PHS1002 Physics for engineering
Faculty of Science
PHS1002 Physics for engineering is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Science, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Malaysia and Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 4 units, leading on to 10 units in all.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1, Semester 2
- Malaysia, Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 30%
- and 3 other tasks
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before PHS1002
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After PHS1002
4 units list PHS1002 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Overview
This unit relates key principles of physics to engineering and technology, and shows how physics, including quantum and nano-science, creates useful new technologies. In the Newtonian mechanics topics you will explore the traditional concepts of dynamics, such as energy, momentum and angular momentum, and explore their connections of these topics to a variety of systems, including rocket propulsion, precession and planetary orbits. Within the Electromagnetism topics you will learn about electric and magnetic fields and their effects, as well as explore techniques for determining these fields and understanding their nature as light. In the Quantum physics topic you will explore modern physics concepts such as the uncertainty principle, the probabilistic interpretation of wave functions and atomic models and stimulated emission and the connection of these concepts to technologies like the atomic force microscope and lasers. During the activities for the practical component you will develop measurement, analysis, and communication skills.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Malaysia | On campus |
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Laboratory assessmentDemonstrationThreshold hurdle25%
- Problem-solving activitiesExercise20%
- TestsQuiz / Test25%
- Final assessment - Exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)Examination30%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Identify and apply principles of Newtonian physics, electromagnetism and quantum physics to situations relevant to engineering and technology, both qualitatively and quantitatively;
- 2
Demonstrate an ability to describe and explain advanced techniques used in relevant engineering or physics contexts;
- 3
Make reliable measurements, estimate uncertainties, analyse, evaluate and interpret data in cases appropriate to engineering and related to the theory studied;
- 4
Show an improved ability to work in teams and to communicate and discuss physics concepts, measurements and applications related to engineering and developments in technologies;
- 5
Approach new problems and find solutions on the basis of general principles, and evaluate the appropriateness of their proposed models or solutions.
Workload and teaching
- Laboratories15 hours
- Laboratories12 hours
- Assessments4 hours
- Applied sessions8 hours
- Tutorials18 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Workshops33 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
The workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours spread across the semester (roughly 12 hours per week) - approximately an even mixture of attendance at scheduled activities and self-scheduled study time. Learning activities comprise a mixture of instructor directed, peer directed and self-directed learning, which includes face-to-face and online engagement.
Expositional material is presented in the form of assigned pre-reading and/or pre-viewing videos, so that all face to face hours may be utilised to explore the nuanced detail and meaning of the material, to explore and build connections, and to gain a fundamental and concept driven understanding of the material. Problem solving applied sessions will allow you to interact in small groups aided by a lecturer or teaching associate (TA) and will facilitate building conceptual understanding, while collaborative laboratory investigations will demonstrate the material in action and test your ability to link theory to practice.
Learning resources
Where it fits
PHS1002 is part of 8 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
- ASTROPHY05Core unitAstrophysicsNo reviews yet
- ASTROPHY07Core unit 2AstrophysicsNo reviews yet
- ASTROPHY08Core option 3AstrophysicsNo reviews yet
- PHYSICS02Option 2PhysicsNo reviews yet
- PHYSICS09Option 2PhysicsNo reviews yet
- PHYSICS10Option 2PhysicsNo reviews yet
- PHYSIOL05Level 1 unitsPhysiologyNo reviews yet
- PHYSIOL06Level 1 unitsPhysiologyNo reviews yet
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Istvan Laszlo
- Associate Professor Boon Leong Lan
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Istvan Laszlo
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for PHS1002?
PHS1002 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after PHS1002?
PHS1002 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 4 units, including PHS2061, PHS2062, PHS2081 and PHS2350. Those lead on to 10 units in all.
When is PHS1002 offered?
In 2026, PHS1002 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Malaysia and Clayton.
Does PHS1002 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 30% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.
Which majors and minors include PHS1002?
PHS1002 is part of Astrophysics, Physics and Physiology.