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.
Prerequisite: MATH 123 or Compass Trig Test =>60.
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.
Prerequisite: MATH 123 or Compass Trig Test =>60.
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}
*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}
*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.
536.
Advanced Astrophysics I.
(3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
(Also offered as PHYC 536)
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}
537.
Advanced Astrophysics II.
(3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
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}
