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

University of Michigan
Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transferring Energy from Here to There
Skills you'll gain: Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Management, HVAC, Engineering, Energy and Utilities, Physics, Engineering Analysis, Plant Operations and Management, Process Analysis, Environmental Science
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Caltech
The Evolving Universe
Skills you'll gain: Physical Science, Physics, General Science and Research, Mechanics, Systems Of Measurement, Mathematical Modeling
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
824 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Physics 102 - Electric Potential and DC Circuits
Skills you'll gain: Basic Electrical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Systems, Electronic Components, Engineering Calculations, Engineering Analysis, Calculus, Linear Algebra
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
30 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Introduction to Basic Vibrations
Skills you'll gain: Vibrations, Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Control Systems, Engineering Calculations, Differential Equations, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
517 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Manchester
Introduction to Physical Chemistry
Skills you'll gain: Chemistry, Physical Science, Physics, Laboratory Experience, Thermal Management, Simulation and Simulation Software, Experimentation, Molecular, Cellular, and Microbiology, Mathematical Modeling, Calculus
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
727 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
École normale supérieure
Statistical Mechanics: Algorithms and Computations
Skills you'll gain: Sampling (Statistics), Physics, Simulations, Statistical Programming, Computational Logic, Numerical Analysis, Markov Model, Mechanics, Quantitative Research, Algorithms, Programming Principles, Applied Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Integral Calculus
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
264 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
The University of Edinburgh
AstroTech: The Science and Technology behind Astronomical Discovery
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Physical Science, Science and Research, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Image Analysis, Laboratory Research, Computer Displays, Technical Communication, Data Storage, Data Analysis Software
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Modern Topics in Condensed Matter Physics
Skills you'll gain: Advanced Mathematics, Physics, Physical Science, Science and Research, Mathematical Modeling
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
10 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Understanding Modern Physics III: Simplicity and Complexity
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Advanced Mathematics, Simulations, Engineering Calculations, Mechanics, Mathematical Modeling, Calculus, Differential Equations, Physical Science, Information Architecture
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
32 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Physics of Geometrical and Physical Optics
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Engineering Calculations, Applied Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Physical Science, Mathematical Modeling, Trigonometry, Calculus, Linear Algebra
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Physics 102 - Magnetic Fields and Faraday's Law
Skills you'll gain: Torque (Physics), Physics, Electrical Engineering, Basic Electrical Systems, Applied Mathematics, Engineering Calculations, Mechanics, Calculus, Engineering Analysis, Trigonometry
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Fundamentals of Materials Science
Skills you'll gain: Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Manufacturing Processes, Physical Science, Semiconductors, Thermal Management, Mechanics, Failure Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
184 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months

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

Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transferring Energy from Here to There: University of Michigan
The Evolving Universe: Caltech
Physics 102 - Electric Potential and DC Circuits: Rice University
Introduction to Basic Vibrations: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Introduction to Physical Chemistry: University of Manchester
Statistical Mechanics: Algorithms and Computations: École normale supérieure
AstroTech: The Science and Technology behind Astronomical Discovery: The University of Edinburgh
Modern Topics in Condensed Matter Physics: University of Colorado Boulder
Understanding Modern Physics III: Simplicity and Complexity: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Physics of Geometrical and Physical Optics: Rice University

Physics Courses