Program Overview

Introduction to Physics 1B Unit

The Physics 1B unit, coded as KYA102, is a second-semester unit designed for students intending to pursue further studies in Physics or courses requiring a strong Physics background. This unit provides comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals of electromagnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, light and optics, and waves.

Unit Details

• Unit Name: Physics 1B
• Unit Code: KYA102
• Credit Points: 12.5
• College/School: Sciences and Engineering
• School of Natural Sciences
• Discipline: Physics
• Coordinator: Professor Stas Shabala
• Available as an Elective: Yes
• Delivered By: University of Tasmania
• Level: Introductory

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, welcoming thoughts and feedback on this alignment.

Availability

The unit is available in:

• Location: Hobart, Online
• Study Period: Semester 2
• Attendance Options: On-campus, Off-campus
• Available to: Domestic students, International students

Key Dates

• Study Period: Semester 2
• Start Date: 6/7/2026
• Census Date: 28/7/2026
• WW Date: 31/8/2026
• End Date: 25/10/2026

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• Explain basic physical concepts in electromagnetism, relativity, atomic and nuclear physics, and optics.
• Describe the behavior of electric and magnetic systems by applying mathematical and physics techniques.
• Describe the behavior of relativistic, atomic, nuclear, and optical systems by applying mathematical and physics techniques.
• Test physics hypotheses with experiments and data analysis, and communicate the results and their implications.

Fee Information

• Field of Education:
• Commencing Student Contribution: $1,192.00
• Grandfathered Student Contribution: $1,192.00
• Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution: Not applicable
• Domestic Full Fee: $3,575.00

Requisites

Prerequisites

• PHY Physics (or KYA004 or KYA103)
• MTM Mathematics Methods (or KMA003 or KMA100)
• TCE score of 80 or more (subject to counseling and approval by Head of Physics)

Teaching

• Teaching Pattern: On Campus: 3 lectures/week x 13 weeks, 1 tutorial/week x 12 weeks, 3-hour lab session/week x 7 weeks. Off Campus: As for on-campus.
• Assessment: Assignments (20%), Practicals (20%), Topic tests (20%), Examination (40%)
• Timetable: View the lecture timetable or the full unit timetable

Textbooks

• Required: Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.
• Recommended: "Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker, any edition from 8th upwards.