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

Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Electric Vehicle Sensors
Skills you'll gain: Power Electronics, Electrical Systems, Electrical Power, Torque (Physics), Electronic Components, Electric Power Systems, Electrical Equipment, Energy and Utilities, Basic Electrical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Engineering Calculations, Low Voltage, High Voltage, Machine Controls, Thermal Management, Emerging Technologies
Build toward a degree
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
48 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Network Analysis in Systems Biology
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Unsupervised Learning, Network Analysis, Data Analysis, Molecular Biology, Statistical Analysis, Machine Learning Algorithms, Biology, Data Processing, Data Integration, R Programming, Unix Commands
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
200 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Pathway to Space
Skills you'll gain: Global Positioning Systems, Journalism, Environmental Monitoring, Music, Political Sciences, Entrepreneurship, Systems Engineering, Culture, Media and Communications, International Relations, Governance, Higher Education, Physical Science, Liberal Arts, Geographic Information Systems, Physics, Control Systems, Environmental Science, Engineering, Human Factors
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
30 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Epic Games
Fundamentals of Level Design with Unreal Engine
Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Software Design Documents, Unreal Engine, Video Game Development, Virtual Environment, Conceptual Design, Interactive Design, Prototyping, Creativity
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
51 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of California, Irvine
Emergent Phenomena in Science and Everyday Life
Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Analysis, General Science and Research, Computational Thinking, Biology, Scientific Methods, Mathematical Modeling, Physics, Psychology, Emerging Technologies
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
152 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Mathematical Foundations and Quantum Mechanics Essentials
Skills you'll gain: Applied Mathematics, Mathematics and Mathematical Modeling, Linear Algebra, Probability, Mathematical Modeling, Computer Science, Algebra, Probability & Statistics, Statistics, Physics, Mechanics, Emerging Technologies
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
27 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
The University of Sydney
Introduction to Advanced Calculus
Skills you'll gain: Advanced Mathematics, Integral Calculus, Calculus, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Differential Equations, Applied Mathematics, Engineering Calculations, Mathematical Modeling, Linear Algebra, Physics, Derivatives
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Basic Robotic Behaviors and Odometry
Skills you'll gain: Automation, Simulation and Simulation Software, Mechanics, Algorithms, Control Systems, Simulations, Engineering, Linear Algebra, Estimation
Build toward a degree
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
46 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Transmission electron microscopy for materials science
Skills you'll gain: Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Semiconductors, Laboratory Equipment, Chemistry, Micrometer, Electronics, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Experimentation, Structural Analysis, Image Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Qualitative Research
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
121 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Intro to Acoustics (Part 1)
Skills you'll gain: Vibrations, Mechanics, Systems Of Measurement, Engineering Analysis, Differential Equations, Engineering Calculations, Physics, Calculus, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
141 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Arizona State University
Hardening, Polymers, Properties
Skills you'll gain: Process Engineering, Thermal Management, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Processes, Structural Analysis, Chemistry, Physical Science, Physics
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
87 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
École Polytechnique
Plastic electronics
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Display Devices, Computer Displays, Electronics, Electronic Components, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
231 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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

Electric Vehicle Sensors: University of Colorado Boulder
Network Analysis in Systems Biology: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Pathway to Space: University of Colorado Boulder
Fundamentals of Level Design with Unreal Engine: Epic Games
Emergent Phenomena in Science and Everyday Life: University of California, Irvine
Mathematical Foundations and Quantum Mechanics Essentials: Packt
Introduction to Advanced Calculus: The University of Sydney
Basic Robotic Behaviors and Odometry : University of Colorado Boulder
Transmission electron microscopy for materials science: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Intro to Acoustics (Part 1): Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)

Physics Courses