Physics is understood in terms of many mathematical relationships that are much easier to state than solve, and computer science has become a major part of many physicists’ work to solve enormous problems. This major is preparation for graduate study in physics, applied physics, computer science, and especially in the burgeoning research field of computational physics, as well as in many branches of engineering. Employment opportunities are in the industries of R&D and manufacturing, research and teaching in academic institutions, and research in government and private laboratories.
Curriculum
This program is similar to the theoretical physics/applied mathematics option, except that some of the mathematics courses are replaced by computer science courses. The list of physics, mathematics and computer science courses needed to complete this degree as of the 2022-2023 Academic Year is:
A minimum grade of C- must be earned to satisfy a course requirement and a 2.0 minimum overall GPA is required for each major or minor. Final confirmation of degree requirements is subject to department, school, and university approval.
Course List
Code |
Title |
Hours |
PHYS 121 | College Physics I Lec/Dis | 3 |
PHYS 111L | College Physics Laboratory I | 1 |
PHYS 122 | College Physics II Lec/Dis | 3 |
PHYS 112L | College Physics Lab II | 1 |
PHYS 126F | Freshman Projects | 1 |
PHYS 235 | Modern Physics | 3 |
PHYS 235L | Modern Physics Laboratory | 1 |
PHYS 301 | Mathematical Methods in Physics | 3 |
PHYS 303 | Electronics I | 3 |
PHYS 303L | Electronics Laboratory | 1 |
PHYS 310 | Optics | 3 |
PHYS 310L | Optics Lab | 1 |
PHYS 314 | Theoretical Mechanics I | 3 |
PHYS 351 | Electricity and Magnetism I | 3 |
PHYS 361 | Quantum Mechanics I | 3 |
MATH 161 | Calculus I | 4 |
MATH 162 | Calculus II | 4 |
MATH 263 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
MATH 264 | Ordinary Differential Equations | 3 |
COMP 141 | Introduction to Computing Tools and Techniques | 3 |
COMP 170 | Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming | 3 |
COMP 264 | Introduction to Computer Systems | 3 |
COMP 271 | Data Structures I | 3 |
COMP 272 | Data Structures II | 3 |
COMP 163 | Discrete Structures | 3 |
or MATH 201 | Introduction to Discrete Mathematics & Number Theory |
COMP 313 | Object-Oriented Design | 3 |
or COMP 363 | Design and Analysis Computer Algorithms |
| 6 |
| Bioinformatics | |
| Metagenomics | |
| |
| Numerical Methods | |
| Algebraic Coding Theory | |
| Cryptography | |
| Thermal Physical & Statistical Mechanics | |
| Advanced Physics Laboratory | |
| Computational Aspects of Modeling and Simulation | |
Total Hours | 75 |
This Academic Requirements Outline lists the approved courses for the plan of study during the indicated Catalog Year and is intended for use by prospective students. A current Loyola student's requirements are based on when the major or minor was officially declared, and may differ from what is shown here. Loyola students should refer to My Academic Requirements in LOCUS for their individualized lists of approved courses. Final confirmation of all degree requirements is subject to department, school, and university approval.