Fluid mechanics courses can help you learn how liquids and gases behave under various forces—an essential concept in engineering, physics, and environmental science.

Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Mechanics, Thermal Management, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Vibrations, Physical Science, Engineering Analysis, Torque (Physics), Laboratory Equipment, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Problem Solving, Science and Research, Analytical Skills, Computer Science, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Logical Reasoning, Research, Software Development, Critical Thinking
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Minnesota
Skills you'll gain: Hydraulics, Mechanical Engineering, Schematic Diagrams, Simulation and Simulation Software, Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Control Systems, Automation Engineering, Engineering Calculations, Mechanics, Matlab, Physics
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Simulation and Simulation Software, Engineering Analysis, Engineering, Prototyping, Computer-Aided Design, Cloud Computing
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

Skills you'll gain: Engineering Analysis, Thermal Management, Hydraulics, Mechanical Engineering, Simulations, Numerical Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Chemical Engineering, Differential Equations, Scientific Visualization, Physics
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

ISAE-SUPAERO
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Thermal Management, Mechanical Engineering, Hazard Analysis, Physical Science, Simulations, Applied Mathematics, Systems Of Measurement, Vibrations, Engineering Analysis, Control Systems, Engineering Calculations, Physics, Energy and Utilities, Mathematical Modeling
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Skills you'll gain: Integral Calculus, Calculus, Engineering, Geometry, Advanced Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Derivatives
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Skills you'll gain: Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Matlab, Engineering Calculations, Engineering Analysis, Numerical Analysis, Finite Element Methods, Integral Calculus, Mathematical Software, Mechanical Engineering, Calculus, Algebra, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Engineering, Simulation and Simulation Software, Advanced Mathematics, Geometry, Computational Thinking, Estimation
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Simulation and Simulation Software, Simulations, Engineering Design Process, Finite Element Methods, Engineering Analysis, Hydraulics, Cloud-Based Integration, Verification And Validation, Mathematical Modeling
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Georgia Institute of Technology
Skills you'll gain: Engineering Analysis, Mechanics, Torque (Physics), Engineering Calculations, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering, Civil Engineering, Structural Analysis, Applied Mathematics, Trigonometry
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Chemical Engineering, Quantitative Research, Chemistry, Thermal Management, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Calculations, Numerical Analysis, Engineering Analysis, Statistical Methods, Differential Equations, Physics, Engineering, Simulation and Simulation Software, Mechanics, Probability Distribution, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Materials science, Simulations, Physical Science
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

ISAE-SUPAERO
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Simulations, Engineering Calculations, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Energy and Utilities, Engineering Analysis, Systems Of Measurement
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Johns Hopkins University
Skills you'll gain: HTML and CSS, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Ajax, Javascript, Responsive Web Design, Front-End Web Development, Web Design, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Web Development, Development Environment, Web Design and Development, JSON, Web Applications, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Scripting, Browser Compatibility, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Event-Driven Programming, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Fluid mechanics is the study of how fluids move and interact with their surroundings, forming the basis for applications in aerospace, civil, mechanical, and biomedical engineering. It helps explain everything from air flow over wings to water movement in pipelines. Learning fluid mechanics can build problem-solving skills for designing efficient systems and understanding natural and industrial processes.
Top options include Fundamentals of Fluid Power from the University of Minnesota and Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transferring Energy from Here to There from the University of Michigan, which includes foundational fluid dynamics concepts. These courses explore topics like pressure, flow, conservation laws, and applications in mechanical and civil engineering.
Yes. Many courses related to fluid mechanics offer a free audit option, allowing learners to access video lessons and readings at no cost. To complete assignments or earn a certificate, you’ll need to pay or apply for financial aid.
You’ll learn how fluids behave under various conditions, how to apply the principles of continuity, momentum, and energy, and how to solve practical problems involving flow through pipes, around objects, and in open channels. Some courses also introduce CFD (computational fluid dynamics) tools and simulations.
Some basic understanding of calculus and physics is helpful, as fluid mechanics involves mathematical modeling and physical laws. That said, some introductory courses explain concepts step by step for learners new to the subject.
Yes. Fluid mechanics is fundamental in fields like mechanical, civil, aerospace, and environmental engineering. Whether you're preparing for exams, building engineering knowledge, or working in industry, Coursera courses can help strengthen your foundation and support career development.