This course surveys observations, theories, and methods of modern astronomy. The course is predominantly for non-science majors, aiming to provide a conceptual understanding of the universe and the basic physics that governs it. Due to the broad coverage of this course, the specific topics and concepts treated may vary. Commonly presented subjects include the general movements of the sky and history of astronomy, followed by an introduction to basic physics concepts like Newton's and Kepler's laws of motion. The course may also provide modern details and facts about celestial bodies in our solar system, as well as differentiation between them: Terrestrial and Jovian planets, exoplanets, the practical meaning of "dwarf planets", asteroids, comets, and Kuiper Belt and Trans-Neptunian Objects. Beyond this we may study stars and galaxies, star clusters, nebulae, black holes, clusters of galaxies and dark matter. Finally, we may study cosmology, the structure and history of the universe. Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences.

Includes hands-on exercises that work to reinforce concepts covered in the lecture, and may include additional components that introduce students to the night sky. Two hours lab. Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 3: Physical and Natural Sciences. Pre- or corequisite: 1115.

An introductory course covering the Sun, stars, the Milky Way, galaxies and cosmology. The level of math is trigonometry and pre-calculus. Second of a two-semester sequence. Prerequisite: MATH 1230 or MATH 1250 or MATH 1512. Pre- or corequisite: PHYS 1230 or PHYS 1310.

Students learn how to carry out astronomical observations using actual telescopes. Students learn the basics of the celestial sphere, telescope design and characteristics planning observations, astronomical data reduction, how to make measurements from astronomical data, interpreting results, and writing reports. The topics of the lab are aligned with 2115. Three hours lab. Pre- or corequisite: 2115.

Gravitation, radiation, relativity, stellar atmospheres, structure, and evolution. Prerequisite: PHYS **330.

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}

Individual research into an area proposed by the student and conducted under the direction of a faculty member.

(Also offered as PHYS 456) Independent studies course for students seeking departmental honors.

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}

Designed to provide non-science majors with a toolbox of physics concepts that enables them to make sense of the world around them, from nature and its myriad puzzles to everyday technology to science policy.

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.

A series of laboratory experiments associated with the material presented in 1115. Two hours lab.

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.

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.

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.

This is a supplemental course for 1230. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: 1230.

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.

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.

This is a supplemental course for 1240. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: 1240.

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.

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 III: Science: Physical and Natural Sciences.

This is a supplemental course for 1310. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: 1310.

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.

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.

This is a supplemental course for 1320. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: 1320.

This course, the third in the calculus based sequence for science and engineering students, is a study of optics and topics in modern physics.

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.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to 2310. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: 2310.

Concepts of heat and thermodynamics; large numbers and probability distributions; spin, oscillator, and gas systems; simple interacting systems, Fermi and Bose statistics. Prerequisite: **330.

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.

Contemporary electronics. One lecture, 3 hours lab. Completion of **330 is highly recommended. Prerequisite: 2415.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to **301. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: **301.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to **303. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: **303.

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.

Electromagnetic induction; conservation laws; propagation, reflection, and refraction of electromagnetic waves; wave guides; dipole radiation; relativistic fields. Prerequisite: *405.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to *406. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: *406.

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.

Independent research studies course.

(Also offered as ASTR 456) Independent studies course for students seeking departmental honors.

(Also offered as ECE *463) Electromagnetic theory of geometrical optics, Gaussian ray tracing and matrix methods, finite ray tracing, aberrations, interference and diffraction.

(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.

Complex variables and analysis; differential equations, including Green's functions; transform methods; special functions; linear algebra; matrix analysis; linear integral equations.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to *466. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. This a starred (*) level course and may be taken for graduate credit by students enrolled in a graduate program. A graduate student enrolled in a starred course numbered below 500 may be required to complete extra work.

Special topics beyond our standard curriculum, usually involving new areas. The actual topic will vary and will be defined by the instructor. Restriction: permission of instructor.

Schrodinger Equations; Heisenberg uncertainty principle; postulates; Dirac notation; one-dimensional potentials; harmonic oscillator; angular momentum; H-Atom. Prerequisite: **330 and MATH **314.

Problem solving and demonstrations related to *491. Offered on a CR/NC basis only. Corequisite: *491.

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.

Review of thermodynamics; classical statistical mechanics; ensemble theory; quantum statistical mechanics with examples.

Review of 1-dim. potentials; Dirac formalism; postulates; symmetries and conservation laws; harmonic oscillator; angular momentum and spin; central potentials; approximation methods.

A continuation of 523. Prerequisite: 523.

(Also offered as ECE 534) Plasma parameters, adiabatic invariants, orbit theory, plasma oscillations, hydromagnetic waves, plasma transport, stability, kinetic theory, nonlinear effects, applications.

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.

Individual research into an area proposed by the student and conducted under the direction of a faculty member.

A course exploring a topic not covered by the standard curriculum but of interest to faculty and students in a particular semester.

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.

A faculty-supervised course culminating in a comprehensive paper or research proposal that integrates knowledge attained through coursework, research, and experience. May be repeated with any single faculty member.

Faculty-supervised investigative study that results in the development and writing of a doctoral dissertation. Offered on a CR/NC basis only.