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Introductory Physics unit (KYA103)

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Location: Hobart, Online

Introduction

This subject aims to provide students with an understanding of basic physical concepts in classical mechanics. Understanding of motion, force, energy and momentum is instrumental to the study of other key areas of physics, such as: mechanics, electric and magnetic fields, waves, atoms and nuclei. This unit also aids students in analysing and synthesising information, problem solving and scientific experimentation. Students who successfully complete Introductory Physics will qualify for entry into units or degree programs at the University of Tasmania which have pre-tertiary Physics (PHY415115) or equivalent as a prerequisite, including first year units Physics 1A (KYA101) and Physics 1B (KYA102).

Summary

Unit name Introductory Physics
Unit code KYA103
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
School of Natural Sciences
Discipline Physics
Coordinator Doctor Danijela Ivkovic
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Introductory

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Summer This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Summer This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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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
Summer 1/1/2026 12/1/2026 23/1/2026 14/2/2026

* 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

  • Convey the fundamental laws and principles of classical physics through worked examples, practical demonstrations and experiments.
  • Solve problems in classical mechanics by applying suitable formulae, vectors, graphs and diagrams.
  • Use experimental techniques and analyse data to confirm laws of classical mechanics and make predictions.

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

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

KYA004 Physics Foundation Unit

Teaching

AssessmentExperiment (10%)|Demonstrations (20%)|Assignments (30%)|Final Test (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

The following free online textbook is recommended for this unit:

College Physics  https://openstax.org/details/books/college-physics
Recommended

You may wish to study from the following textbook:

New Century Senior Physics: Concepts in context by R. Walding, G. Rapkins and G. Rossiter (2004, Oxford University Press, Melbourne, ISBN: 978 0 19 551777 4)

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