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Unit of study_

PHYS1002: Physics 1 (Fundamentals)

2025 unit information

Physics is the study of how matter behaves, at scales from the very small to the very large. Physics is one of the most fundamental of the sciences, underpinning our understanding of the world and the creation of new technologies. This unit of study forms an introduction to some of the major topics of physics, for students who are new to Physics. You will cover the topics of the language of physics, mechanics, and oscillations and waves. You will develop experimental skills and learn how to observe and measure phenomena and try to explain and predict their behaviour. This unit of study is designed for students who have not studied Physics previously or scored below 65 in HSC Physics.

Unit details and rules

Managing faculty or University school:

Science

Study level Undergraduate
Academic unit Physics Academic Operations
Credit points 6
Prerequisites:
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None
Corequisites:
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None
Prohibitions:
? 
PHYS1001 or PHYS1901 or EDUH1017 or PHYS1903
Assumed knowledge:
? 
Students are also encouraged to take MATH1X61 or MATH1971

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. understand the key concepts in two foundation areas of physics - mechanics, and wave motion - and demonstrate some familiarity with the usual language of physics
  • LO2. apply these concepts to develop models, and to solve qualitative and quantitative problems in scientific contexts, using appropriate mathematical and computing techniques as necessary
  • LO3. understand the nature of scientific measurement, and demonstrate skills in the measurement of physical quantities and the handling of data
  • 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 1 2024
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2025
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Outline unavailable
Session MoA ?  Location Outline ? 
Semester 1 2020
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2021
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2022
Normal day Remote
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney
Semester 1 2023
Normal day Remote

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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.