ASTR 1115. 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
ASTR 1115L. Astronomy Laboratory. (1)
Intended as an adjunct to ASTR 1115, this course deals with elementary techniques in astronomical observations. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
Pre- or corequisite: ASTR 1115. Two hours lab.
ASTR 1996. Selected Topics in Astronomy. (3 to a maximum of 12) [1-3 to a maximum of 12] ∆
Designed as a follow-up course to 1115. 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. {Offered upon demand.}
Prerequisite: 1115.
PHYS 1115. 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 PHYS 1115L for an optional laboratory. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
PHYS 1115L. Physics Laboratory. (1)
Students involve themselves in experiments and projects showing basic concepts related to the atom, the environment and the universe. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
Pre- or corequisite: 1115. Two hours lab.
PHYS 1110. 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. {Spring}
PHYS 1125. 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 PHYS 1125L for an optional laboratory. {Spring}
PHYS 1125L. 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. {Spring}
Pre- or corequisite: 1125. Two hours lab.
For PHYS 1115 through 1125L, see the general interest courses described above.
1120. Introduction to Applied Physics. (3)
Preparatory course to review skills needed for PHYS 1230/1310. Reviews math skills (vectors, trigonometry, word problems, solving equations, etc.) through applications of physics principles to examples such as cell phones, musical instruments, CD players, driving, tools, projectiles, athletics, and electrical circuits. {Second half of Fall and Spring}
Prerequisite: MATH 1220 College Algebra, or SAT=>570 or ACT=>25.
1230. General Physics. (3)
Mechanics, sound, heat, fluid, waves. The sequence (1230, 1230L, 1240, 1240L) is required of pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-optometry students. Only 1230 and 1240 are required of pharmacy students. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science. {Summer, Fall, Spring}.
Prerequisite: MATH 1240 Pre-Calculus or MATH 1430 Applications of Calculus or ACT >27 or SAT >630
1230L. General Physics Laboratory. (1)
Prerequisite: (MATH 1230 Trigoometry or Compass Trig Test=>60) and (MATH 1240 Pre-Calculus or MATH 1430 Applications of Calculus 1 or ACT>27 or SAT>630)) or MATH 1512 Calculus 1
1240. General Physics. (3)
Electricity, magnetism, optics. Meets New Mexico Lower- Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science
Prerequisite: 1230
1240L. General Physics Laboratory. (1)
Electricity, magnetism, optics. Meets New Mexico Lower- Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science
Pre- or corequisite: 1240. Three hours lab.
1231. Problems in General Physics. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to 1230.
Corequisite: 1230. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
1241. Problems in General Physics. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to 1240.
Corequisite: 1240. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
1310. General Physics. (3)
Mechanics, sound. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
Pre- or corequisite: MATH 1512 Calculus 1.
1310L. General Physics Laboratory. (1)
Mechanics, sound. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
Pre- or corequisite: 1310. Three hours lab.
1320. General Physics. (3)
Heat, electricity, magnetism. Meets New Mexico Lower- Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
Prerequisite: 1310. Pre- or corequisite: MATH 1522 Calculus 2.
1320L. General Physics Laboratory. (1)
Electricity and magnetism. Meets New Mexico Lower-Division General Education Common Core Curriculum Area III: Science.
Pre- or corequisite: 1320. Three hours lab.
1311. Problems in General Physics. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to 1310.
Corequisite: 1310. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
1321. Problems in General Physics. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to 1320.
Corequisite: 1320. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
262. General Physics. (3)
Optics, modern physics.
Prerequisite: 1320. Pre- or corequisite: MAT 2531 Calculus 3.
262L. General Physics Laboratory. (1) Optics, modern physics.
Pre- or corequisite: 262. Three hours lab.
267. Problems in General Physics. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to 262.
Corequisite: 262. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
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. {Spring}
Prerequisite: 262. Pre- or corequisite: Math 316
**300. Topics in Physics & Astronomy. (1-3 to a maximum of 6) ∆
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: PHYS 1115 or ASTR 1115 or Natural Science 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. {Fall}
Prerequisite: 330.
