Hello.
5/3/1 is a powerlifting program that follows a percentage-based system off of your max lifts to help increase your total maxes. The program uses 5rep/3rep/1rep sets hence the title 5/3/1.
Since it IS a powerlifting program, you will ofcourse be using heavy weights relative to your 1RepMax.
I wouldnt say its low sets low reps. Its more high sets low reps. In the program, your aiming to get stronger, so the reps will be quite low. But following the BigButBoring template, im already getting a minimum of 8 WORKING SETS for each compound lift. Your entire body will hurt be taxed with each lift. Like my back is sore from benching and squatting.

If you want more information, you can type in "5/3/1 PDF download" on google. Very good read.

As a beginner, i recommend to find out what your goals are. This would be either more focused towards strength or bodybuilding. Then focus on that.
If you want to focus on strength, follow a strength program. Some popular ones are stronglift 5x5 or starting strength*.
If you want more towards bodybuilding, do a bodybuilding split. You can follow a conventional 1 bodypart per week type split (chest on monday, back on tuesday, etc), a push/pull/legs type program (-Dan is following one, refer to his), or a Upper/Lower twice a week program.