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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Results for "physics"

Status: New
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Calculus for Engineers
Skills you'll gain: Calculus, Engineering Calculations, Differential Equations, Integral Calculus, Engineering Analysis, Applied Mathematics, Numerical Analysis, Algebra, Advanced Mathematics, Trigonometry, Physics, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Derivatives
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Equilibrio, ¿por qué se caen las cosas?
Skills you'll gain: Structural Analysis, Mechanics, Torque (Physics), Engineering Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Geometry, Engineering Calculations, Applied Mathematics, General Mathematics, Physics
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
33 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Sungkyunkwan University
Energy Harvesting
Skills you'll gain: Energy and Utilities, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Power, Thermal Management, Physics, Power Electronics, Electrical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Innovation
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
41 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Universidad de los Andes
Realidad Extendida y Metaverso para todos
Skills you'll gain: Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Virtual Environment, Unreal Engine, User Experience, Unity Engine, Display Devices, Experience Design, Software Development Tools, Computer Programming Tools, Peripheral Devices
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Introduction to advanced tomography
Skills you'll gain: Jupyter, 3D Modeling, Image Analysis, Analysis, Data Manipulation, Data Processing, Numerical Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Simulation and Simulation Software, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
63 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Packt
Practical Quantum Computing with IBM Qiskit for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: Cryptography, Algorithms, Python Programming, Linear Algebra, Computational Thinking, Test Case, Jupyter, Simulation and Simulation Software, Physics, Software Installation, Development Environment
Beginner · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Introduction to Acoustics (Part 2)
Skills you'll gain: Vibrations, HVAC, Building Design, Engineering Design Process, Engineering Analysis, Engineering Calculations, Mathematical Modeling, Integral Calculus, Applied Mathematics, Differential Equations, Calculus, Physics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
45 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Mécanique Lagrangienne
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Vibrations, Advanced Mathematics, Physics, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Calculus, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Experimentation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
36 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Communications and High-Speed Signals with Raspberry Pi
Skills you'll gain: Electronics, Digital Communications, Telecommunications, Electronic Components, Hardware Troubleshooting, Hardware Architecture, Debugging
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
13 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
L&T EduTech
Comfort in Buildings
Skills you'll gain: Construction, Natural Resource Management, Environment and Resource Management, Building Design, HVAC, Environmental Engineering, Building Codes, Landscape Architecture, Thermal Management, Architectural Design, Human Factors, Physics
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
15 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Colorado Boulder
Nanophotonics and Detectors
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Engineering, Semiconductors, Electronics, Electronic Components, Performance Testing, Physics, Simulation and Simulation Software, Mathematical Modeling
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
22 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibria
Skills you'll gain: Mechanical Engineering, Engineering, Thermal Management, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Physical Science, Energy and Utilities, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Searches related to physics

physics 101 - forces and kinematics

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

Calculus for Engineers: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Equilibrio, ¿por qué se caen las cosas?: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Energy Harvesting: Sungkyunkwan University
Realidad Extendida y Metaverso para todos: Universidad de los Andes
Introduction to advanced tomography: Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Practical Quantum Computing with IBM Qiskit for Beginners: Packt
Introduction to Acoustics (Part 2): Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Mécanique Lagrangienne: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Communications and High-Speed Signals with Raspberry Pi: Johns Hopkins University
Comfort in Buildings: L&T EduTech