**302. Introduction to Photonics. [Optics.] (3)
Geometrical optics; wave optics; lasers, nonlinear optics. {Alternate Springs}
**302L. Optics Lab. (3)
Laboratory experiments in geometrical optics, diffraction, prisms, gratings, microscopy and imaging, polarization, interference and interferometry, and laser operation. {Fall}
**303. Analytical Mechanics I. [Analytical Mechanics] (3)
Statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, mechanics of continuous media, Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s equations, small vibrations. {Fall}
Prerequisite: MATH 311 and MATH 316.
**304. Analytical Mechanics II. [Analytical Mechanics] (3)
Statics and dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, mechanics of continuous media, Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s equations, small vibrations. {Spring}
Prerequisite: 303 and MATH 312.
**307L. Junior Laboratory. (3)
Experiments in modern physics and experimental methods. One lecture, 3 hours lab. {Fall}
**308L. Junior Laboratory. (3)
Contemporary electronics. One lecture, 3 hours lab. {Spring}
311. Problems in Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYS 301. Offered on CR/NC basis only.
313. Problems in Analytical Mechanics I. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYS 303. Offered on CR/NC basis only.
Prerequisite: MATH 311 and 316.
314. Problems in Analytical Mechanics II. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYS 304. Offered on CR/NC basis only.
Prerequisite: 303 and MATH 312.
**327. Geophysics. (3)
(Also offered as EPS 427.) Applications of gravity, magnetics, seismology, heat flow to the structure, constitution and deformation of the earth. Related aspects of plate tectonics and resource exploration.
Prerequisite: 1320 and MATH 1522 Calculus 2 and (EPS 101 or ENVS 101).
**330. Introduction to Modern Physics. (3)
Special relativity; quantum effects; introductory quantum mechanics; atomic and subatomic physics; instruments of modern physics. {Spring}
Prerequisite: 2310.
*400. Seminar. (1 to a maximum of 3) ∆
Student presentations, both extemporaneous and prepared, of undergraduate physics problems. Offered on CR/NC basis only.
*405. Electricity and Magnetism I. (3)
Electrostatics, theory of dielectric materials; magnetostatics, theory of magnetic materials; direct and alternating circuit theory; Maxwell’s equations; propagation, reflection and refraction of plane waves; wave guides and cavity resonators. {Spring}
Prerequisite: MATH 311 and MATH 316.
*406. Electricity and Magnetism II. (3)
Electrostatics, theory of dielectric materials; magnetostatics, theory of magnetic materials; direct and alternating circuit theory; Maxwell’s equations; propagation, reflection and refraction of plane waves; wave guides and cavity resonators. {Fall}
Prerequisite: 405 and MATH 312.
*410. Chemistry and Physics at the Nanoscale. (3)
(Also offered as NSMS 410i510.) Students study chemical and physical concepts necessary to understand nanoscale materials: Quantum properties, charge confinement, and nanoscale thermodynamics, surface and interfacial forces, nanomachines and nanostructures, self-organization, and scaling. Emphasis on problem-solving skills development. {Fall}
415. Problems in Electricity and Magnetism I. (1) Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYS 405. Offered on CR/NC basis only.
Prerequisite: MATH 311 and MATH 316.
416. Problems in Electricity and Magnetism II. (1) Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYS 406. Offered on CR/NC basis only.
Prerequisite: 405 and MATH 312.
*430. Introduction to Solid State Physics. (3)
Free electron gas, energy bands, crystals, semiconductors, metals, elementary excitations, superconductivity. {Alternate years}
Prerequisite: 330.
*445. Introduction to Cosmic Radiation. (3)
(Also offered as ASTR 445.) 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}
*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. {Alternate Springs}
Prerequisite: 491.
