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: New
Status: Free Trial
Indian Institute of Science
Sensors and Systems for Biomedical Applications
Skills you'll gain: Medical Equipment and Technology, Vital Signs, Chemistry, ISO 13485 Standard, Laboratory Equipment, Molecular Biology, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Electocardiography, Neurology, Medical Imaging, Electronics, Healthcare Ethics, Artificial Intelligence, Mammography, Oncology, Physics
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
High Voltage Schottky and p-n Diodes
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, High Voltage, Power Electronics, Electronic Components, Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Simulation and Simulation Software, Mathematical Modeling
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Dartmouth College
Mechanics & Origins of Bipedalism
Skills you'll gain: Scientific Methods, Laboratory Research, Research, Mechanics, Anthropology, Human Factors, Spatial Data Analysis, Torque (Physics), Life Sciences, Motion Graphics, Biology, Scientific Visualization, Timelines, 3D Modeling, Infographics
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
École Polytechnique
Vers l'infiniment grand
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Physical Science, General Science and Research, Science and Research, Research, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Simulations, Simulation and Simulation Software
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Advanced Capstone Spacecraft Dynamics and Control Project
Skills you'll gain: Vibrations, Control Systems, Mechanics, Torque (Physics), Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Engineering Calculations, Differential Equations, Mathematical Modeling, Simulation and Simulation Software
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
SAE Institute México
Introducción a Unreal Engine
Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, Video Game Development, Game Design, Prototyping, Virtual Environment, Animation and Game Design, User Interface (UI)
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Packt
Unreal Engine 5 – Create A Zombie Survivor FPS Game
Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, Animation and Game Design, Video Game Development, Animations, Virtual Environment, Artificial Intelligence, User Interface (UI)
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Eindhoven University of Technology
Lightcap 4: Light in indoor contexts Effects & implications
Skills you'll gain: Systems Of Measurement, Electrical Systems, Building Design, Architectural Design, Energy and Utilities, Simulations, Human Factors, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Physics, Psychology
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Unity C# Scripting — Complete C# for Unity Game Development
Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Unity Engine, Event-Driven Programming, Video Game Development, Mobile Development, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Android Development, Version Control, Android (Operating System), C# (Programming Language), Scripting, Animation and Game Design, Git (Version Control System), Artificial Intelligence, User Interface (UI), Animations, Programming Principles, Software Installation, Debugging, Data Structures
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Spacecraft Relative Motion Control
Skills you'll gain: Control Systems, Numerical Analysis, Simulations, Engineering Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Applied Mathematics
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Eine Einführung in die Finite Elemente Methode mit SimScale
Skills you'll gain: Finite Element Methods, Simulation and Simulation Software, Data Validation, Simulations, Engineering Analysis, Verification And Validation, Cloud Engineering, Scientific Visualization
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Spacecraft Formation Flying and Control Capstone Project
Skills you'll gain: Vibrations, Control Systems, Systems Engineering, Mathematical Modeling, Simulation and Simulation Software, Engineering Analysis, Engineering Calculations, Engineering Design Process
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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

Sensors and Systems for Biomedical Applications: Indian Institute of Science
High Voltage Schottky and p-n Diodes: University of Colorado Boulder
Mechanics & Origins of Bipedalism: Dartmouth College
Vers l'infiniment grand: École Polytechnique
Advanced Capstone Spacecraft Dynamics and Control Project: University of Colorado Boulder
Introducción a Unreal Engine: SAE Institute México
Unreal Engine 5 – Create A Zombie Survivor FPS Game: Packt
Lightcap 4: Light in indoor contexts Effects & implications: Eindhoven University of Technology
Unity C# Scripting — Complete C# for Unity Game Development: Packt
Spacecraft Relative Motion Control: University of Colorado Boulder

Physics Courses