Students wishing to enter the M.S. or the Ph.D. programs in Physics must have an undergraduate degree in physics or in a related field. Their undergraduate program of studies must have included courses in thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics and classical mechanics. There is no foreign language requirement for graduate degrees in Physics. Proficiency in at least one computer language is encouraged.
International students and students who are seeking financial aid must submit materials no later than:
Under both plans, the graduate work offered for the master’s degree must include PHYC *466, 505, 511 and 521. In addition, if material equivalent to one of the advanced labs (PHYC *476L, *477L or *493L) is not included in the student’s prior education, one of these courses must also be taken for the graduate degree. Details must be discussed with a graduate advisor each semester.
The M.S. in Physics with a concentration in Astrophysics follows the same requirements for Plan I and Plan II. Requirements for the concentration include:
Details must be discussed with a graduate advisor each semester.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Physics requires a minimum of 48 credit hours of graduate work exclusive of dissertation. These credit hours must include:
Details must be discussed with a graduate advisor each semester.
Under the terms of an agreement between the University of New Mexico and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), candidates for a doctoral degree in Physics may conduct dissertation research at LANL. Certain conditions have been specified by LANL for the acceptance of students for research at Los Alamos, and each case is considered on an individual basis.
The Ph.D. in Physics with a concentration in Astrophysics requires a minimum of 48 credit hours of graduate work exclusive of dissertation. These hours must include:
Details must be discussed with a graduate advisor each semester.
Courses
ASTR 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).
ASTR 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: 101.
ASTR 109. Selected Topics in Astronomy. (3, may be repeated three times 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}
ASTR 270. General Astronomy. (3)
Concepts of astronomy with emphasis on the solar system.
Prerequisite: MATH 123 or MATH 153.
Pre- or corequisite: Any physics course numbered 150 or higher.
{Fall}
ASTR 270L. General Astronomy Laboratory I. (1)
Observations of the moon, planets and stars. Three hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 270
{Fall}
ASTR 271. General Astronomy. (3)
Stellar astronomy, the galaxy, extra-galactic systems, cosmology.
Prerequisite: MATH 123 or MATH 153.
Pre- or corequisite: Any physics course numbered 150 or higher.
{Spring}
ASTR 271L. General Astronomy Laboratory I. (1)
Observations of the moon, planets and stars. Three hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 271.
{Spring}
ASTR *421. Concepts of Astrophysics I. (3)
Gravitation, radiation, relativity, stellar atmospheres, structure, and evolution.
Prerequisite: PHYC **330.
{Fall}
ASTR 422 / 538. 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}
ASTR 423 / 539. Radio Astronomy. (3)
Single dish and aperture synthesis radio observations; emission processes at radio wavelengths: synchrotron radiation, thermal bremsstrahlung.
Prerequisite: PHYC **330.
{Alternate Springs}
ASTR 426 / 526. 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}
ASTR *427. Topics in Planetary Astronomy. (3)
Planetary physics; planetary investigation using space vehicles; optical properties of planetary atmospheres.
{Offered upon demand}
ASTR *455. Problems. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
ASTR 456. Honors Problems. (1, may be repeated once Δ)
(Also offered as PHYC 456)
Independent studies course for students seeking departmental honors.
ASTR 526 / 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}
ASTR 536. Advanced Astrophysics I. (3, may be repeated once Δ)
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}
ASTR 537. Advanced Astrophysics II. (3, may be repeated once 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}
ASTR 538 / 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}
ASTR 539 / 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}
NONE 102. Introduction to Physics. (3)
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 PHYC 102L for an optional laboratory.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1114).
NONE 102L. Physics Laboratory. (1)
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 (NMCCN 1114).
Pre- or corequisite: 102.
NONE 103. Selected Topics in Physics. (3, may be repeated three times Δ)
Special topics of general interest in physics at an introductory level intended for non-science majors.
NONE 105. Physics and Society. (3)
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}
NONE 108. Introduction to Musical Acoustics. (3)
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 PHYC 108L for an optional laboratory.
{Spring}
NONE 108L. Musical Acoustics Laboratory. (1)
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: 108.
{Spring}
NONE 110. Introduction to Applied Physics. (3)
Available to students initially enrolled in PHYC 151 or 160 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}
NONE 151. General Physics. (3)
Mechanics, sound, heat, fluid, waves. The sequence (151, 151L, 152, 152L) is required of pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-optometry students. Only 151 and 152 are required of pharmacy students.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1114).
Prerequisite: MATH 150 or MATH 153 or MATH 162 or MATH 180 or ACT Math =>28 or SAT Math Section =>660 or ACCUPLACER College-Level Math =>100.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
NONE 151L. General Physics Laboratory. (1)
Mechanics, sound, heat. Three hours lab.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1114).
Pre- or corequisite: 151.
NONE 152. General Physics. (3)
Electricity, magnetism, optics.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1124).
Prerequisite: 151.
NONE 152L. General Physics Laboratory. (1)
Electricity, magnetism, optics. Three hours lab.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1124).
Pre- or corequisite: 152.
NONE 157. Problems in General Physics. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to 151.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: 151.
