Topics Courses

(Prerequisites/Corequisites: Departmental Approval Required)

This course may contribute to the design studio sequence. Emphasis will be given to the development and refinement of drawings, models, an presentation materials to communicate architectural concepts and design intent coupled with critical evaluation of graphic and presentation skills. This class prepares students for further architectural study and begins the process of assembling a portfolio. All students will be given projects to advance their study based on individual evaluation to ensure they have developed appropriate skill and intellectual capacity relevant to their standing in the curriculum. Focus will be given to projects that develop representational and technical drawing skills, basic construction principals, design process, and conceptual intent.

(Prerequisites/Corequisites: Departmental Approval Required)

In this immersive research course, students engage in hands-on, collaborative research to explore Albuquerque’s Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect. Through fieldwork, data collection and analyses, participants investigate the factors contributing to the UHI, its impact on the local environments, and potential mitigation strategies. This course equips students with critical research skills while fostering a deeper understanding of urban climate challenges. 

(Prerequisites: None)

This course helps students improve basic math skills in preparation for the Spanish high school equivalency exam. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and delivery of the course is in Spanish. Math word problems are used, as well as analytical reading and writing assignments that require logical reasoning. Math skills are enhanced by work with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, algebra, measurement, and geometry.

(Prerequisites: None)

This course helps students improve basic language arts skills in preparation for the Spanish high school equivalency exam.  An English component is also included. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and delivery of the course is in Spanish.  Reading skills are taught through literature, social studies, and science.  Students learn strategies for finding main idea, drawing conclusions, and making inferences.  Writing instruction proceeds from sentence and paragraph structure to essay development.  Grammar, punctuation, and spelling techniques are integrated as needed.

(Prerequisites: Departmental Approval and Co-Enrollment)

Child Development develops English language skills needed to complete academic requirements and work in professional early childhood education positions. Language instruction is contextualized to the ECED class in which students are co-enrolled, and presented through project-based instruction, group work, short lessons, and individual assistance. (2.5 contact hours, lecture)

(Prerequisites: None)

This course introduces essential principals of meditation and yoga. Through Guided practice and reflection students will explore the historical and philosophical aspects of meditation and yoga practice and practice various approaches and methods. Suitable for all experience levels, this course offers tools for developing a personal meditation and yoga practice.

(Prerequisites: Reading Skills 2, Math Skills 3 Algebra)

(Pre or Corequisites: CHEM 1215, CHEM 1215L, MATH 1220 or MATH 1220P)

Learners will explore the processes and tools used to manufacture nano-materials, structures and components. Learners will gain the foundational understanding and hands-on experience in materials basics to include atomic bonding, crystalline structure-perfection, crystal structures, crystal defects, device yield measurements, and basics of device structures. Nano measurement tools, metrology, clean room techniques, vacuum systems and nano-characterization tools and methods will also be explored.