Atomic and Nuclear Physics unit (KYA323)

Hobart

Introduction

Atomic and Nuclear Physics is an advanced unit in the physics major designed for students majoring in physics and explores the extension of foundational quantum mechanics to real-world systems, providing the foundational knowledge and practical skills required for solving problems in modern physics. 

This unit provides a comprehensive introduction to atomic, molecular, and nuclear structure and provide the framework for considering interactions of these systems with external environments. The quantum picture of simple atoms will be extended to accurately predict and understand atomic spectra, with a focus on angular momentum coupling and many-electron atoms. The structure of nuclei and the transition of one nucleus into other nuclei will be interrogated, and the standard model of particle physics will be introduced. This knowledge will be used to analyse quantum technologies, nuclear technologies, and a means of interrogating the very nature of our universe.

Atomic and Nuclear Physics is one of two 300-level electives (along with KYA322 Statistical and Solid State Physics), which must be taken as part of the physics major, in conjunction both core units KYA320 Advanced Electromagnetism and KYA321 Quantum Mechanics. It is also recommended for anyone interested in quantum chemistry and physical chemistry. In all areas you will be expected to use the mathematical framework by which quantitative problems in these areas can be solved. Applications of physical principles in daily life and technology are explored throughout the unit, and this unit will develop your conceptual thinking ability and use of simpler physical/mathematical models approximate real-world scenarios.

Summary

Unit name	Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Unit code	KYA323
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Natural Sciences
Discipline	Physics
Coordinator	Doctor Andy McCulloch
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Advanced

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2

Note

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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

• Solve problems in atomic and molecular physics using physical principles and theories, and articulate the underlying assumptions and limitations of the different models and techniques used to solve problems.
• Solve problems in nuclear and particle physics using physical principles and theories, and articulate the underlying assumptions and limitations of the different models and techniques used to solve problems.
• Collate and employ relevant information from a range of sources to communicate high-level scientific information to expert and non-expert audiences through oral, written, and graphical means.
• Examine the theoretical underpinnings and practical considerations of real-world applications of atomic and nuclear physics

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

KYA211 Waves and Kinetic Theory AND KYA212 Electromagnetism and Thermodynamics AND (KMA252 Calculus and Applications 2 OR KME271 Engineering Mathematics)

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	The will be 3 x 1 hour workshops and 1 x 1 hour tutorial each week.
Assessment	Assignments (15%)|Independent research project (15%)|Oral assessment (15%)|Topic test (15%)|Examination (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Texts used for the atomic physics component of the course include: Quantum mechanics (a paradigms approach) 1st edition by David McIntyre (also the required text for KYA321 Quantum Mechanics) Atomic physics 1st edition by Christopher Foot The prescribed text for the nuclear physics component of the course is  Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei and Particles 2nd edition by Robert Eisberg and Robert Resnick

Recommended

A supplement to the nuclear physics text is Introductory Nuclear Physics 1st edition by Kenneth Krane

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