Back to Top
Physics lab

Investigate. Explain.
Push us forward.

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.

Undergraduate Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science in Physics

Cellular biophysics, quantum optics, cosmology and gravitation, biomechanics, computer simulations, particle physics –- are all areas of research pursued by our faculty, and areas where you could contribute too! The great geniuses of physics have pushed the understanding of our universe forward. At Loyno, we’ll give you the tools you need to be part of that adventure. Loyola offers four tracks within our Physics Department.

Physics

Biophysics Pre-Health

Pre-Engineering Physics

Physics (Liberal Arts)

Physics (Liberal Arts with Teacher Certification)

Minors

Minor in Physics

This minor is for students studying another specialty but looking for a physics component to complement their studies.

Minor in Physics

Students working in Biophysics lab

Biophysics

The focus of our research is to better understand the function of ion channel proteins and their nonequilibrium properties. We know they can detect certain environmental factors, such as changes in electric field, presence of certain ligands or even mechanical stress, and can open or close in response to these factors (ion channel gating).

learn more

McHugh's laboratory space

Quantum Optics

In the Quantum Optics Lab in the Physics Department at Loyola University we are in the process of setting up an experiment to explore quantum entanglement, in particular by testing something known as Bell’s theorem.

learn more

Ball weighing down on grid

Gravitational Physics

Gravitational physics,  both theory (Dr. Brans and Dr. Biswas) and experiments (Dr. McHugh), has been a major focus of research in the physics department.

Physics Professor Emeritus Carl Brans research of relativity is closely related to Einstein’s theory of general relativity. Its presently known inadequacies have led to speculation on various alternatives to the standard Einstein equations. 

learn more

Slide /

Requirements

See an overview of the program's curriculum and requirements.

Physics Requirements

Showcase

See what our faculty and students are accomplishing

Faculty and students

Six Loyola Faculty Members Win Grants from the Louisiana Biomedical Research Network

Dr. Anat Burger, Department of Physics, was among the faculty who were awarded grants for collaborating with students on computational projects in the Spring semester.

learn more
Carl Brans

Remembering Dr. Carl Brans

Dr. Carl Brans, longtime member of the Physics Department, passed away on February 26, 2026 at the age of 90.

 

learn more
Owen Traylor

Owen Traylor ('25) Wins National Conference Award

Owen Traylor ('25 Neuroscience and Biochemistry) received the Outstanding Undergraduate Poster Presentation award at the National Symposium of the Protein Society in San Francisco in June. Traylor also conducted original research under the guidance of physics professors Dr. Armin Kargol and Dr. Anat Burger.

learn more
Student Researcher

LaSPACE program supports Physics Department's Student Science Project for Balloon Flight

Dr. Anat Burger has secured $12,000 from the LaSPACE program to support the Student Science Project for Balloon Flight. 

learn more
Student Researchers

Donation Makes Fourier Analysis Possible in the Physics Department

Thanks to the generosity of Mr Cliff Andressen '69, the Physics Department recently added a new Fourier analysis experiment—an indispensable tool across modern science and technology

learn more
Creston "Mickey" King

Remembering Dr. Creston "Mickey" King

Dr. Creston "Mickey" King, longtime member of the Department of Physics, passed away on November 11, 2025.

learn more
All News