New Mexico Tech Physics
Home Prospective Students People News and Events Student Resources Student Clubs Course Schedule Drop-In Tutoring Sample Curricula Course Catalog 100 Level 200 Level 300 Level 400 Level 500 Level Catalog (PDF) Research Contact & Directions Site Map	300 Level Physics Courses Physics 301: Laboratory and Shop Techniques Credits 1 Hours 1 afternoon per week Description Instruction in drill and tool bit sharpening, use of hand tools, drill press, lathe, and milling machine. Physics 321: Intermediate Mechanics Credits 3 Hours 3 class Corequisite MATH 335 Prerequisite MATH 231; PHYS 122 or PHYS 132; junior standing Description An intermediate course in the dynamics and statics of particles and rigid bodies. Introduction to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics. Physics 325: Astrophysics I: Stars Credits 3 Hours 3 class Prerequisite PHYS 232 ; PHYS 242 Description Astrophysics is the application of physics to the universe. This course begins with a review of relevant physics and then applies those concepts to the lives of stars. The subject matter includes stellar atmospheres, stellar interiors, star formation, stellar evolution, variable stars, and compact objects. Physics 326: Astrophysics II: Planetary and Extragalactic Systems Credits 3 Hours 3 class Description This course continues the application of physics to the rest of the universe. The subject matter includes out own solar system and its formation and evolution, normal galaxies, active galaxies, the large scale structure of the universe, and cosmology. Physics 327L: Astronomy Laboratory I Credits 1 Hours 3 lab Prerequisite PHYS 122, 122L; PHYS 132, 132L; PHYS 232; or consent of instructor Description A self-paced introduction to astronomical observing and data reduction. Emphasis on techniques such as the operation of telescopes and their auxiliary equipment, astronomical photography, photometry, spectroscopy, and data handling. Exercises chosen from topics in solar system, stellar, galactic, and extragalactic astronomy. Physics 328L: Astronomy Laboratory II Credits 1 Hours 3 lab Prerequisite PHYS 122, 122L; PHYS 132, 132L; PHYS 232; or consent of instructor Description A self-paced introduction to astronomical observing and data reduction. Emphasis on techniques such as the operation of telescopes and their auxiliary equipment, astronomical photography, photometry, spectroscopy, and data handling. Exercises chosen from topics in solar system, stellar, galactic, and extragalactic astronomy. Physics 331: Physics of Weather and Climate I Credits 3 Hours 3 class Prerequisite PHYS 122 or PHYS 132 Offered Fall 2005 and alternate years Description The flows of energy and water in the atmosphere, ocean, and land surface work together to form the environment in which we live. Short term variations in these flows give rise to weather, while longer term averages are related to the Earth's climate. This course explores the physical and chemical processes which are important for understanding weather and climate -- atmospheric and oceanic thermodynamics, cloud formation and precipitation, solar and thermal radiation, and the photo-chemistry of the atmosphere. Physics 332: Physics of Weather and Climate II Credits 3 Hours 3 class Prerequisite PHYS 331; MATH 332; MATH 335 Offered Spring 2006 and alternate years Description This course, which is a continuation of physics 331, introduces the principles of geophysical fluid dynamics and investigates the factors controlling winds and ocean currents, floods, drought, and temperature changes, as well as climate phenomena such as El Nino, the green house effect, and the ice ages. Physics 333: Electricity and Magnetism Credits 3 Hours 3 class Corequisite MATH 335 Prerequisite MATH 332; PHYS 122 or PHYS 132 Description This subject is one of the cornerstones for understanding a huge variety of phenomena -- electronic and optical devices, communication by telephone, radio waves, optical fibers, and the behavior of atoms and molecules. (Almost all we know about the universe beyond the Eath comes from observing elecromagnetic waves.) It is remarkable that so much understanding comes from so few fundamentals -- Maxwell's four equations and the Lorentz force law. This course develops these equations and applies them. Each equation can be related to a simple and attractive picture, which helps visualization and thinking. Physics 334: Radiation and Optics Credits 3 Hours 3 class Prerequisite PHYS 242; PHYS 333 Description This course explores the behavior of electromagnetic waves, including optical waves, using Maxwell's equations and the Lorentz force law. Elegant mathematics merges with visually pleasing and interesting effects, such as polarization, diffraction, interference, and scattering, which will be demonstrated in class using simple equipment. Physics 336L: Electrical and Magnetic Measurements Lab Credits 1 Hours 3 lab Prerequisite PHYS 333 Description Experiments in electricity and magnetism, emphasizing applications to measurements in physics and geophysics. Physics 340: Introduction to Quantum Theory Credits 3 Hours 3 class Prerequisite PHYSICS 232; PHYSICS 321; MATH 254, MATH 335, or consent of the instructor Description Electrons, atoms, and radiations. Wave-particle experiments, introductory quantum mechanics, atomic structure and spectra, the hydrogen atom, exclusion principle, electronic structure of atoms, and diatomic molecules. Physics 362: Image Processing Credits 2 Hours 2 class Prerequisite PHYS 122 or PHYS 132 Description An introduction to image processing and computational physics designed for scientists and engineers. Topics will include properties of imaging devices and systems, image construction, analysis, and display. Data will come from satellites and terrestrial sources. Examples will come from current research whenever possible. Physics 380: Practicum in Problem Solving Credits 1 Hours 2 class Prerequisite PHYSICS 232; PHYSICS 321 or consent of instructor Description Methods of problem solving, including dimensional and scale analysis, rapid estimation, and combining knowledge from various disciplines. Class time will be spent analyzing and solving problems posed by the instructor and students. Students will normally be graded S/U, and sections will be strictly limited in size to facilitate active participation of all students. Physics 389: Pilot Course Credits TBA Hours TBA Description Topic to be arranged. Physics 391: Directed Study Credits TBA Hours TBA
Maintained by Gina Chavez (e-mail: rchavez@kestrel.nmt.edu). Modified: July 17, 2007