451./551. Problems. (1-3 to a maximum of 6) ∆ Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
*452. Research Methods. (1-3 to a maximum of 6) ∆
456. Honors Problems. (1 to a maximum of 2) ∆
(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. {Fall}
*464. Laser Physics I. (3)
(Also offered as ECE 464.) Resonator optics. Rate equations; spontaneous and stimuated emission; gas, semiconductor and solid state lasers, pulsed and mode-locked laser techniques. {Fall}
*466. Methods of Theoretical Physics I. (3)
Complex variables; special functions; ordinary differential equations; integral transforms; numerical methods. {Fall}
*467. Methods of Theoretical Physics II. (3)
Partial differential equations; Green’s function; integral equations; linear algebra; numerical methods. {Spring}
468. Problems in Methods of Theoretical Physics I. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYS 466. Offered on CR/NC basis only.
469. Problems in Methods of Theoretical Physics II. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYS 467. Offered on CR/NC basis only.
*476L. Experimental Techniques of Optics. (3)
Diffraction, interference, optical detectors, lens aberrations, lasers, spectra, scattering, optical testing. One lecture, 3 hours lab. {Fall}
*477L. Experimental Techniques of Optics. (3)
Diffraction, interference, optical detectors, lens aberrations, lasers, spectra, scattering, optical testing. One lecture, 3 hours lab. {Spring}
480. Special Topics in Physics and Astronomy (3 to maximum of 6) ∆
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. {Fall}
Prerequisite: 330 and MATH 321.
*492. Intermediate Quantum Mechanics II. (3)
Spin; Pauli principle; perturbation theory; scattering; applications of quantum mechanics. {Spring}
Prerequisite: 491.
*493L. Contemporary Physics Laboratory. (3) Spectrographic methods; lasers, atomic structure; high Tc superconductivity; natural and artificial radioactivity; cosmic rays. One lecture, 5 hours lab. {Spring}
*495. Theory of Special Relativity. (3)
Relativistic kinematics and dynamics, relativistic electromagnetism, application to subatomic physics and astrophysics. {Offered upon demand}
496. Problems in Intermediate Quantum Mechanics I. (1)
Problem solving and demonstrations related to PHYS 491.
Prerequisite: 330 and MATH 321.
Offered on CR/NC basis only.
497. Problems in Intermediate Quantum Mechanics II. (1)
Problem solving and demonstratons related to PHYS 492. Offered on CR/NC basis only.
500. Advanced Seminar. (1-3 to a maximum of 12) ∆ Offered on CR/NC basis only.
501. Advanced Seminar. (1-3 to a maximum of 12) ∆
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}
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. {Spring}
Prerequisite: 521.
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. {Alternate Years}
Prerequisite: 522.
524. Quantum Field Theory II. (3) {Offered upon demand}
A continuation of 523.
Prerequisite: 523.
529. Condensed Matter I. (3)
Band concepts; Bloch functions; phonons and their interactions; superconductivity. {Alternate Falls}
531. Atomic and Molecular Structure. (3)
One-, two-, and many-electron atoms; interactions with E&M radiation; fine and superfine structure; external fields; molecular structure and spectra; collisions; applications of atomic and molecular physics. {Alternate years}
534. Plasma Physics I. (3)
(Also offered as ASTR, CHNE, ECE 534.) Plasma parameters, adiabatic invariants, orbit theory, plasma oscillations, hydromagnetic waves, plasma transport, stability, kinetic theory, nonlinear effects, applications. {Fall}
535. Plasma Physics II. (3)
Derivation of fluid equations; CGL, MCD; equilibrium in the fluid plasma; energy principle; Rayleigh-Taylor, two-stream, and firehose instabilities; applications to lCF and open- and closed-line magnetic confinement systems; nonlinear instability theory. {Alternate Springs}
Restriction: permission of instructor.
536. Advanced Astrophysics I. (3)
(Also offered as ASTR 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}
538. [538L.] Selected Methods of Theoretical & Computational Physics. (3-4 to a maximum of 6) ∆ Selected topics in methods of theoretical and computational physics. {Offered upon demand}
542. Particle Physics I. (3)
Overview of the standard model, including electroweak interactions, gauge theories, QCD, other selected topics. {Alternate Falls}
551./451. Problems. (1-4 to a maximum of 16) A Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
552. Problems. (1-4 to a maximum of 16) ∆
554. Advanced Optics II. (3)
(Also offered as ECE 554.) Diffractions theory, coherence theory, coherent objects, and incoherent imaging, and polarization. {Spring}
Prerequisite: 463.
