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
Dartmouth College
Question Reality: Matter
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Physical Science, General Science and Research, Ancient History, Scientific Methods, Chemistry, Research, Experimentation, World History
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Energy, Environment, and Everyday Life
Skills you'll gain: Energy and Utilities, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Environment, Electric Power Systems, Economics, Physics, Natural Resource Management, Mechanics, Engineering, Chemistry, Emerging Technologies
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
220 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
École Polytechnique
Les deux infinis et nous - Voyages de l'infiniment grand à l'infiniment petit
Skills you'll gain: Medical Imaging, Semiconductors, Physics, Radiology, Radiography, Electronics, Science and Research, Physical Science, Electronic Components, Energy and Utilities, Research
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
43 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
EDHEC Business School
Science and Engineering of Climate Change
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Issue, Energy and Utilities, Mitigation, Engineering, Systems Of Measurement, Environment, Mathematical Modeling, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Scientific Methods, Physics, Trend Analysis
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
236 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
École Polytechnique
Vers l'infiniment petit - Voyages de l'infiniment grand à l'infiniment petit
Skills you'll gain: Laboratory Research, Experimentation, Physics, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Laboratory Equipment, General Science and Research, Advanced Mathematics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
100 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
The Business, Politics, Policy, & Players of Space Programs
Skills you'll gain: Global Positioning Systems, Political Sciences, Entrepreneurship, International Relations, Governance, Higher Education, Public Policies, Policy Analysis, Business, Commercialization, Budgeting, Innovation, Emerging Technologies
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
École Polytechnique
Vers l'infiniment grand - Voyages de l'infiniment grand à l'infiniment petit
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Scientific Methods, Research, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Physical Science, Global Positioning Systems, Simulations
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
53 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Our Place in the Cosmos
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Monitoring, Physical Science, Geographic Information Systems, Physics, Environmental Science, Spatial Analysis, Environment, General Science and Research, Remote Access Systems, Life Sciences, Laboratory Research, Biology, Scientific Methods, Research, Timelines, Systems Of Measurement, Storytelling
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Space is Everywhere
Skills you'll gain: Journalism, Music, Culture, Media and Communications, Liberal Arts, Art History, Storytelling, Creativity, World History, Innovation, Science and Research
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado Boulder
The Sun and the Total Eclipse of August 2017
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Physical Science, General Science and Research, Scientific Methods, Environment, Scientific Visualization, Safety Assurance, Experimentation, Research
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
69 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
The History of Rocket Science
Skills you'll gain: Manufacturing and Production, World History, International Relations, Business Modeling, Political Sciences, Timelines, Engineering Design Process
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
19 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Getting There and Going Beyond
Skills you'll gain: Systems Engineering, Global Positioning Systems, Control Systems, Engineering, Human Factors, System Testing, Wireless Networks, Automation, Structural Engineering, Thermal Management, Electric Power Systems, Environmental Monitoring
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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

Question Reality: Matter: Dartmouth College
Energy, Environment, and Everyday Life: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Les deux infinis et nous - Voyages de l'infiniment grand à l'infiniment petit: École Polytechnique
Science and Engineering of Climate Change: EDHEC Business School
Vers l'infiniment petit - Voyages de l'infiniment grand à l'infiniment petit: École Polytechnique
The Business, Politics, Policy, & Players of Space Programs: University of Colorado Boulder
Vers l'infiniment grand - Voyages de l'infiniment grand à l'infiniment petit: École Polytechnique
Our Place in the Cosmos: University of Colorado Boulder
Space is Everywhere: University of Colorado Boulder
The Sun and the Total Eclipse of August 2017: University of Colorado Boulder

Physics Courses