PHYC10001 Physics 1: Advanced
University of Melbourne · Level 1 · 12.5 points · Runs in 2026: Semester 1.
- Final exam 60%: exam-heavy
- About 5.5 class hours a week
Is PHYC10001 hard?
PHYC10001: Harder. #21 on the hardest list for Bachelor of Science. Makes it easier: First-year subject. Makes it harder: Reviewers say it’s hard (7 reviews), Final exam 60%, 1 other hurdle task, 5.5 class hours a week.
What you learn
Calculus-based physics for strong students: motion, waves and sound, optics, gravity and special relativity.
After it you can
- Solve physics problems using maths
- Predict what happens in a physical situation
- Take measurements in the lab and interpret them
What you need first
(PHYC10002 or a VCE Physics study score of 35 or more (or equivalent) or PHYC10009) and (a VCE Specialist Mathematics study score of 35 or more (or equivalent) or (MAST10006 or MAST10007 or MAST10008 or MAST10009 or MAST10021 or MAST10022 or MAST10018 or MAST10019))
- PHYC10002 Physics 2: Advanced
- PHYC10009 Foundations of Physics
- MAST10006 Calculus 2
- MAST10007 Linear Algebra
- MAST10008 Accelerated Mathematics 1
- MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2
- MAST10021 Calculus 2: Advanced
- MAST10022 Linear Algebra: Advanced
What it leads to
- ENGR20004 Engineering Mechanics
- PHYC10002 Physics 2: Advanced
- PHYC10004 Physics 2: Physical Science & Technology
- PHYC10006 Physics 2: Life Sciences & Environment
- PHYC20012 Quantum and Thermal Physics
- PHYC20013 Laboratory and Computational Physics 2
- PHYC20014 Theoretical Physics 2
- PHYC20015 Special Relativity and Electromagnetism
Can’t be taken together with
Careers
Helps toward: Meteorologist
How it’s assessed
Assignments 40%, Final exam 60%
Student reviews and ratings
Summarised from 7 students on StudentVIP (2014–2026)
- Best for students passionate about physics. More derivations and conceptual problems than high school, and the exam is hard.
- Lectures are well regarded, and plenty of practice problems are provided.
- Labs are often stressful and somewhat disorganised. Prepare beforehand; the demonstrator affects feedback and marks.
A summary of public reviews, not scored here.
Taken this subject? Rate it anonymously (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Rate PHYC10001
Quick answers
- When is PHYC10001 offered?
- Runs in 2026: Semester 1.
- What do I need before taking PHYC10001?
- Needs (PHYC10002 or a VCE Physics study score of 35 or more (or equivalent) or PHYC10009) and (a VCE Specialist Mathematics study score of 35 or more (or equivalent) or (MAST10006 or MAST10007 or MAST10008 or MAST10009 or MAST10021 or MAST10022 or MAST10018 or MAST10019)).
- Does PHYC10001 have a final exam?
- Yes, the final exam is 60% of the mark. Assessment: Assignments 40%, Final exam 60%.
- Is PHYC10001 hard?
- From 7 student reviews on StudentVIP: Best for students passionate about physics. More derivations and conceptual problems than high school, and the exam is hard.
- What do students say about PHYC10001?
- Best for students passionate about physics. More derivations and conceptual problems than high school, and the exam is hard. Lectures are well regarded, and plenty of practice problems are provided. Labs are often stressful and somewhat disorganised. Prepare beforehand; the demonstrator affects feedback and marks.
- How many class hours a week does PHYC10001 have?
- 5.5 h a week in class
- Can I take PHYC10001 as breadth?
- Yes, for: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art), Bachelor of Music.
- What can I take after PHYC10001?
- 8 subjects need it first, for example ENGR20004, PHYC10002, PHYC10004, PHYC10006.
- Can I rate PHYC10001?
- Yes. If you've taken it, rate it anonymously on this page (difficulty, workload, marking, would you recommend it) and leave a tip for next year's students. Averages show once 3 students have rated it; tips are checked before they appear.
Source: University of Melbourne Handbook 2026
Always confirm in the official Handbook.
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