Physics (PHYS)
1110.
Physics and Society.
(3)
If you are curious about how common things work, about physics that is relevant to social and political issues, or just about the natural world in general, this is just the course for you! No previous background in physics or mathematics (beyond high school algebra) is required or expected. Just bring a lively curiosity and a dedication to learning new things.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
{Spring}
1115.
Survey of Physics.
(3)
Overview of the concepts and basic phenomena of physics. This course provides a largely descriptive and qualitative treatment with a minimum use of elementary mathematics to solve problems. No previous knowledge of physics is assumed.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
1115L.
Survey of Physics Laboratory.
(1)
A series of laboratory experiments associated with the material presented in 1115. Two hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 1115.
1120.
Introduction to Applied Physics.
(3)
This course is designed for students who need more experience with force and motion before tackling 1230 or 1310. It also serves as a good refresher for students who let some time lapse between taking Physics I and II.
{Second half of Fall and Spring}
1125.
Physics of Music.
(3)
Introduction for non-science majors to basic concepts, laws, and skills in physics, in the context of a study of sound, acoustics, and music.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
{Spring}
1125L.
Physics of Music Laboratory.
(1)
Experiments to accompany 1125. Two hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 1125.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
{Spring}
1230.
Algebra-Based Physics I.
(3)
An algebra-based treatment of Newtonian mechanics. Topics include kinematics and dynamics in one and two dimensions, conservation of energy and momentum, rotational motion, equilibrium, and fluids.
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 General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
Prerequisite: MATH 1240 or MATH 1250 or MATH 1430 or MATH 1512 or ACT Math =>28 or SAT Math Section =>660 or ACCUPLACER Next-Generation Advanced Algebra and Functions =>284.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
1230L.
Algebra-Based Physics I Laboratory.
(1)
A series of laboratory experiments associated with the material presented in 1230. Three hours lab.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
Pre- or corequisite: 1230.
1231.
Problems in Algebra-Based Physics I.
(1)
This is a supplemental course for 1230.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: 1230.
1240.
Algebra-Based Physics II.
(3)
The second half of a two semester algebra-based introduction to physics. This course covers electricity, magnetism and optics.
Credit for both this course and PHYS 1320 may not be applied toward a degree program.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
Prerequisite: 1230.
1240L.
Algebra-Based Physics II Laboratory.
(1)
A series of laboratory experiments associated with the material presented in 1240. Three hours lab.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
Pre- or corequisite: 1240.
1241.
Problems in Algebra-Based Physics II.
(1)
This is a supplemental course for 1240.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: 1240.
1310.
Calculus-Based Physics I.
(3)
A calculus-level treatment of classical mechanics and waves, which is concerned with the physical motion concepts, forces, energy concepts, momentum, rotational motion, angular momentum, gravity, and static equilibrium.
Credit for both this course and PHYS 1230 may not be applied toward a degree program.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
Pre- or corequisite: MATH 1512.
1310L.
Calculus-Based Physics I Laboratory.
(1)
A series of laboratory experiments associated with the material presented in 1310. Students will apply the principles and concepts highlighting the main objectives covered in coursework for 1310. Three hours lab.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
Pre- or corequisite: 1310.
1311.
Problems in Calculus-Based Physics I.
(1)
This is a supplemental course for 1310.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: 1310.
1320.
Calculus-Based Physics II.
(3)
A calculus-level treatment of classical electricity and magnetism. It is strongly recommended that this course is taken at the same time as 1320L.
Credit for both this course and PHYS 1240 may not be applied toward a degree program.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
Prerequisite: 1310.
Pre- or corequisite: MATH 1522.
1320L.
Calculus-Based Physics II Laboratory.
(1)
A series of laboratory experiments associated with the material presented in 1320. Students will apply the principles and concepts highlighting the main objectives covered in coursework for 1320. Three hours lab.
Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.
Pre- or corequisite: 1320.
1321.
Problems in Calculus-Based Physics II.
(1)
This is a supplemental course for 1320.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: 1320.
1996.
Topics.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
2310.
Calculus-Based Physics III.
(3)
This course, the third in the calculus based sequence for science and engineering students, is a study of optics and topics in modern physics.
Prerequisite: 1320.
Pre- or corequisite: MATH 2531.
2310L.
Calculus-Based Physics III Laboratory.
(1)
Covers topics in geometrical optics, wave optics and modern physics at the calculus level. Lab activities mirror and enhance lecture topics. Hands-on experiments involving data collection and analysis give students a better conceptual framework for understanding physics. Geometrical and wave optical phenomena are deeply probed. Three hours lab.
Pre- or corequisite: 2310.
2311.
Problems in Calculus-Based Physics III.
(1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to 2310.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: 2310.
2415.
Computational Physics.
(3)
This class is designed as an introduction to programming for the undergraduate physics major. The class begins with no assumption of prior programming experience. An emphasis will be on building strong programming skills using the MATLAB programming environment. Applications and examples will include data analysis (curve fitting and optimization), simulating physical systems, solving systems of linear equations and Monte Carlo techniques.
Prerequisite: 2310.
Pre- or corequisite: MATH **316.
{Spring}
2996.
Topics.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
**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: 1115 or ASTR 1115 or NTSC 1110.
**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}
**302.
Introduction to Photonics.
(3)
Geometrical optics; wave optics; lasers, nonlinear optics.
Prerequisite: 2310.
{Alternate Years}
**302L.
Optics Lab.
(3)
Laboratory experiments in geometrical optics, diffraction, prisms, gratings, microscopy and imaging, polarization, interference and interferometry, and laser operation.
