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

Find the Best Physics Course for Your Goals

Caltech
The Science of the Solar System
Skills you'll gain: Science and Research, Research, Physical Science, Scientific Methods, Life Sciences, Physics, Water Resources, Advanced Mathematics, Chemistry, Environment, Biology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
800 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Physics 102 - AC Circuits and Maxwell's Equations
Skills you'll gain: Basic Electrical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Engineering Analysis, Electronic Systems, Electrical Systems, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Calculus
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
40 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
École Polytechnique
Physics of silicon solar cells
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Electrical Engineering, Energy and Utilities, Physics, Electronic Components, Manufacturing Processes, Production Process
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
68 reviews
Mixed · 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
825 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Stanford University
Social and Economic Networks: Models and Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Network Analysis, Network Model, Social Sciences, Sociology, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Game Theory, Behavioral Economics, Graph Theory, Mathematical Modeling, Markov Model, Probability & Statistics, Probability Distribution, Bayesian Statistics, Simulations
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
754 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Physics of Oscillators and Waves
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Physics, Vibrations, Advanced Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Differential Equations, Calculus, Trigonometry, Applied Mathematics
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Quantum Mechanics
Skills you'll gain: Quantitative Research, Mechanics, Mathematical Software, Engineering Analysis, Numerical Analysis, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematical Modeling, Differential Equations
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
724 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Northwestern University
Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control
Skills you'll gain: Machine Controls, Control Systems, Mathematical Modeling, Simulation and Simulation Software, Automation Engineering, Engineering Calculations, Engineering, Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Torque (Physics), Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, Engineering Analysis, Automation, Computational Logic, Virtual Environment, Robotic Process Automation, Graph Theory, Matlab, Numerical Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Michigan
The Finite Element Method for Problems in Physics
Skills you'll gain: Finite Element Methods, Differential Equations, Engineering Analysis, Numerical Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, Advanced Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Linear Algebra, C++ (Programming Language), Calculus, Open Source Technology
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
551 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
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
518 reviews
Intermediate · 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
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