NONE 158. Problems in General Physics. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to 152.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: 152.
NONE 160. General Physics. (3)
Mechanics, sound.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1214).
Pre- or corequisite: MATH 162.
NONE 160L. General Physics Laboratory. (1)
Mechanics, sound. Three hours lab.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1214).
Pre- or corequisite: 160.
NONE 161. General Physics. (3)
Heat, electricity, magnetism.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1224).
Prerequisite: 160.
Pre- or corequisite: MATH 163.
NONE 161L. General Physics Laboratory. (1)
Heat, electricity, and magnetism. Three hours lab.
Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science (NMCCN 1224).
Pre- or corequisite: 161.
NONE 167. Problems in General Physics. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to 160.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: 160.
NONE 168. Problems in General Physics. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to 161.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: 161.
NONE 262. General Physics. (3)
Optics, modern physics.
Prerequisite: 161.
Pre- or corequisite: MATH 264.
NONE 262L. General Physics Laboratory. (1)
Optics, modern physics. Three hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 262.
NONE 267. Problems in General Physics. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to 262.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: 262.
NONE 290. Computational Physics. (3)
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: 262.
Pre- or corequisite: MATH **316.
{Spring}
NONE **300. Topics in Physics and Astronomy. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
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: 102 or ASTR 101 or NTSC 261L.
NONE **301. Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics. (3)
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}
NONE **302. Introduction to Photonics. (3)
Geometrical optics; wave optics; lasers, nonlinear optics.
Prerequisite: 262.
{Alternate Years}
NONE **302L. Optics Lab. (3)
Laboratory experiments in geometrical optics, diffraction, prisms, gratings, microscopy and imaging, polarization, interference and interferometry, and laser operation.
Prerequisite: 262.
{Spring}
NONE **303. Analytical Mechanics I. (3)
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}
NONE **304. Analytical Mechanics II. (3)
Mechanics of continuous media, rotations of rigid bodies, small oscillations, nonlinear and chaotic motions.
Prerequisite: **303 and (**366 or MATH **312).
{Spring}
NONE **306L. Junior Laboratory. (3)
Contemporary electronics. One lecture, 3 hours lab.
Prerequisite: 290. **330: highly recommended.
{Fall}
NONE **307L. Junior Laboratory. (3)
Experiments in modern physics and experimental methods. One lecture, 3 hours lab.
Prerequisite: 290. **330: highly recommended.
{Spring}
NONE 311. Problems in Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC 301.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: **301.
NONE 313. Problems in Analytical Mechanics I. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC **303.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: **303.
NONE 314. Problems in Analytical Mechanics II. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC **304.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: **304.
NONE **327. Geophysics. (3)
(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: 161 and MATH 163.
NONE **330. Introduction to Modern Physics. (3)
Special relativity; quantum effects; introductory quantum mechanics; atomic and subatomic physics; instruments of modern physics.
Prerequisite: 262.
{Spring}
NONE 331. Problems in Introduction to Modern Physics. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC **330.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: **330.
NONE **366. Mathematical Methods of Physics. (4)
Vector calculus, partial differential equations, complex numbers, tensor analysis, Fourier series and transforms, special functions, and their application to physics.
Prerequisite: 290 and MATH **316.
NONE *400. Seminar. (1, may be repeated five times Δ)
Student presentations, both extemporaneous and prepared, of undergraduate physics problems.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
NONE *405. Electricity and Magnetism I. (3)
Electrostatics; dielectric materials; magnetostatics; magnetic materials.
Prerequisite: **366 or (MATH 311 and MATH **312).
{Spring}
NONE *406. Electricity and Magnetism II. (3)
Electromagnetic induction; conservation laws; propagation, reflection, and refraction of electromagnetic waves; wave guides; dipole radiation; relativistic fields.
Prerequisite: *405.
{Fall}
NONE 415. Problems in Electricity and Magnetism I. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC *405.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: *405.
NONE 416. Problems in Electricity and Magnetism II. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC *406.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: *406.
NONE *430. Introduction to Solid State Physics. (3)
Free electron gas, energy bands, crystals, semiconductors, metals, elementary excitations, superconductivity.
Prerequisite: **330.
{Alternate Years}
NONE *450. Introduction to Subatomic Physics. (3)
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}
NONE 451 / 551. Problems. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
NONE *452. Research Methods. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
NONE 456. Honors Problems. (1, may be repeated once Δ)
(Also offered as ASTR 456)
Independent studies course for students seeking departmental honors.
{Fall, Spring}
NONE *463. Advanced Optics I. (3)
(Also offered as ECE *463)
Electromagnetic theory of geometrical optics, Gaussian ray tracing and matrix methods, finite ray tracing, aberrations, interference.
{Fall}
NONE *464. Laser Physics I. (3)
(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}
NONE *466. Methods of Theoretical Physics I. (3)
Complex variables and analysis; differential equations, including Green's functions; transform methods; special functions; linear algebra; matrix analysis; linear integral equations.
{Fall}
NONE *467. Methods of Theoretical Physics II. (3)
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}
NONE 468. Problems in Methods of Theoretical Physics I. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC *466.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: *466.