556. Optical Coherence Theory. (3)
Time dependence of coherent and incoherent light beams, intensity fluctuations of chaotic light, fringe intensity, first order correlation function, higher order correlation functions, photo-electron statistics. {Offered upon demand}
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)
Semiclassical laser theory, mode problems, pulse propagation, self-induced transparency, phase conjugate optics, photon statistics. May include semiconductor lasers, ultrafast phenomena, waveguides. {Alternate Springs}
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 to a maximum of 6) ∆
Possible topics include dye lasers, solid-state lasers, novel lasers, interaction between intense lasers and matter, advanced nonlinear optics spectroscopy. {Offered upon demand}
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}
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.
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.
573. Classical Mechanics II. (3)
Introduction to methods and topics of current interest in classical mechanics, particularly methods of advanced Hamiltonian mechanics and topics related to nonlinear dynamics and chaos in Hamiltonian and dissipative systems. {Alternate years}
Prerequisite: 503.
576. Advanced Statistical Mechanics. (3)
Introduction to topics and methods of current areas of interest in statistical mechanics, particularly the area of cooperative phenomena and the area of nonequilibrium (time-dependent) statistical mechanics. {Alternate years}
Prerequisite: 505.
580. Advanced Plasma Physics. (3)
(Also offered as CHNE, ECE 580.) Plasma kinetics equations, Vlasov theories of plasma waves and microinstabilities, Landau damping, nonlinear evolution of instabilities, turbulence, applications, transport in fluid plasmas; Fokker-Planck, Krook collision model. {Offered upon demand}
Prerequisite: 534, 535.
581. Advanced Topics in Physics and Astrophysics. (3 to a maximum of 12) ∆
599. Master’s Thesis. (1-6, no limit) ∆
Only 6 hours will count toward the program of studies. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
650. Research. (1-12 to a maximum of 24) ∆
May be repeated with any single faculty member.
699. Dissertation. (3-12, no limit) A Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
For ASTR 1115 through 1996 see the general interest courses described above.
2110. General Astronomy. (3)
Concepts of astronomy with emphasis on the solar system. {Fall}
Pre- or corequisite: MATH 1240 Pre-Calculus or MATH 1512 Calculus 1 and any physics course numbered 1230 or higher.
2110L. General Astronomy Laboratory I. (1)
Observations of the moon, planets and stars. Three hours lab. {Fall}
Pre- or corequisite: 2110.
2115. General Astronomy. (3)
Stellar astronomy, the galaxy, extra-galactic systems, cosmology.
Pre- or corequisite: (MATH 1240 Pre-Calculus or MATH 1522 Calculus 2) and any physics course numbered 1230 or higher. {Spring}
2115L. General Astronomy Laboratory. (1)
Observations of the moon, planets and stars. Three hours lab. {Spring}
Pre- or corequisite: 2115.
*421. Concepts of Astrophysics I. [Concepts of Astrophysics.] (3)
Gravitation, radiation, relativity, stellar atmospheres, structure, and evolution. {Fall}
Prerequisite: PHYS 330.
*422. Concepts of Astrophysics II. [Stars and Stellar Systems.] (3)
Applications of advanced astrophysical concepts to the interstellar medium, star formation, the Milky Way, external galaxies, and cosmology. {Spring}
Prerequisite: 421.
*423. Radio Astronomy. (3)
Single dish and aperture synthesis radio observations; emission processes at radio wavelengths: synchrotron radiation, thermal bremsstrahlung. {Alternate Springs}
Prerequisite: PHYS 330.
*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)
(Also offered as PHYS 445.) 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) ∆
456. Honors Problems. (1 to a maximum of 2) ∆
(Also offered as PHYS 456.) Independent studies course for students seeking departmental honors.
534. Plasma Physics I. (3)
(Also offered as CHNE, PHYS, 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 PHYS 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. {Alternate Springs}
Prerequisite: PHYS 521.