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

The University of Edinburgh
The Discovery of the Higgs Boson
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Mechanics, Scientific Methods, Advanced Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Simulation and Simulation Software, Research, Scientific Visualization
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
23 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
The University of Hong Kong
Materials in Oral Health
Skills you'll gain: Medical Imaging, Dentistry, Dental Procedures, Laboratory Testing, X-Ray Computed Tomography, Oral and Dental Care, Radiography, Oral Health, Computer-Aided Design, 3D Modeling, Chemistry
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
510 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado System
Trauma Emergencies and Care
Skills you'll gain: Trauma Care, Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medical Services, Medical Emergency, Patient Evaluation, Injury Prevention, Triage, Emergency Response, Mechanics, First Aid, Patient Positioning, Health Assessment, Vital Signs, Anatomy
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
476 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Electrodynamics: In-depth Solutions for Maxwell’s Equations
Skills you'll gain: Basic Electrical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Systems, Differential Equations, Electronic Components, Advanced Mathematics, Integral Calculus, Electronics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Mathematical Modeling, Engineering Analysis, Linear Algebra
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
115 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Explorando la Energía Sustentable
Skills you'll gain: Energy and Utilities, Systems Of Measurement, Environmental Issue, Environmental Resource Management, Mitigation, Natural Resource Management, Environment, Physics, Economic Development, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Mathematical Modeling, Electric Power Systems
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
725 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Pennsylvania
Exploring Renewable Energy Schemes
Skills you'll gain: Electric Power Systems, Electrical Power, Electrical Systems, Energy and Utilities, Electrical Safety, Environmental Regulations, Power Electronics, Electrical Equipment, Hydraulics, Basic Electrical Systems, Thermal Management, Equipment Design, Control Systems, Engineering, Semiconductors, Electronic Components, Physics, Applied Mathematics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
647 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
École Polytechnique
Quantum Optics 1 : Single Photons
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Experimentation, Quantitative Research, Cryptography, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Emerging Technologies
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
331 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Geneva
Physique des particules - une introduction
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Physical Science, Radiation Protection, Laboratory Equipment, Medical Imaging, Science and Research, Experimentation, Applied Mathematics
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
83 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
ISAE-SUPAERO
Flight mechanics - The basis
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Simulations, Engineering Calculations, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Energy and Utilities, Engineering Analysis, Algebra
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
448 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Eindhoven University of Technology
Microwave engineering and antennas
Skills you'll gain: Electronics Engineering, Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Systems, Wireless Networks, Engineering Design Process, Simulation and Simulation Software, Engineering Analysis, Computer-Aided Design, Physics, Applied Mathematics
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
140 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Geneva
Chemical Biology
Skills you'll gain: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Chemistry, Experimentation, Laboratory Experience, Scientific Visualization, Biology, Laboratory Equipment, Image Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
148 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
National Taiwan University
基礎光學一 (Introduction to Optics (1))
Skills you'll gain: Medical Imaging, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Physics, Physical Science, Engineering Calculations, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Experimentation, Scientific Visualization, Scientific Methods
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
71 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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

The Discovery of the Higgs Boson: The University of Edinburgh
Materials in Oral Health: The University of Hong Kong
Trauma Emergencies and Care: University of Colorado System
Electrodynamics: In-depth Solutions for Maxwell’s Equations: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Explorando la Energía Sustentable: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Exploring Renewable Energy Schemes: University of Pennsylvania
Quantum Optics 1 : Single Photons: École Polytechnique
Physique des particules - une introduction: University of Geneva
Flight mechanics - The basis: ISAE-SUPAERO
Microwave engineering and antennas: Eindhoven University of Technology

Physics Courses