Prerequisite: 2310.
{Spring}
**303.
Analytical Mechanics I.
(3)
Dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, harmonic motion, gravitation, Lagrange's and Hamilton's equations, moving coordinate systems. Students are highly recommended to take **366 as a corequisite.
Prerequisite: MATH **316.
{Fall}
**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}
**306L.
Junior Laboratory.
(3)
Contemporary electronics. One lecture, 3 hours lab. Completion of **330 is highly recommended.
Prerequisite: 2415.
{Fall}
**307L.
Junior Laboratory.
(3)
Experiments in modern physics and experimental methods. One lecture, 3 hours lab. Completion of **330 is highly recommended.
Prerequisite: 2415.
{Spring}
311.
Problems in Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics.
(1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to **301.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: **301.
313.
Problems in Analytical Mechanics I.
(1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to **303.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: **303.
314.
Problems in Analytical Mechanics II.
(1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to **304.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: **304.
**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: 1220 and MATH 1522.
**330.
Introduction to Modern Physics.
(3)
Special relativity; quantum effects; introductory quantum mechanics; atomic and subatomic physics; instruments of modern physics.
Prerequisite: 2310.
{Spring}
331.
Problems in Introduction to Modern Physics.
(1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to **330.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: **330.
**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: 2415 and MATH **316.
*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.
*405.
Electricity and Magnetism I.
(3)
Electrostatics; dielectric materials; magnetostatics; magnetic materials.
Prerequisite: **366 or (MATH 311 and MATH **312).
{Spring}
*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}
415.
Problems in Electricity and Magnetism I.
(1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to *405.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: *405.
416.
Problems in Electricity and Magnetism II.
(1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to *406.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: *406.
445 / 545.
Introduction to Quantum Information Science.
(3)
(Also offered as ECE 445/545)
An introduction to the mathematical formalism of quantum information science, with an exploration of the key results from its application to quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum metrology.
*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}
451 / 551.
Problems.
(1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Individual research into an area proposed by the student and conducted under the direction of a faculty member.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
*452.
Research Methods.
(1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Independent research studies course.
456.
Honors Problems.
(1, may be repeated once Δ)
(Also offered as ASTR 456)
Independent studies course for students seeking departmental honors.
{Fall, Spring}
*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 and diffraction.
{Fall}
*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}
*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}
468.
Problems in Methods of Theoretical Physics I.
(1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to *466.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: *466.
*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}
*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}
480.
Special Topics in Physics and Astronomy.
(1-3 to a maximum of 6 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.
*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}
*492.
Intermediate Quantum Mechanics II.
(3)
Spin; Pauli principle; perturbation theory; scattering; applications of quantum mechanics.
Prerequisite: *491.
{Spring}
*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}
496.
Problems in Intermediate Quantum Mechanics I.
(1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to *491.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: *491.
497.
Problems in Intermediate Quantum Mechanics II.
(1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to *492.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
Corequisite: *492.
500.
Advanced Seminar.
(1-3 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
Course emphasizes investigation, evaluation, and discussion of areas of specialized knowledge or inquiry relevant to the profession or field of study.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
501.
Advanced Seminar.
(1-3 to a maximum of 12 Δ)
Course emphasizes investigation, evaluation, and discussion of areas of specialized knowledge or inquiry relevant to the profession or field of study.
505.
Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics.
(3)
Review of thermodynamics; classical statistical mechanics; ensemble theory; quantum statistical mechanics with examples.
{Spring}
511.
Electrodynamics.
(3)
Review of electro- and magneto-statics; E&M waves and radiation; covariant electrodynamics; scattering; relativity and covariant collisions.
{Spring}
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}
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}
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}
524.
Quantum Field Theory II.
(3)
A continuation of 523.
Prerequisite: 523.
{Offered upon demand}
529.
Condensed Matter I.
(3)
Band concepts; Bloch functions; phonons and their interactions; superconductivity.
{Alternate Falls}
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}
542.
Particle Physics I.
(3)
Overview of the standard model, including electroweak interactions, gauge theories, QCD, other selected topics.
{Alternate Falls}
545/445.
Introduction to Quantum Information Science.
(3)
(Also offered as ECE 545/445)
An introduction to the mathematical formalism of quantum information science, with an exploration of the key results from its application to quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum metrology.
551 / 451.
Problems.
(1-4 to a maximum of 16 Δ)
Individual research into an area proposed by the student and conducted under the direction of a faculty member.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
552.
Problems.
(1-4 to a maximum of 16 Δ)
Individual research into an area proposed by the student and conducted under the direction of a faculty member.
554.
Advanced Optics II.
(3)
(Also offered as ECE 554)
Diffractions theory, coherence theory, coherent objects, and incoherent imaging, and polarization.
Prerequisite: *463.
{Spring}
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.
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.
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}
568.
Nonlinear Optics.
(3)
General concepts, microscopic approach, nonlinear optical effects and devices.
{Alternate Springs}
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}
571.
Quantum Computation.
(3)
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.
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.
581.
Advanced Topics in Physics and Astrophysics.
(3, may be repeated three times Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.
599.
Master's Thesis.
(1-6, no limit Δ)
Faculty-supervised investigative study that results in the development and writing of a master’s thesis.
Only 6 credit hours will count toward the program of studies.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
650.
Research.
(1-12 to a maximum of 24 Δ)
A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester. May be repeated with any single faculty member.
699.
Dissertation.
(3-12, no limit Δ)
Faculty-supervised investigative study that results in the development and writing of a doctoral dissertation.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
