Astronomy/Astrophysics
101.
Introduction to Astronomy.
(3)
Conceptual description of our fascinating universe: early astronomy, Newtonian synthesis, Earth, Moon, planets, asteroids, comets, the sun, our solar system, stars, black holes, galaxies, dark matter, dark energy and cosmological mysteries.Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1114).
101L.
Astronomy Laboratory.
(1)
Intended as an adjunct to ASTR 101, this course deals with elementary techniques in astronomical observations. Two hours lab. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1114).
Pre- or corequisite: ASTR 101
109.
Selected Topics in Astronomy.
(3 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
Designed as a follow-up course to 101. 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: 101
{Offered upon demand.}
270.
General Astronomy.
(3)
Concepts of astronomy with emphasis on the solar system.
Pre- or corequisite: MATH 150 or 162 and any physics course numbered 150 or higher.
{Fall}
270L.
General Astronomy Laboratory I.
(1)
Observations of the moon, planets and stars. Three hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 270
{Fall}
271.
General Astronomy.
(3)
Stellar astronomy, the galaxy, extra-galactic systems, cosmology.
Pre- or corequisite: (MATH 150 or 162) and any physics course numbered 150 or higher.
{Spring}
271L.
General Astronomy Laboratory I.
(1)
Observations of the moon, planets and stars. Three hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 271
{Spring}
*421.
Concepts of Astrophysics I.
(3)
Gravitation, radiation, relativity, stellar atmospheres, structure, and evolution.
Prerequisite: PHYC 330
{Fall}
*422.
Concepts of Astrophysics II.
(3)
Applications of advanced astrophysical concepts to the interstellar medium, star formation, the Milky Way, external galaxies, and cosmology.
Prerequisite: 421
{Spring}
*423.
Radio Astronomy.
(3)
Single dish and aperture synthesis radio observations; emission processes at radio wavelengths: synchrotron radiation, thermal bremsstrahlung.
Prerequisite: PHYC 330
{Alternate Springs}
*424.
Extragalactic Astronomy and Cosmology.
(3)
Distribution, properties and interactions of galaxies and quasars; large scale clusterings of matter, formation and evolution of the universe; physical cosmology.
{Offered upon demand}
*426.
Optics and Instrumentation.
(3)
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}
*427.
Topics in Planetary Astronomy.
(3)
Planetary physics; planetary investigation using space vehicles; optical properties of planetary atmospheres.
{Offered upon demand}
*445.
Introduction to Cosmic Radiation.
(3)
Primary cosmic radiation, Stormer theory, production and detection of secondary cosmic radiation, meteorological and environmental effects, temporal variations, heliospheric transport, extensive air showers and origin of cosmic rays.
{Offered upon demand}
*455.
Problems.
(1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
456.
Honors Problems.
(1 to a maximum of 2 Δ)
(Also offered as PHYC 456)
Independent studies course for students seeking departmental honors.
534.
Plasma Physics I.
(3)
(Also offered as CHNE, PHYC, ECE 534)
Plasma parameters, adiabatic invariants, orbit theory, plasma oscillations, hydromagnetic waves, plasma transport, stability, kinetic theory, nonlinear effects, applications.
{Fall}
536.
Advanced Astrophysics I.
(3)
(Also offered as PHYC 536)
Astrophysical problems as illustrations of classical and statistical mechanics, as well as E&M: expansion of the universe; dark matter; big-bang nucleosynthesis; interiors of white dwarfs and neutron stars; supernova explosions; formation of galaxies.
{Alternate Falls}
537.
Advanced Astrophysics II.
(3)
Astrophysical problems as illustrations of quantum mechanics; hydrogen and other atoms; molecules; spectral lines in the astrophysical environment; Doppler effect; ionized regions surrounding stars; centers of active galaxies; Lyman alpha forest; non-Keplerian rotation of galaxies.
Prerequisite: PHYC 521
{Alternate Springs}
