Physics and Astronomy | The University of New Mexico

Chair: Richard Rand

An undergraduate education in physics provides a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning in a variety of disciplines, including science, engineering, math, finance, education, law, and medicine. Find out more.

Meet our Graduate Student Association and get their tips for prospective students

Alumni testimonials: Read success stories from alumni of our department and their reflections on the quality of our programs.

Degree Programs

Undergraduate

Graduate - Physics

Graduate - Optical Science and Engineering

News from the Chair UNM Physics Day 2023
Saturday, April 15, 2023, PAÍS

UNM Physics Day 2022 will be held on Saturday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will feature a variety of events including poster presentations, a plenary talk and physics demos.

Undergraduate Physics and Astronomy majors are invited to present research talks and/or posters. There will be awards for the best oral and poster presentations. Registration is free, sign up here.

News from the Chair Spring Physics Demo Show
Wednesday, April 5, 2023, 7-8 pm
UNM Regener Hall

The UNM Department of Physics and Astronomy hosts its Annual Spring Lecture Demonstration Show. The event is free and open to the general public. Local high school teachers and students are especially invited to attend.

The show will feature live physics demonstrations put on by members of Society of Physics Students and faculty, illustrating basic physics principles in mechanics, optics, and electricity and magnetism. Demonstrations will include the giant Newton's Cradle, Bernoulli's Principle, a Human Gyroscope, the Rocket Car, Optical Fibers, Laser Interference, the Tesla Coil and Implosion. See the event flyer.

News from the Chair

Applications Now Open for the 3rd Annual Quantum Undergraduate Research Experience (QU-REACH) Program

The QU-REACH Program at the University of New Mexico is a ten-week summer undergraduate research program. The program offers a $6,000 stipend and the chance to do real lab research with a team. Check out the projects you can be involved in this summer and Apply Now!

Research Highlights

Discovery of a new type of planet largely composed of water

Assistant Professor Diana Dragomir comments on sensational new finding: twin exoplanets 1½ times the size of earth, unlike any in our solar system.

See the UNM Newsroom article

News from the Chair

Towards a New Campus Observatory

We want to make sure our educational, outreach, and research activities are preserved, expanded, and able to continue for a long time to come

The UNM Campus Observatory has initiated a crowdfunding campaign in an effort to raise funds for the planning of a new Campus Observatory. The current Campus Observatory was built in the 1950s and is now outdated among other concerns.

Read the UNM Newsroom article about the planning for this new facility.

Find out how to donate to our goal.

News from the Chair

Job Opportunities at UNM Physics & Astronomy