that work to reinforce concepts covered in the lecture, and may include additional components that introduce students to the night sky. Two hours lab.

Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.

Pre- or corequisite: 1115.

Designed as a follow-up course to 1115. This course will focus on one topic in astronomy for an in-depth investigation of its core concepts and implications. May be repeated, but topics must be substantially different from semester to semester.

Prerequisite: 1115.

{Offered upon demand}

An introductory course covering the basics of the night sky, relevant physics, and the Solar System. The level of math is trigonometry and pre-calculus. First of a two-semester sequence.

Prerequisite: MATH 1230 or MATH 1250. 

Pre- or corequisite: Any physics course numbered 1200 or higher.

{Fall}

Students learn how to carry out astronomical observations using actual telescopes. Students learn the basics of the celestial sphere, telescope design and characteristics planning observations, astronomical data reduction, how to make measurements from astronomical data, interpreting results, and writing reports. The topics of the lab are aligned with ASTR 2110. The level of math is trigonometry and pre-calculus. Three hours lab.

Pre- or corequisite: 2110.

{Fall}

An introductory course covering the Sun, stars, the Milky Way, galaxies and cosmology. The level of math is trigonometry and pre-calculus. Second of a two-semester sequence.

Prerequisite: MATH 1230 or MATH 1250. 

Pre- or corequisite: Any physics course numbered 1200 or higher.

{Spring}

Students learn how to carry out astronomical observations using actual telescopes. Students learn the basics of the celestial sphere, telescope design and characteristics planning observations, astronomical data reduction, how to make measurements from astronomical data, interpreting results, and writing reports. The topics of the lab are aligned with ASTR 2115. Three hours lab.

Pre- or corequisite: 2115.

{Spring}

Gravitation, radiation, relativity, stellar atmospheres, structure, and evolution.

Prerequisite: PHYC **330.

{Fall}

Applications of advanced astrophysical concepts to the interstellar medium, star formation, the Milky Way, external galaxies, and cosmology.

Prerequisite: *421.

{Spring}

Single dish and aperture synthesis radio observations; emission processes at radio wavelengths: synchrotron radiation, thermal bremsstrahlung.

Prerequisite: PHYC **330.

{Alternate Springs}

Principles of optics and quantum physics applied to modern astronomical instrumentation (over a wide range of electromagnetic wavelengths), data acquisition and processing.

{Offered upon demand}

Planetary physics; planetary investigation using space vehicles; optical properties of planetary atmospheres.

{Offered upon demand}

(Also offered as PHYC 456)

Independent studies course for students seeking departmental honors.

Principles of optics and quantum physics applied to modern astronomical instrumentation (over a wide range of electromagnetic wavelengths), data acquisition and processing.

{Offered upon demand}

Astrophysical problems illustrating E&M and classical/statistical mechanics: expansion of the universe; dark matter; big-bang nucleosynthesis; stellar interiors; neutron stars; supernovae. May be repeated when topics are different.

{Alternate Falls}

Astrophysical problems as illustrations of quantum mechanics: atoms; molecules; spectral lines; ionized regions surrounding stars; centers of active galaxies; Lyman-alpha forest. May be repeated when topics are different.

Prerequisite: PHYC 521.

{Alternate Springs}

Applications of advanced astrophysical concepts to the interstellar medium, star formation, the Milky Way, external galaxies, and cosmology.

Prerequisite: *421.

{Spring}

Single dish and aperture synthesis radio observations; emission processes at radio wavelengths: synchrotron radiation, thermal bremsstrahlung.

Prerequisite: PHYC **330.

{Alternate Springs}

Advanced study of concepts of physics and astronomy, designed especially for science teachers and other non-traditional students. Cannot be used to satisfy major or minor program requirements for physics or astrophysics degrees.

Prerequisite: ASTR 1115 or NTSC 1110 or PHYS 1115.

Concepts of heat and thermodynamics; large numbers and probability distributions; spin, oscillator, and gas systems; simple interacting systems, Fermi and Bose statistics.

