Bachelor of Science in Physics
Einstein. Newton. Hawking. Bohr. And you. These are the people who dare to say that our world, full of strange phenomena and seemingly unpredictable processes, is explainable.
Physicists investigate and articulate the laws that govern our universe—from the largest scales of the entire cosmos, to the smallest subatomic particles, and everything in between. The great geniuses of physics have pushed the understanding of our universe forward. At Loyola University New Orleans, we’ll give you the tools you need to be part of that adventure.
Overview of Courses
In addition to a structured foundational sequence of hard science courses, you’ll take adjunct mathematics courses while moving into more advanced areas in physics. Here’s a sample of what you can expect to learn and do:
- Introduction to Electromagnetism and Relativity – This first-year course discusses electric and magnetic phenomena. It culminates in an elementary treatment of Maxwell’s equations. The course also discusses Einstein’s special theory of relativity and its consequences to near-speed-of-light travel.
- Introduction to Waves and Quantum Physics – This sophomore course introduces students to the wonderfully weird world of quantum particles. After some preliminary treatment of wave phenomena, the course focuses on experimental foundations of quantum physics. Finally, it discusses the Schrödinger equation and the different interpretations of quantum mechanics.
- Advanced Laboratory Physics – This course trains students to be self-reliant in planning and performing experiments not ordinarily done at the elementary level. Experiments are performed in such areas as electronics, mechanics, atomic physics, and spectroscopy.
Curriculum
- PHYS A101 Introduction to Mechanics
- PHYS A103 Mechanics Lab
- PHYS A102 Introduction to Electromagnetism
- PHYS A104 Electricity and Magnetism Lab
- PHYS A120 Introduction to Physics and Engineering
- PHYS A240 Introduction to Waves and Quantum Physics
- PHYS A241 Introduction to Thermal Physics
- PHYS A340 Classical Mechanics
- PHYS A350 Electromagnetism
- PHYS A445 Advanced Laboratory Physics
- PHYS A450 Quantum Mechanics
- Plus three physics electives
- Plus 16 credits hours of math
Physics Course Information
Find out more about the physics major: