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

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
Politecnico di Milano
Introduzione alla fisica sperimentale: elettromagnetismo, ottica, fisica moderna
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Laboratory Experience, Electrical Systems, Experimentation, Basic Electrical Systems, Scientific Methods, Science and Research, Physical Science, Mechanics, Electronics Engineering, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Integral Calculus
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
35 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
235 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Dartmouth College
Question Reality: Cosmos
Skills you'll gain: Scientific Methods, General Science and Research, Physics, Physical Science, Experimentation, Ancient History, Vibrations, Mechanics, World History, European History, Deductive Reasoning, Applied Mathematics
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
22 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Politecnico di Milano
Introduzione alla fisica sperimentale: meccanica, termodinamica
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Physics, Hydraulics, Thermal Management, Engineering Analysis, Experimentation, Engineering Calculations, Systems Of Measurement, Calculus
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics 2
Skills you'll gain: Chemical Engineering, Energy and Utilities, Chemistry, Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Engineering Calculations, Mathematical Modeling
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Technion - Israel Institute of Technology
التقانة والمستشعرات النانوية - الجزء الاول
Skills you'll gain: Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Semiconductors, Technology Solutions, Emerging Technologies, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Electronics, Ideation, Chemistry, Environmental Monitoring, Manufacturing Processes, Creative Design, Medical Imaging
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
26 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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 Experience, 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: Semiconductors, Physics, Radiation Protection, Laboratory Research, Medical Equipment and Technology, Science and Research, Research, Electronic Components, Electronics, Medical Imaging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
43 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Epic Games
Unreal Engine Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, Virtual Environment, Version Control, Video Game Development, 3D Modeling, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Game Design, Animation and Game Design, Multimedia, Computer Graphics, Software Installation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
58 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Astronomía básica
Skills you'll gain: Physical Science, Physics, General Science and Research, Biology, Systems Of Measurement, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Geospatial Information and Technology, World History, Chemistry
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Peking University
电磁学下——恒磁场与时变电磁场
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Engineering, Electrical Systems, Physics, Electronics, Advanced Mathematics, Engineering Analysis, Calculus, Differential Equations, Mathematical Modeling
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
15 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Searches related to physics

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

Técnicas Microscópicas de Caracterización : Universitat de Barcelona
Introduzione alla fisica sperimentale: elettromagnetismo, ottica, fisica moderna: Politecnico di Milano
Science and Engineering of Climate Change: EDHEC Business School
Question Reality: Cosmos: Dartmouth College
Introduzione alla fisica sperimentale: meccanica, termodinamica: Politecnico di Milano
Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics 2: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
التقانة والمستشعرات النانوية - الجزء الاول: Technion - Israel Institute of Technology
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
Unreal Engine Fundamentals : Epic Games

Physics Courses