Prerequisite: **330.

{Fall}

Geometrical optics; wave optics; lasers, nonlinear optics.

Prerequisite: PHYS 2310.

{Alternate Years}

Laboratory experiments in geometrical optics, diffraction, prisms, gratings, microscopy and imaging, polarization, interference and interferometry, and laser operation.

Prerequisite: PHYS 2310.

{Spring}

Dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, harmonic motion, gravitation, Lagrange's and Hamilton's equations, moving coordinate systems.

Prerequisite: MATH **316.

Corequisite: **366 highly recommended.

{Fall}

Mechanics of continuous media, rotations of rigid bodies, small oscillations, nonlinear and chaotic motions.

Prerequisite: **303 and (**366 or MATH **312).

{Spring}

Contemporary electronics. One lecture, 3 hours lab. Completion of **330 is highly recommended.

Prerequisite: PHYS 2415.

{Fall}

Experiments in modern physics and experimental methods. One lecture, 3 hours lab. Completion of **330 is highly recommended.

Prerequisite: PHYS 2415.

{Spring}

Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC 301.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Corequisite: **301.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC **303.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Corequisite: **303.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC **304.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Corequisite: **304.

(Also offered as EPS 427 / 527)

Applications of gravity, magnetics, seismology, heat flow to the structure, constitution and deformation of earth. Related aspects of plate tectonics and resource exploration.

Prerequisite: MATH 1522 and PHYS 1320.

Special relativity; quantum effects; introductory quantum mechanics; atomic and subatomic physics; instruments of modern physics.

Prerequisite: PHYS 2310.

{Spring}

Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC **330.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Corequisite: **330.

Vector calculus, partial differential equations, complex numbers, tensor analysis, Fourier series and transforms, special functions, and their application to physics.

Prerequisite: MATH **316 and PHYS 2415.

Student presentations, both extemporaneous and prepared, of undergraduate physics problems.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Electrostatics; dielectric materials; magnetostatics; magnetic materials.

Prerequisite: **366 or (MATH 311 and MATH **312).

{Spring}

Electromagnetic induction; conservation laws; propagation, reflection, and refraction of electromagnetic waves; wave guides; dipole radiation; relativistic fields.

Prerequisite: *405.

{Fall}

Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC *405.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Corequisite: *405.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC *406.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Corequisite: *406.

Free electron gas, energy bands, crystals, semiconductors, metals, elementary excitations, superconductivity.

Prerequisite: **330.

{Alternate Years}

Introductory topics in elementary-particle physics and nuclear physics, with examples and applications to high-energy physics and astrophysics such as cosmic rays, fixed-target experiments, lepton and hadron colliders, stellar physics, supernovae and cosmology.

Prerequisite: *491.

{Alternate Springs}

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

(Also offered as ASTR 456)

Independent studies course for students seeking departmental honors.

{Fall, Spring}

(Also offered as ECE *463)

Electromagnetic theory of geometrical optics, Gaussian ray tracing and matrix methods, finite ray tracing, aberrations, interference.

{Fall}

(Also offered as ECE *464)

Resonator optics. Rate equations; spontaneous and stimulated emission; gas, semiconductor and solid state lasers, pulsed and mode-locked laser techniques.

{Fall}

Complex variables and analysis; differential equations, including Green's functions; transform methods; special functions; linear algebra; matrix analysis; linear integral equations.

{Fall}

Methods of theoretical physics such as tensor analysis, group theory, calculus of variations, and elementary statistics. The actual topic areas will vary and will be defined by the instructor.

{Alternate Springs}

Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC *466.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Corequisite: *466.

Diffraction, interference, optical detectors, lens aberrations, lasers, spectra, scattering, optical testing. One lecture, 3 hours lab.

Prerequisite: **302 or *463 or *464.

{Spring}

Diffraction, interference, optical detectors, lens aberrations, lasers, spectra, scattering, optical testing. One lecture, 3 hours lab.

