How to learn physics?

Understanding your goal in learning physics, whether it’s for academic achievement, career development, or pure curiosity, will focus your studies. Regular study and problem-solving practice are crucial. Join study groups or online forums like Physics Stack Exchange for support. Work on real projects like conducting simple experiments or solving physics problems. Coursera’s How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics by University of Virginia offers a solid foundation in physics concepts.

What are the best physics courses on Coursera?

Top options include How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics from the University of Virginia , Physics 101 - Forces and Kinematics from Rice University , and Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism from Rice University . These courses cover classical mechanics , electromagnetism, thermodynamics , and modern physics concepts.

Can I learn physics for free on Coursera?

Yes. Many physics courses offer a free audit option. You can access video lectures and reading materials at no cost. To earn a certificate or complete graded assignments, you’ll need to pay or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a physics course on Coursera?

You’ll learn fundamental principles like motion, forces, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism , and modern topics like quantum mechanics and relativity . Some courses also focus on applying physics to real-world problems or preparing for advanced study in engineering and science .

Do I need a math or science background to take a physics course?

Many introductory physics courses are designed for beginners and start with the basics. However, some courses do require comfort with algebra , trigonometry , or calculus —especially in more technical or advanced topics. Course descriptions typically note any prerequisites.

Can learning physics on Coursera help me in school or my career?

Yes. Physics is foundational in fields like engineering , data science , astronomy , and technology. Coursera courses can support academic success, prepare you for STEM degrees, or help professionals refresh core concepts and analytical skills relevant to their field.

Top Physics Courses - Learn Physics Online

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Find the Best Physics Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Integral Calculus through Data and Modeling
Skills you'll gain: Calculus, Integral Calculus, Numerical Analysis, Advanced Mathematics, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Linear Algebra, Probability, Geometry, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Mechanics, Engineering Calculations, Graphing, Spatial Data Analysis, Physics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
124 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Photovoltaic Systems
Skills you'll gain: Power Electronics, Plant Operations and Management, Electric Power Systems, Energy and Utilities, Semiconductors, Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Components, Physics, Engineering Calculations, Manufacturing Processes, Mathematical Modeling, Product Testing
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
154 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Rice University
General Chemistry: Concept Development and Application
Skills you'll gain: Chemistry, General Science and Research, Physics, Laboratory Research, Scientific Methods, Experimentation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Particle Dynamics
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Physics, Engineering Calculations, Differential Equations, Integral Calculus, Calculus, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
33 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Lund University
Medical Applications of Particle Accelerators (NPAP MOOC)
Skills you'll gain: Medical Imaging, Radiology, Radiation Protection, Radiography, Oncology, Patient Positioning, Patient Treatment, Treatment Planning, Physics
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
278 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
École Polytechnique
D'un infini à l'autre - Voyages de l'infiniment grand à l'infiniment petit
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Physical Science, Laboratory Research, General Science and Research, Research, Scientific Methods, Simulation and Simulation Software
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
40 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
École Polytechnique
Les deux infinis et nous - Voyages de l'infiniment grand à l'infiniment petit
Skills you'll gain: Medical Imaging, Semiconductors, Physics, Radiology, Radiography, Electronics, Science and Research, Physical Science, Electronic Components, Energy and Utilities, Research
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
43 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
EDHEC Business School
Science and Engineering of Climate Change
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Issue, Energy and Utilities, Mitigation, Engineering, Systems Of Measurement, Environment, Mathematical Modeling, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Scientific Methods, Physics, Trend Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
236 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Universitat de Barcelona
Técnicas Microscópicas de Caracterización
Skills you'll gain: Laboratory Equipment, Micrometer, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Semiconductors, Physics, Image Analysis, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Scientific Visualization
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
804 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Rigid Body Dynamics
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Torque (Physics), Vibrations, Engineering Analysis, Engineering Calculations, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Calculus
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
26 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Astronomía básica
Skills you'll gain: Physical Science, Physics, Environment, General Science and Research, Biology, Systems Of Measurement, Geographic Information Systems, Estimation, Chemistry, Scientific Visualization
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Copenhagen
Origins - Formation of the Universe, Solar System, Earth and Life
Skills you'll gain: Life Sciences, Anthropology, Biology, Physical Science, World History, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, General Science and Research, Physics, Molecular Biology, Chemistry
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
639 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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In summary, here are 10 of our most popular physics courses

Integral Calculus through Data and Modeling: Johns Hopkins University
Photovoltaic Systems: Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
General Chemistry: Concept Development and Application: Rice University
Particle Dynamics: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Medical Applications of Particle Accelerators (NPAP MOOC): Lund University
D'un infini à l'autre - Voyages de l'infiniment grand à l'infiniment petit: École Polytechnique
Les deux infinis et nous - Voyages de l'infiniment grand à l'infiniment petit: École Polytechnique
Science and Engineering of Climate Change: EDHEC Business School
Técnicas Microscópicas de Caracterización : Universitat de Barcelona
Rigid Body Dynamics: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)

Physics Courses