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300 Level Physics Courses

Physics 301: Laboratory and Shop Techniques

Credits: 1
Hours: 1 afternoon per week
Description: Instruction in drill and tool bit sharpening, use of hand tools, drill press, lathe, and milling machine.

Physics 321: Intermediate Mechanics

Credits: 3
Hours: 3 class
Corequisite: MATH 335
Prerequisite: MATH 231; PHYS 122 or PHYS 132; junior standing
Description: An intermediate course in the dynamics and statics of particles and rigid bodies. Introduction to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics.

Physics 325: Astrophysics I: Stars

Credits: 3
Hours: 3 class
Prerequisite: PHYS 232 ; PHYS 242
Description: Astrophysics is the application of physics to the universe. This course begins with a review of relevant physics and then applies those concepts to the lives of stars. The subject matter includes stellar atmospheres, stellar interiors, star formation, stellar evolution, variable stars, and compact objects.

Physics 326: Astrophysics II: Planetary and Extragalactic Systems

Credits: 3
Hours: 3 class
Description: This course continues the application of physics to the rest of the universe. The subject matter includes out own solar system and its formation and evolution, normal galaxies, active galaxies, the large scale structure of the universe, and cosmology.

Physics 327L: Astronomy Laboratory I

Credits: 1
Hours: 3 lab
Prerequisite: PHYS 122, 122L; PHYS 132, 132L; PHYS 232; or consent of instructor
Description: A self-paced introduction to astronomical observing and data reduction. Emphasis on techniques such as the operation of telescopes and their auxiliary equipment, astronomical photography, photometry, spectroscopy, and data handling. Exercises chosen from topics in solar system, stellar, galactic, and extragalactic astronomy.

Physics 328L: Astronomy Laboratory II

Credits: 1
Hours: 3 lab
Prerequisite: PHYS 122, 122L; PHYS 132, 132L; PHYS 232; or consent of instructor
Description: A self-paced introduction to astronomical observing and data reduction. Emphasis on techniques such as the operation of telescopes and their auxiliary equipment, astronomical photography, photometry, spectroscopy, and data handling. Exercises chosen from topics in solar system, stellar, galactic, and extragalactic astronomy.

