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
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
Georgia Institute of Technology
Linear Circuits 1: DC Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Basic Electrical Systems, Electronic Components, Electrical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Electronics, Engineering Calculations, Physics, Differential Equations
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.5K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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
École Polytechnique
Fundamentals of waves and vibrations
Skills you'll gain: Vibrations, Mechanics, Engineering Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Structural Analysis, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Differential Equations, Engineering, Simulations, Civil Engineering
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
200 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
The University of Edinburgh
Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences
Skills you'll gain: Scientific Methods, Science and Research, Physical Science, Research, General Science and Research, Physics, Research Methodologies
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
947 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Fundamentals of Macroscopic and Microscopic Thermodynamics
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Methods, Physics, Probability Distribution, Physical Science, Chemistry, Engineering Calculations, Calculus
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
262 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of California, Davis
Materials Science: 10 Things Every Engineer Should Know
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Failure Analysis, Manufacturing Processes, Structural Analysis, Engineering Analysis, Chemistry, Thermal Management, Electronics Engineering, Physical Science, Electronics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.5K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Georgia Institute of Technology
Engineering Systems in Motion: Dynamics of Particles and Bodies in 2D Motion
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Structural Engineering, Torque (Physics), Vibrations, Engineering, Physics, Civil Engineering, Calculus, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
742 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Foundations of Quantum Mechanics
Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, Physics, Mechanics, Probability, Advanced Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Engineering Analysis, Differential Equations, Physical Science
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
81 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Science of Gastronomy
Skills you'll gain: Food and Beverage, Nutrition and Diet, Scientific Methods, Experimentation, Color Theory, Chemistry, Research Design, Psychology, Biology
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
777 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
The University of Chicago
Global Warming I: The Science and Modeling of Climate Change
Skills you'll gain: Mitigation, Environment, Physics, Mathematical Modeling, Environmental Monitoring, Systems Thinking, Environmental Science, Simulations, Biology, Economics, Energy and Utilities, Chemistry, Data Collection
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
451 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics 1
Skills you'll gain: Energy and Utilities, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Engineering, Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Issue, Physics, Physical Science, Process Analysis, Mathematical Modeling
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
57 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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

Physics 102 - Magnetic Fields and Faraday's Law: Rice University
Linear Circuits 1: DC Analysis: Georgia Institute of Technology
Physics of Geometrical and Physical Optics: Rice University
Fundamentals of waves and vibrations: École Polytechnique
Philosophy and the Sciences: Introduction to the Philosophy of Physical Sciences: The University of Edinburgh
Fundamentals of Macroscopic and Microscopic Thermodynamics: University of Colorado Boulder
Materials Science: 10 Things Every Engineer Should Know: University of California, Davis
Engineering Systems in Motion: Dynamics of Particles and Bodies in 2D Motion: Georgia Institute of Technology
Foundations of Quantum Mechanics: University of Colorado Boulder
The Science of Gastronomy: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Physics Courses