Prerequisite: **302 or *463 or *464.

{Spring}

Special topics beyond our standard curriculum, usually involving new areas. The actual topic areas will vary and will be defined by the instructor.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

Schrödinger Equations; Heisenberg uncertainty principle; postulates; Dirac notation; one-dimensional potentials; harmonic oscillator; angular momentum; H-Atom.

Prerequisite: **330 and MATH **314.

{Fall}

Spin; Pauli principle; perturbation theory; scattering; applications of quantum mechanics.

Prerequisite: *491.

{Spring}

Spectrographic methods; lasers, atomic structure; high Tc superconductivity; natural and artificial radioactivity; cosmic rays. One lecture, 5 hours lab. *491 is highly recommended.

Prerequisite: **307L.

{Spring}

Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC *491.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Corequisite: *491.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC *492.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Corequisite: *492.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Review of Lagrangian dynamics; two-body central force; rigid-body motion; small oscillations; Hamilton’s equations; canonical transformations; Hamilton-Jacobi theory.

{Fall}

Review of thermodynamics; classical statistical mechanics; ensemble theory; quantum statistical mechanics with examples.

{Spring}

Review of electro- and magneto-statics; E&M waves and radiation; covariant electrodynamics; scattering; relativity and covariant collisions.

{Spring}

Review of 1-dim. potentials; Dirac formalism; postulates; symmetries and conservation laws; harmonic oscillator; angular momentum and spin; central potentials; approximation methods.

{Fall}

More on angular momentum; scattering; identical particles; spectra of atoms and molecules; symmetry and conservation laws; approximation methods; special topics.

Prerequisite: 521.

{Spring}

Introduction to relativistic quantum mechanics, and quantum mechanics and quantum field theory with applications drawn from quantum electrodynamics and high-energy physics.

Prerequisite: 522.

{Alternate Years}

A continuation of 523.

Prerequisite: 523.

{Offered upon demand}

Band concepts; Bloch functions; phonons and their interactions; superconductivity.

{Alternate Falls}

(Also offered as ECE 534)

Plasma parameters, adiabatic invariants, orbit theory, plasma oscillations, hydromagnetic waves, plasma transport, stability, kinetic theory, nonlinear effects, applications.

{Fall}

Overview of the standard model, including electroweak interactions, gauge theories, QCD, other selected topics.

{Alternate Falls}

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

(Also offered as ECE 554)

Diffractions theory, coherence theory, coherent objects, and incoherent imaging, and polarization.

Prerequisite: *463.

{Spring}

(Also offered as ECE 559)

Students do research and/or development work at a participating industry or government laboratory in any area of optical science and engineering.

Restriction: permission of department.

This course covers advanced topics in laser and optical physics that includes (but not limited to) semiconductor lasers, detection and noise, extreme wavelength generation, and ultrafast metrology.

Prerequisite: *464.

Study and manipulation of quantum coherence with electromagnetic fields. Quantum coherent spectroscopy; photon statistics and nonclassical light; open quantum systems; decoherence; special topics.

{Alternate Years}

General concepts, microscopic approach, nonlinear optical effects and devices.

{Alternate Springs}

Possible topics include dye lasers, solid-state lasers, novel lasers, interaction between intense lasers and matter, advanced nonlinear optics, spectroscopy.

{Offered upon demand}

Einstein’s theory of general relativity both as a theoretical model for gravitational forces via curved space times and as applied to various realistic astrophysical situations such as neutron stars, black holes and gravitational waves.

{Offered upon demand}

(Also offered as CS, NSMS 571)

This course explores the concepts and mathematical techniques underlying quantum computation. Topics include quantum entanglement, quantum cryptography, teleportation, models for quantum computation, quantum algorithms, quantum error correction, and fault-tolerant quantum computation.

Concepts, applications and mathematical techniques of quantum information theory. Topics include classical information, Hilbert-space formulation of quantum mechanics, quantum states, quantum dynamics and measurements, quantum information, and quantum entanglement.

