Physics 1B unit (KYA102)

Hobart, Online

Introduction

The unit KYA102 Physics 1B is the second semester unit designed for students who intend to proceed with further studies in Physics in later years, or who will be proceeding to other courses for which a strong Physics background is required. It provides broad coverage of the fundamentals of electromagnetism, atomic and nuclear physics, light and optics, and waves. Students who do not have a passing grade in the first semester KYA101 unit can continue with KYA102; however, both KYA101 and 102 are prerequisites for the second year physics units.

Summary

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

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2
Online	Semester 2

Note

Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.

Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* 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 basic physical concepts in electromagnetism, relativity, atomic and nuclear physics, and optics.
• Describe the behaviour of electric and magnetic systems by applying mathematical and physics techniques.
• Describe the behaviour 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 1,3	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:  3 lectures/week x13 weeks, 1 tutorial/week x12 weeks, 3 hour lab session/week x7 weeks. Off Campus:  As for on-campus. Lectures are recorded and a specific off-campus tutorial session will be arranged. Off-campus students will also need to attend a practical session which is done over a two or three day block in week 11 of semester in Hobart.
Assessment	Assignments (20%)|Practicals (20%)|Topic tests (20%)|Examination (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View 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.

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