NONE *476L. Experimental Techniques of Optics. (3)
Diffraction, interference, optical detectors, lens aberrations, lasers, spectra, scattering, optical testing. One lecture, 3 hours lab.
Prerequisite: **302 or *463 or *464.
{Spring}
NONE *477L. Experimental Techniques of Optics. (3)
Diffraction, interference, optical detectors, lens aberrations, lasers, spectra, scattering, optical testing. One lecture, 3 hours lab.
Prerequisite: **302 or *463 or *464.
{Spring}
NONE 480. Special Topics in Physics and Astronomy. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ [3, may be repeated once Δ])
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.
NONE *491. Intermediate Quantum Mechanics I. (3)
Schrödinger Equations; Heisenberg uncertainty principle; postulates; Dirac notation; one-dimensional potentials; harmonic oscillator; angular momentum; H-Atom.
Prerequisite: **330 and MATH **314.
{Fall}
NONE *492. Intermediate Quantum Mechanics II. (3)
Spin; Pauli principle; perturbation theory; scattering; applications of quantum mechanics.
Prerequisite: *491.
{Spring}
NONE *493L. Contemporary Physics Laboratory. (3)
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}
NONE *495. Theory of Special Relativity. (3)
Relativistic kinematics and dynamics, relativistic electromagnetism, application to subatomic physics and astrophysics.
Prerequisite: **303 and *405 and MATH **314.
{Offered upon demand}
NONE 496. Problems in Intermediate Quantum Mechanics I. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC *491.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: *491.
NONE 497. Problems in Intermediate Quantum Mechanics II. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYC *492.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: *492.
NONE 500. Advanced Seminar. (1-3 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
NONE 501. Advanced Seminar. (1-3 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
NONE 503. Classical Mechanics I. (3)
Review of Lagrangian dynamics; two-body central force; rigid-body motion; small oscillations; Hamilton’s equations; canonical transformations; Hamilton-Jacobi theory.
{Fall}
NONE 505. Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics. (3)
Review of thermodynamics; classical statistical mechanics; ensemble theory; quantum statistical mechanics with examples.
{Spring}
NONE 511. Electrodynamics. (3)
Review of electro- and magneto-statics; E&M waves and radiation; covariant electrodynamics; scattering; relativity and covariant collisions.
{Spring}
NONE 521. Graduate Quantum Mechanics I. (3)
Review of 1-dim. potentials; Dirac formalism; postulates; symmetries and conservation laws; harmonic oscillator; angular momentum and spin; central potentials; approximation methods.
{Fall}
NONE 522. Graduate Quantum Mechanics II. (3)
More on angular momentum; scattering; identical particles; spectra of atoms and molecules; symmetry and conservation laws; approximation methods; special topics.
Prerequisite: 521.
{Spring}
NONE 523. Quantum Field Theory I. (3)
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}
NONE 524. Quantum Field Theory II. (3)
A continuation of 523.
Prerequisite: 523.
{Offered upon demand}
NONE 529. Condensed Matter I. (3)
Band concepts; Bloch functions; phonons and their interactions; superconductivity.
{Alternate Falls}
NONE 534. Plasma Physics I. (3)
(Also offered as ECE 534)
Plasma parameters, adiabatic invariants, orbit theory, plasma oscillations, hydromagnetic waves, plasma transport, stability, kinetic theory, nonlinear effects, applications.
{Fall}
NONE 542. Particle Physics I. (3)
Overview of the standard model, including electroweak interactions, gauge theories, QCD, other selected topics.
{Alternate Falls}
NONE 551 / 451. Problems. (1-4 to a maximum of 16 Δ)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
NONE 552. Problems. (1-4 to a maximum of 16 Δ)
NONE 554. Advanced Optics II. (3)
(Also offered as ECE 554)
Diffractions theory, coherence theory, coherent objects, and incoherent imaging, and polarization.
Prerequisite: *463.
{Spring}
NONE 559. Internship in Optical Science and Engineering. (3)
(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.
NONE 564. Laser Physics II. (3)
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.
NONE 566. Quantum Optics. (3)
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}
NONE 568. Nonlinear Optics. (3)
General concepts, microscopic approach, nonlinear optical effects and devices.
{Alternate Springs}
NONE 569. Advanced Topics in Modern Optics. (3, may be repeated once Δ)
Possible topics include dye lasers, solid-state lasers, novel lasers, interaction between intense lasers and matter, advanced nonlinear optics, spectroscopy.
{Offered upon demand}
NONE 570. Theory of Relativity. (3)
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}
NONE 571. Quantum Computation. (3)
(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.
NONE 572. Quantum Information Theory. (3)
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.
NONE 581. Advanced Topics in Physics and Astrophysics. (3, may be repeated three times Δ)
NONE 599. Master's Thesis. (1-6, no limit Δ)
Only 6 hours will count toward the program of studies.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
NONE 650. Research. (1-12 to a maximum of 24 Δ)
May be repeated with any single faculty member.
NONE 699. Dissertation. (3-12, no limit Δ)
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.