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

Georgia Institute of Technology
Engineering Systems in Motion: Dynamics of Particles and Bodies in 2D Motion
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Structural Engineering, Torque (Physics), Vibrations, Engineering, Physics, Civil Engineering, Calculus, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
742 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California, Davis
Materials Science: 10 Things Every Engineer Should Know
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Failure Analysis, Manufacturing Processes, Structural Analysis, Engineering Analysis, Chemistry, Thermal Management, Electronics Engineering, Physical Science, Electronics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.5K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Kinematics: Describing the Motions of Spacecraft
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Linear Algebra, Numerical Analysis, Engineering Calculations, Engineering Analysis, Differential Equations, Physics, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Verification And Validation, Advanced Mathematics, Estimation
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
332 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Xi'an Jiaotong University
有机化学
Skills you'll gain: Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physical Science, Laboratory Research, Pharmacy, Structural Analysis
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
83 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Lund University
Fundamentals of particle accelerator technology (NPAP MOOC)
Skills you'll gain: Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Laboratory Equipment, Radiation Protection, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Medical Equipment and Technology, Physics, Electronic Systems, Equipment Design, Control Systems, Mathematical Modeling
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
104 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Politecnico di Milano
Archaeoastronomy
Skills you'll gain: Ancient History, Art History, Architectural Design, Civil and Architectural Engineering, Social Studies, Architecture and Construction, World History, Anthropology, Physical Science, Culture, Cultural Diversity, General Science and Research, Scientific Methods
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Electrodynamics: An Introduction
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Engineering, Basic Electrical Systems, Physics, Integral Calculus, Calculus, Applied Mathematics, Differential Equations, Scientific Visualization
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
624 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
École Polytechnique
Mécanique quantique
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Mechanics, Semiconductors, Linear Algebra, Probability, Calculus, Differential Equations, Advanced Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Experimentation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
149 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Tecnológico de Monterrey
Física: Vectores, Trabajo y Energía
Skills you'll gain: Calculus, Integral Calculus, Mechanics, Applied Mathematics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Physics, Geometry, Mathematical Modeling, Graphing, Trigonometry, Algebra
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
181 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Mastering Statics
Skills you'll gain: Structural Analysis, Mechanics, Engineering Calculations, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Engineering Drawings, Geometry, Algebra, Applied Mathematics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
226 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Georgia Institute of Technology
Applications in Engineering Mechanics
Skills you'll gain: Structural Analysis, Structural Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanics, Engineering
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Foundations of Quantum Mechanics
Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, Physics, Mechanics, Probability, Advanced Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Engineering Analysis, Differential Equations, Physical Science
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
81 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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

Engineering Systems in Motion: Dynamics of Particles and Bodies in 2D Motion: Georgia Institute of Technology
Materials Science: 10 Things Every Engineer Should Know: University of California, Davis
Kinematics: Describing the Motions of Spacecraft: University of Colorado Boulder
有机化学: Xi'an Jiaotong University
Fundamentals of particle accelerator technology (NPAP MOOC): Lund University
Archaeoastronomy: Politecnico di Milano
Electrodynamics: An Introduction: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Mécanique quantique: École Polytechnique
Física: Vectores, Trabajo y Energía: Tecnológico de Monterrey
Mastering Statics: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Physics Courses