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Unit of study_

PHYS1903: Physics 1A (Special Studies Program)

2025 unit information

The unit is intended for high achieving students who have a strong background in Physics and an interest in studying more advanced topics. It shares lecture and tutorial classes with PHYS1901, with modules on the topics of mechanics, thermal physics oscillations and wave and chaos. However, it features a laboratory component that is very different, with project-based exercises and a more open-ended research format than other lab classes.

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:
? 
PHYS1001 or PHYS1002 or EDUH1017 or PHYS1901
Assumed knowledge:
? 
[92 or above in HSC Physics (or equivalent)] or [80 or above in one of PHYS1904 or PHYS1902]. 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 three foundation areas of physics - mechanics, thermal physics and wave motion
  • LO2. apply these concepts to develop models, and to solve qualitative and quantitative problems in scientific and engineering 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

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.

Important enrolment information

Departmental permission requirements

If you see the ‘Departmental Permission’ tag below a session, it means you need faculty or school approval to enrol. This may be because it’s an advanced unit, clinical placement, offshore unit, internship or there are limited places available.

You will be prompted to apply for departmental permission when you select this unit in Sydney Student.

Read our information on departmental permission.