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

University of London

Creative Programming for Digital Media & Mobile Apps

Skills you'll gain: User Interface (UI), Interactive Design, Computer Graphics, Video Game Development, Mobile Development, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Animation and Game Design, Music, Application Development, Multimedia, Computer Programming

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Mécanique du point matériel

Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Torque (Physics), Vibrations, Physics, Engineering, Differential Equations, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Mathematical Modeling, Trigonometry, Applied Mathematics

Packt

Practical Quantum Computing with IBM Qiskit for Beginners

Skills you'll gain: IBM Cloud, Cryptography, Algorithms, Python Programming, Linear Algebra, Programming Principles, Computer Science, Theoretical Computer Science, Emerging Technologies, Test Case, Jupyter, Physics, Simulations, Software Installation, Debugging, Development Environment

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Mécanique : Solide Indéformable

Skills you'll gain: Torque (Physics), Mechanics, Engineering Analysis, Engineering Calculations, Vibrations, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Mathematical Modeling

École Polytechnique

Vers l'infiniment petit - Voyages de l'infiniment grand à l'infiniment petit

Skills you'll gain: Physics, Laboratory Research, Experimentation, Science and Research, Laboratory Equipment, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Advanced Mathematics

Status: Free Trial

Epic Games

User Interface in Game Design

Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, User Interface (UI) Design, UI Components, Game Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Programming Principles, Prototyping, Motion Graphics

Status: Free Trial

Epic Games

Game Development and Prototyping

Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Video Game Development, Prototyping, Unreal Engine, Animation and Game Design, System Design and Implementation, Creativity, User Interface (UI), Artificial Intelligence

Status: Free Trial

University of Colorado Boulder

Dense Gases, Liquids and Solids

Skills you'll gain: Chemical Engineering, Simulations, Engineering Analysis, Engineering Calculations, Physics, Estimation, Mathematical Modeling, Calculus

University of Arizona

Knowing the Universe: History and Philosophy of Astronomy

Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, Physics, General Science and Research, Mechanics, Physical Science, European History, Science and Research, World History, Scientific Methods, Biology, Mathematical Modeling

Carnegie Mellon University

Statistical Thermodynamics: Molecules to Machines

Skills you'll gain: Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Engineering, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Engineering Analysis, Physics, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Mathematical Modeling, Physical Science, Probability Distribution

Status: Free Trial

University of Colorado Boulder

Spacecraft Dynamics Capstone: Mars Mission

Skills you'll gain: Control Systems, Numerical Analysis, Simulations, Engineering Analysis, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Engineering Calculations, Torque (Physics), Mathematical Modeling, Matlab

Status: Free Trial

École Polytechnique

Vers l'infiniment petit

Skills you'll gain: Physics, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Physical Science, Laboratory Equipment, Advanced Mathematics, Laboratory Research, Experimentation, General Science and Research

Physics Courses

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