Physics

CHAIR: Armin Kargol, Ph.D., Office: 451 Monroe Hall
PROFESSOR EMERITUS: Carl H. Brans, James Carter, S.J., Creston A. King
ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS: Armin Kargol, Martin P. McHugh
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR: Tirthabir Biswas, Patrick L. Garrity
EXTRAORDINARY FACULTY:  Darryl L. Steinert
WEB PAGE: chn.loyno.edu/physics/

The department is dedicated to the training of undergraduates and to the preparation of students for advanced studies. In designing the program, the department has taken into account the fact that a thorough understanding of the fundamental laws of nature, and of the mathematical and experimental methods used in physics, provide a solid background for graduate studies not only in physics but also in many other disciplines.

The department’s facilities and research laboratories are located in Loyola’s Monroe Hall. Students are encouraged to participate in a research program. This opportunity to work closely with the faculty using the sophisticated equipment of modern physics is one of the features of the department. 

Physics Curriculum

All physics programs share a set of core physics courses:

  • Introduction to Mechanics (PHYS A101)
  • Mechanics Laboratory I (PHYS A103)
  • Introduction to Electromagnetism and Relativity (PHYS A102)
  • Electromagnetism Laboratory (PHYS A104)
  • Introduction to Waves and Quantum Physics (PHYS A240)
  • Introduction to Thermal Physics (PHYS A241)
  • Classical Mechanics (PHYS A340)
  • Electricity and Magnetism (PHYS A350)
  • Advanced Laboratory Physics (PHYS A445)
  • Quantum Mechanics (PHYS A450)
  • Advanced Physics Elective (Select from A425, A430, A432, A436, A438)

Five semesters of mathematics courses are also required for all physics programs:

  • Introduction to Linear Algebra (MATH A200)
  • Calculus I (MATH A257)
  • Calculus II (MATH A258)
  • Calculus III (MATH A259)
  • Introduction to Differential Equations (MATH A310)
  • Math Elective (choose one: A350, A410, or A415)

A B.S. degree in physics will be awarded to those students who complete all university and departmental requirements. A B.S. degree in physics (departmental honors) will be granted to those students who have satisfied the requirements for a B.S. in physics, obtained a grade point average of 3.0 or better in physics and math, and completed a thesis based on their senior year research. 

Bachelor of Science in Physics


A rigorous program designed primarily for students intending to pursue graduate studies in physics or a closely related field. Additional requirements above the core courses include three upper level physics electives (a fourth is strongly recommended) and an additional upper level mathematics course.

Freshman   F S
Major PHYS A101 / A102 4 4
Major PHYS A103 / A104 1 1
Common Curriculum / Adjunct MATH A257 — A258 4 4
Adjunct MATH A200 0 3
Foreign Language   3 3
Common Curriculum   3 0
    15 15
      30
Sophomore   F S
Major PHYS A240 / A241 3 3
Common Curriculum CHEM A105 / A107; A106 / A108 or BIOL 4 4
Adjunct MATH A259 / A310 3 3
Common Curriculum   6 6
    16 16
      32
Junior   F S
Major PHYS A340 / A350 4 4
Major Upper Level Physics Electives 3 3
Adjunct MATH A350 or A410 or A415 3  
Common Curriculum   6 9
    16 16
      32
Senior   F S
Major PHYS A445 / A450 3 4
Major Upper Level Physics Elective 3  
Common Curriculum   6 3
Electives   3 6
    15 13
      28
TOTAL: 122 hrs.    

(View Common Curriculum Requirements.)

Pre-Engineering - Physics

This is a 3-2 program where students take physics and general education courses at Loyola during their first three years and then pursue an engineering degree at another university for an additional two years. With the successful completion of the engineering degree the student also earns a physics degree from Loyola. We currently have partnerships with engineering departments at the University of New Orleans. There is an additional upper level mathematics requirement above the core requirements. 

Freshman   F S
Major PHYS A101 / A102 4 4
Major PHYS A103 / A104 1 1
Common Curriculum / Adjunct MATH A257 — A258 4 4
Adjunct MATH A200 0 3
Foreign Language   3 3
Common Curriculum   3 3
    15 18
      33
Sophomore   F S
Major PHYS A240 / A241 3 3
Common Curriculum CHEM A105 / A107; A106 / A108 4 4
Adjunct MATH A259 / A310 3 3
Common Curriculum   6 6
    16 16
      32
Junior   F S
Major PHYS A340 / A350 4 4
Major PHYS A445 / A450 3 4
Adjunct MATH A350 or A410 or A415 3  
Common Curriculum 6 6
  16 14
      30
TOTAL: 94 hrs.      

(View Common Curriculum Requirements.)

Pre-Health - Physics

This program is designed for students wishing to apply to medical school or other health-related professional schools. The physics requirements are restricted to the core courses. Additional adjunct requirements in Biology and Chemistry satisfy pre-med admissions requirements.

Freshman   F S
Major PHYS A101 / A102 4 4
Major PHYS A103 / A104 1 1
Common Curriculum CHEM A105 / A107; A106 / A108 4 4
Common Curriculum / Adjunct MATH A257 / A258 4 4
Adjunct MATH A200 0 3
Common Curriculum   3 0
    16 16
      32
Sophomore   F S
Major PHYS A240 / A241 3 3
Adjunct MATH A259 / A310 3 3
Adjunct BIOL A106 / 107; A108 / A109 4 4
Adjunct CHEM A300 / A301 / A305 3 5
Common Curriculum   3
    15 16
      31
Junior   F S
Major PHYS A340 / A350 4 4
Common Curriculum 9 12
    13 16
      29
Senior   F S
Major PHYS A445 / A450 3 4
Common Curriculum   9 3
Foreign Language   3 3
Elective   _ 3
    15 13
      28
TOTAL: 120 hrs.      

(View Common Curriculum Requirements.)

Liberal Arts Physics

This is the most flexible program aimed at students who want the scientific and analytic training that a physics degree offers. A single upper level physics elective in addition to the core courses is required for this degree.

Freshman   F S
Major PHYS A101 / A102 4 4
Major PHYS A103 / A104 1 1
Common Curriculum / Adjunct MATH A257 / A258 4 4
Adjunct MATH A200 0 3
Foreign Language   3 3
Common Curriculum   3 0
    15 15
      30
Sophomore   F S
Major PHYS A240 / A241 3 3
Common Curriculum CHEM A105 / A107; A106 / A108 4 4
Adjunct MATH A259 / A310 3 3
Common Curriculum   6 6
    16 16
      32
Junior   F S
Major PHYS A340 / A350 4 4
Common Curriculum   6 9
Electives 6 3
    16 16
      32
Senior   F S
Major PHYS A445 / A450 3 4
Major Upper Level Physics Elective 3  
Common Curriculum   6 3
Electives   3 6
    15 13
      28
TOTAL: 121 hrs.      

View Physics Course Descriptions

(View Common Curriculum Requirements.)