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

ISAE-SUPAERO
New Space: Access to space - Basics
Skills you'll gain: Innovation, Engineering, Physics
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
52 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 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
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
31 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Arizona
Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds
Skills you'll gain: Biology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Physical Science, Research, Environment, Experimentation, Environmental Science, Physics, Scientific Methods, Science and Research, Microbiology
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
505 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Dartmouth College
Energy and Environment
Skills you'll gain: Energy and Utilities, Environmental Science, Environmental Issue, Environment, Environmental Engineering, Electric Power Systems, Natural Resource Management, Physics, Innovation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
81 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Epic Games
User Interface in Game Design
Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, User Interface (UI) Design, UI Components, Game Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Programming Principles, Prototyping, Motion Graphics
3.8
Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
15 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Universidad Austral
Conceptos base para el estudio del medio ambiente
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Science, Chemistry, Biology, Environment, Data Analysis, Environmental Engineering, Physical Science, Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Statistical Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Physics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
527 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Explorando la Energía Sustentable
Skills you'll gain: Energy and Utilities, Systems Of Measurement, Environmental Issue, Environmental Resource Management, Mitigation, Natural Resource Management, Environment, Physics, Economic Development, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Mathematical Modeling, Electric Power Systems
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
726 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Beauty, Form & Function: An Exploration of Symmetry
Skills you'll gain: Geometry, Design Elements And Principles, Chemistry, Art History, Architectural Design, Physical Science, Biochemistry, Applied Mathematics, Research
3.7
Rating, 3.7 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Universidade de São Paulo
Off the Clock: The Many Faces of Time
Skills you'll gain: Timelines, Cultural Diversity, Anthropology, Liberal Arts, Psychology, Environmental Science, Physics, Biology
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
17 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Politecnico di Milano
Introduzione alla fisica sperimentale: meccanica, termodinamica
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Physics, Hydraulics, Thermal Management, Engineering Analysis, Experimentation, Engineering Calculations, Systems Of Measurement, Calculus
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
The University of Edinburgh
Philosophy, Science and Religion: Religion and Science
Skills you'll gain: Discussion Facilitation, Research, Cultural Diversity, Science and Research, Systems Thinking, Anthropology, Physics, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Biology
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
199 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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

New Space: Access to space - Basics: ISAE-SUPAERO
Fundamentals of Level Design with Unreal Engine: Epic Games
Pathway to Space: University of Colorado Boulder
Astrobiology: Exploring Other Worlds: University of Arizona
Energy and Environment: Dartmouth College
User Interface in Game Design: Epic Games
Conceptos base para el estudio del medio ambiente: Universidad Austral
Explorando la Energía Sustentable: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Beauty, Form & Function: An Exploration of Symmetry: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Off the Clock: The Many Faces of Time: Universidade de São Paulo

Physics Courses