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

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
L'art des structures 1 : Câbles et arcs
Skills you'll gain: Structural Analysis, Construction, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Engineering Calculations, Mechanics, Engineering Drawings, Physics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
49 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
École Polytechnique
Optique non-linéaire
Skills you'll gain: Simulation and Simulation Software, Engineering Analysis, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Laboratory Equipment, Mathematical Modeling, Differential Equations, Physics, Experimentation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
56 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
The Sun and the Total Eclipse of August 2017
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Physical Science, General Science and Research, Scientific Methods, Environment, Scientific Visualization, Safety Assurance, Experimentation, Research
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
69 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Non-Equilibrium Applications of Statistical Thermodynamics
Skills you'll gain: Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Thermal Management, Engineering Calculations, Differential Equations, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Simulation and Simulation Software
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
83 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Davis
Beer Quality: Foam
Skills you'll gain: Laboratory Testing, Chemistry, Product Testing, Process Control, Manufacturing Processes, Microbiology, Physics
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
27 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Politecnico di Milano
Energy management for real estate. Methods and digital tools
Skills you'll gain: Energy and Utilities, Building Services Engineering, Facility Management, Thermal Management, Building Codes, Environmental Management Systems, HVAC, Simulation and Simulation Software
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
152 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
14 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Transferencia de momentum, calor y masa computacional
Skills you'll gain: Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Engineering Calculations, Numerical Analysis, Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Differential Equations, Mechanical Engineering, Simulation and Simulation Software, Scientific Methods, Mathematical Modeling, Python Programming, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming, Algorithms
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
ISAE-SUPAERO
Flight mechanics - Lift and trajectory
Skills you'll gain: Risk Control, Vibrations, Safety Assurance, Mechanics, Engineering Analysis, Simulations, Mathematical Modeling
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
64 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
34 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Epic Games
User Experience in Game Design
Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Unreal Engine, User Experience Design, Usability, User Interface (UI) Design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Prototyping, Animations
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
15 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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

L'art des structures 1 : Câbles et arcs: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Optique non-linéaire: École Polytechnique
The Sun and the Total Eclipse of August 2017: University of Colorado Boulder
Non-Equilibrium Applications of Statistical Thermodynamics: University of Colorado Boulder
Beer Quality: Foam: University of California, Davis
Energy management for real estate. Methods and digital tools: Politecnico di Milano
Game Development and Prototyping: Epic Games
User Interface in Game Design: Epic Games
Transferencia de momentum, calor y masa computacional: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Flight mechanics - Lift and trajectory: ISAE-SUPAERO

Physics Courses