Only 6 hours will count toward the program of studies.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

May be repeated with any single faculty member.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Designed to introduce non-science majors to basic concepts, laws and skills in classical and quantum physics as a basis to discuss the interrelationships of society and physics. Examples where energy, momentum, special relativity, thermal physics, quantum and nuclear physics have important roles are discussed; these could include meteorology, aviation weather, fission and fusion reactors, science policy and ethics, alternative energy sources.

Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.

{Spring}

Designed to introduce non-science majors to basic concepts, laws and skills in physics, in various applications to ordinary life. Energy, momentum, force, wave phenomena, electric charge and light are discussed; also basic properties of gravitational, electromagnetic and nuclear forces. Selections from relativity, quantum theory, atoms and molecules will be included. See PHYS 1115L for an optional laboratory.

Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.

Students involve themselves in experiments and projects showing basic concepts related to the atom, the environment and the universe. Two hours lab.

Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.

Pre- or corequisite: 1115.

Available to students initially enrolled in 1230 or 1310 who find themselves unprepared. Designed for science majors, it focuses on fundamental physics concepts and prepares students to return to and succeed in these classes.

{Second half of Fall and Spring}

Designed to introduce non-science majors to basic concepts, laws and skills in physics, in the context of a study of sound, acoustics and music. Energy and force involved with the physical nature of sound waves; application to harmonics, tone quality, pitch. Sound production, propagation, detection and perception are demonstrated and illustrated by many different musical instruments, building acoustics and the behavior of the voice and the ear. See PHYS 1125L for an optional laboratory.

{Spring}

Student involvement in experiments and demonstrations with sound waves, measurements of properties of musical instruments and electronic equipment measuring musical and acoustic properties. Two hours lab.

Pre- or corequisite: 1125.

{Spring}

Mechanics, sound, heat, fluid, waves. The sequence (PHYS 1230, 1230L, 1240, 1240L) is required of pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-optometry students. Only 1230 and 1240 are required of pharmacy students.

Credit for both this course and PHYS 1310 may not be applied toward a degree program.

Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.

Prerequisite: MATH 1240 or MATH 1250 or MATH 1430 or MATH 1512 or ACT Math =>28 or SAT Math Section =>660 or ACCUPLACER College-Level Math =>100.

{Summer, Fall, Spring}

Mechanics, sound, heat. Three hours lab.

Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.

Pre- or corequisite: 1230.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to 1230.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Corequisite: 151.

Electricity, magnetism, optics.

Credit for both this course and PHYS 1320 may not be applied toward a degree program.

Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.

Prerequisite: 1230.

Electricity, magnetism, optics. Three hours lab.

Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.

Pre- or corequisite: 1240.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to 1240.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Corequisite: 1240.

Mechanics, sound.

Credit for both this course and PHYS 1230 may not be applied toward a degree program.

Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.

Pre- or corequisite: MATH 1512.

Mechanics, sound. Three hours lab.

Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.

Pre- or corequisite: 1310.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to 1310.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Corequisite: 1310.

Heat, electricity, magnetism.

Credit for both this course and PHYS 1240 may not be applied toward a degree program.

Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.

Prerequisite: 1310.

Pre- or corequisite: MATH 1522.

Heat, electricity, and magnetism. Three hours lab.

Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.

Pre- or corequisite: 1320.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to 1320.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Corequisite: 1320.

Optics, modern physics.

Prerequisite: 1320.

Pre- or corequisite: MATH 2530.

Optics, modern physics. Three hours lab.

Pre- or corequisite: 2310.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to 2310.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Corequisite: 2310.

Application of computational techniques to problems in physics and astronomy. Topics include: matrices, interpolation, fitting of data, Runge-Kutta techniques, complex math, Fourier techniques.

Prerequisite: 2310.

Pre- or corequisite: MATH **316.

{Spring}

Special topics of general interest in physics at an introductory level intended for non-science majors.