SYDNEY, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- A Sri Lankan man was refused bail by a Sydney court on Friday, after being charged with a terrorism related offence.

Authorities swooped on the 25-year-old at the University of New South Wales on Thursday after a fellow worker discovered a notebook that allegedly contained "potential targets".

The man was charged with collecting or making a document which is connected with preparation for the engagement of a person in or assistance in a terrorist act.

"They are symbolic locations within Sydney," acting Detective Superintendent Mick Sheehy explained.

"We have both psychologists and investigators looking at that document to try to interpret the intent and capability, but that is in essence the offence that is before the court."

Authorities seized a number of electric items on Friday morning when police raided a Sydney apartment.

Currently in Australia on a student visa, counter-terrorism investigators believed the man is also affiliated with the Islamic State group but at this stage he has not been charged with being a member.