Physics 331: Physics of Weather and Climate I

Credits: 3
Hours: 3 class
Prerequisite: PHYS 122 or PHYS 132
Offered: Fall 2005 and alternate years
Description: The flows of energy and water in the atmosphere, ocean, and land surface work together to form the environment in which we live. Short term variations in these flows give rise to weather, while longer term averages are related to the Earth's climate. This course explores the physical and chemical processes which are important for understanding weather and climate -- atmospheric and oceanic thermodynamics, cloud formation and precipitation, solar and thermal radiation, and the photo-chemistry of the atmosphere.

Physics 332: Physics of Weather and Climate II

Credits: 3
Hours: 3 class
Prerequisite: PHYS 331; MATH 332; MATH 335
Offered: Spring 2006 and alternate years
Description: This course, which is a continuation of physics 331, introduces the principles of geophysical fluid dynamics and investigates the factors controlling winds and ocean currents, floods, drought, and temperature changes, as well as climate phenomena such as El Nino, the green house effect, and the ice ages.

Physics 333: Electricity and Magnetism

Credits: 3
Hours: 3 class
Corequisite: MATH 335
Prerequisite: MATH 332; PHYS 122 or PHYS 132
Description: This subject is one of the cornerstones for understanding a huge variety of phenomena -- electronic and optical devices, communication by telephone, radio waves, optical fibers, and the behavior of atoms and molecules. (Almost all we know about the universe beyond the Eath comes from observing elecromagnetic waves.) It is remarkable that so much understanding comes from so few fundamentals -- Maxwell's four equations and the Lorentz force law. This course develops these equations and applies them. Each equation can be related to a simple and attractive picture, which helps visualization and thinking.

Physics 334: Radiation and Optics

Credits: 3
Hours: 3 class
Prerequisite: PHYS 242; PHYS 333
Description: This course explores the behavior of electromagnetic waves, including optical waves, using Maxwell's equations and the Lorentz force law. Elegant mathematics merges with visually pleasing and interesting effects, such as polarization, diffraction, interference, and scattering, which will be demonstrated in class using simple equipment.

Physics 336L: Electrical and Magnetic Measurements Lab

Credits: 1
Hours: 3 lab
Prerequisite: PHYS 333
Description: Experiments in electricity and magnetism, emphasizing applications to measurements in physics and geophysics.

Physics 340: Introduction to Quantum Theory

Credits: 3
Hours: 3 class
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 232; PHYSICS 321; MATH 254, MATH 335, or consent of the instructor
Description: Electrons, atoms, and radiations. Wave-particle experiments, introductory quantum mechanics, atomic structure and spectra, the hydrogen atom, exclusion principle, electronic structure of atoms, and diatomic molecules.

Physics 362: Image Processing

Credits: 2
Hours: 2 class
Prerequisite: PHYS 122 or PHYS 132
Description: An introduction to image processing and computational physics designed for scientists and engineers. Topics will include properties of imaging devices and systems, image construction, analysis, and display. Data will come from satellites and terrestrial sources. Examples will come from current research whenever possible.

Physics 380: Practicum in Problem Solving

Credits: 1
Hours: 2 class
Prerequisite: PHYSICS 232; PHYSICS 321 or consent of instructor
Description: Methods of problem solving, including dimensional and scale analysis, rapid estimation, and combining knowledge from various disciplines. Class time will be spent analyzing and solving problems posed by the instructor and students. Students will normally be graded S/U, and sections will be strictly limited in size to facilitate active participation of all students.

Physics 389: Pilot Course

Credits: TBA
Hours: TBA
Description: Topic to be arranged.

Physics 391: Directed Study

Credits: TBA
Hours: TBA

Maintained by Gina Chavez (e-mail: rchavez@kestrel.nmt.edu).
Modified: July 17, 2007