Useful links
Skip to main content
Search the University of Sydney website
Current students
Unit of study_
PHYS1003: Physics 1 (Technological)
2025 unit information
Physics is the study of matter and energy and how they interact. It underpins all other sciences, and is the foundation of all engineering and technology. This unit of study forms part of a broad overview of the major topics of physics, which provides the necessary background knowledge and practice of scientific skills for students majoring in physical and engineering sciences, and emphasis is placed on applications of physical principles to the technological world. You will cover the topics of electromagnetism, fluids, and quantum physics. You will develop experimental skills, and through enquiry, observation and measurement you will learn how to apply your physical understanding to real-world problems. This unit of study is intended for students with a satisfactory prior knowledge of HSC physics, or satisfactory performance in PHYS1001 or PHYS1002.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Physics Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
|
Prerequisites:
?
|
None |
|---|---|
|
Corequisites:
?
|
None |
| Prohibitions:
?
|
PHYS1004 or PHYS1902 or PHYS1904 |
| Assumed knowledge:
?
|
HSC Physics or PHYS1001 or PHYS1002 or PHYS1901 or equivalent. Students who have not completed HSC Physics (or equivalent) are strongly advised to take the Physics Bridging Course (offered in February). Students are also encouraged to take MATH1X62 or MATH1972 |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts of the behaviour of fluids, electric and magnetic fields, and the fundamental concepts of quantum physics and its application to technology
- LO2. apply these concepts to develop models, and to solve qualitative and quantitative problems in scientific and engineering contexts with particular reference to applications in modern technology
- LO3. demonstrate basic experimental skills in the use of electrical measuring instruments and the ability to devise and carry out a scientific investigation that includes measuring physical quantities, analysis and interpretation of results
- LO4. find and analyse information and judge its reliability and significance
- LO5. communicate scientific information appropriately, both orally and through written work
- LO6. engage in team and group work for scientific investigations and for the process of learning
- LO7. demonstrate a sense of responsibility, ethical behaviour and independence as a learner and as a scientist.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Semester 2 2025
|
Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
|
Find your current year census dates
Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
