Physics 1A unit (KYA101)

Hobart, Online

Introduction

The objective of this unit is to provide a thorough grounding in mechanics, properties of matter, and oscillations, as well as to appreciate the mathematical framework through which quantitative problems in these areas can be solved. On completion of the unit you will be familiar with basic terminology and processes in dynamics. From this unit, you will have developed an appreciation of how the mathematical techniques of vector analysis can assist in formulating and solving physical problems. We will demonstrate the physical principles in a laboratory setting with experiments that will introduce you to measurement techniques and data analysis in physics. These techniques you will then be able to take with you when studying other more advanced material in Physics. You will have also further developed your generic problem-solving skills, and your scientific world-view. This unit is required in the Physics Major.

Summary

Unit name	Physics 1A
Unit code	KYA101
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	Physics
Coordinator	Associate Professor Krzysztof Bolejko
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1
Online	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Explain physical phenomena in a broad range of contexts, disciplines and situations.
• Solve numerical problems by applying physical theories and principles.
• Conduct physical experiments in a laboratory setting.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
010301	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$3,575.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Prerequisites

PHY415115 Physics (or KYA004 or KYA103) and MTM415117 Mathematics Methods (or KMA003 or KMA100) or TCE score of 80 or more (subject to counselling and approval by Head of Physics)

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On Campus: Face-to-face lectures (3 per week), face-to-face tutorials (1 per week); face-to-face laboratories (7 throughout the semester). Off Campus:  Off Campus: Lectures and tutorials can be attended via Zoom, or in the alternative students will have an option to engage with recordings of these  sessions asynchronously.  Off-campus students will also need to attend a practical session which is done over the intense block session in May in Hobart.
Assessment	Numerical modeling (10%)|Assignments (25%)|Lab reports (25%)|Examination (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Halliday's Fundamentals of Physics [1st Australian & New Zealand Edition is available as e-book via the University Library and linked to KYA101 MyLO page].
Recommended	Any other Recommended Readings (other than Halliday's Fundamentals of Physics) will be provided by your Unit Coordinator.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.