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.

Best Physics Courses & Certificates Online [2025]

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Find the Best Physics Course for Your Goals

Status: Free
University of Virginia
How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Torque (Physics), Physics, Energy and Utilities, Experimentation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Stanford University
Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Timelines, Verification And Validation, Scientific Methods, Research, Mechanics, Mathematical Modeling, Systems Of Measurement
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
3.1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
University of Geneva
Particle Physics: an Introduction
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Laboratory Equipment, Radiation Protection, Science and Research, Medical Imaging, Experimentation, Semiconductors, Research, Mathematical Modeling
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
948 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Rice University
Physics 101 - Forces and Kinematics
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Physics, Engineering Calculations, Mathematical Modeling, Algebra, Calculus, Physical Science, Applied Mathematics, Trigonometry
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
176 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Rice University
Introduction to Mechanics
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Torque (Physics), Physics, Structural Analysis, Mechanical Engineering, Calculus, Engineering Calculations, Engineering Analysis, Physical Science, Mathematical Modeling, Algebra, Applied Mathematics, Geometry, Trigonometry
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
255 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Understanding Modern Physics I: Relativity and Cosmology
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Calculus, Mechanics, Physical Science, Advanced Mathematics, Energy and Utilities, Mathematical Modeling
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
157 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
University of Maryland, College Park
Exploring Quantum Physics
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Quantitative Research, Science and Research, Mechanics, Physical Science, Chemistry, Advanced Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Calculus, Mathematical Modeling, Engineering Analysis, Differential Equations
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
67 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales)
Mechanics: Motion, Forces, Energy and Gravity, from Particles to Planets
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Physics, Experimentation, Engineering Calculations, Applied Mathematics, Physical Science, Systems Of Measurement, Mathematical Modeling, Estimation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Rice University
Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism
Skills you'll gain: Basic Electrical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Torque (Physics), Physics, Electrical Systems, Engineering Analysis, Electronic Components, Mechanics, Electronic Systems, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Engineering Calculations, Calculus, Advanced Mathematics, Trigonometry, Linear Algebra
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
209 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Yale University
Rocket Science for Everyone
Skills you'll gain: Global Positioning Systems, Geospatial Information and Technology, Geographic Information Systems, Physical Science, Spatial Analysis, Mechanics, Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
539 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Rice University
Physics of Waves and Optics
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Mechanics, Engineering Calculations, Vibrations, Applied Mathematics, Physical Science, Trigonometry, Mathematical Modeling, Advanced Mathematics, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Calculus, Integral Calculus
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
The University of Tokyo
From the Big Bang to Dark Energy
Skills you'll gain: Physics, General Science and Research, Scientific Methods, Mathematical Modeling, Chemistry
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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

How Things Work: An Introduction to Physics: University of Virginia
Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity: Stanford University
Particle Physics: an Introduction: University of Geneva
Physics 101 - Forces and Kinematics : Rice University
Introduction to Mechanics: Rice University
Understanding Modern Physics I: Relativity and Cosmology: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Exploring Quantum Physics: University of Maryland, College Park
Mechanics: Motion, Forces, Energy and Gravity, from Particles to Planets: UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales)
Introduction to Electricity and Magnetism: Rice University
Rocket Science for Everyone: Yale University

Physics Courses