Undergraduate Study in Physics

General Degree Summary

Physics majors at Tech are encouraged to pursue a broad scientific background and to master the theoretical underpinnings of Physics as well as experimental techniques. They take fundamental courses in the principal areas of physics:

• atomic and nuclear physics
• classical mechanics
• electromagnetism and optics
• quantum mechanics
• thermodynamics and statistical physics

In addition to several mathematics and laboratory physics classes, a comprehensive physics training requires well developed communication skills. Thus, Physics majors take a number of breadth courses, including scientific writing and several humanities classes. Over and above class and lab work, students have the chance to participate in research projects during the semesters and the summertime. Many undergraduate students become involved in faculty research and often co-author published papers.

New Mexico Tech offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. Full details of the General Physics Curriculum is given on the Undergraduate Degree Programs page. Students may also choose from three options which involve specialty courses for a more focused degree program. Details of these programs can be found below. These are:

• Astrophysics option
• Atmospheric Physics option
• Computer Science option

We also offer minor programs for students who would like to pursue subspecialties in disciplines beyond the options offered above. Two are particularly relevant to the physics degree. They are:

• Electrical Engineering minor
• Mathematics minor

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Physics Degree Options

Astrophysics is one of the two main research areas in the Physics Department. Undergraduate students are often involved in ongoing research. Current research interests are broad; they include

• Clusters of galaxies: the distribution of hot gas and dark matter, the role of the magnetic field, and the acceleration of relativistic particles.
• Normal galaxies: the dynamics and evolution of their stars, the ecology of their interstellar gas, both dwarfs and giants.
• Pulsars: the plasma physics of these objects, and also the development of front-line instrumentation with which to obtain high-quality radio data.
• Radio galaxies: the origins, and plasma dynamics, of radio jets and lobes; and why are some galaxies active and others not?

Tech faculty and students frequently carry out research at the nearby The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NARO) operates both the Very Large Array and the Very Long Baseline Array, through its headquarters on campus. In addition, Tech is also a founding partner in the proposed Magdalena Ridge Observatory, which will be built on the nearby Langmuir Research Site. Undergraduate students are often involved in research and employment with these facilities. Details of the BS with ASTROPHYSICS OPTION can be found here.

Atmospheric Physics is a second main research area in the Physics Department. Undergraduate students are often involved in ongoing research. Current research interests include

• Cloud physics: from the internal dynamics of clouds (such as convection and ice/rain formation) to their role in global climate patterns.
• Thunderstorms: how they become electrified, and the dynamics of the lightning they produce.
• The middle atmosphere: how solar radiation propagates, is absorbed, and affects the chemical and thermal state of the atmosphere.
• Atmospheric Radioactivity: the properties and transport of aerosols in the atmosphere, and how that depends on weather and ground conditions.

Tech faculty and students are often involved in atmospheric science at the nearby Langmuir Laboratory for Atmospheric Research. Faculty and students may also work in the air quality research group at Tech which studies atmospheric pollution and environmental quality. Details of the BS with ATMOSPHERIC PHYSICS OPTION can be found here.

Computer Science is an area with important connections to physics. Almost all areas of modern physics research requires some application of computer science, which can sometimes be intensive. We encourage our students to become proficient computer users and programmers. We expect students with good physics and computing skills to be highly employable outside of academia. Many university graduates specialize in computer science, but not many currently mix a deep knowledge of physics with a good understanding of computing. We expect such graduates to be well placed in today's industrial job market. Details of the B.S. with COMPUTER SCIENCE OPTION can be found here.

Academic Minor Programs allow students to pursue subspecialties in addition to complementing the major program for an undergraduate degree. At present we offer a Physics B.S. with either Electrical Engineering or Mathematics minors. Please contact the Physics Department for more details.