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: Preview
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 Trial
Rice University
Physics 101 - Forces and Kinematics
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Problem Solving, Physics, Engineering Calculations, Mathematical Modeling, Algebra, Calculus, Physical Science, Applied Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Trigonometry
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
184 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
University of Geneva
Particle Physics: an Introduction
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Laboratory Equipment, Physical Science, Radiation Protection, Science and Research, Experimentation, Research, Mathematical Modeling
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
954 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
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: Preview
University of Maryland, College Park
Exploring Quantum Physics
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Mechanics, Physical Science, Vibrations, Semiconductors, Advanced Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
70 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
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
163 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Introduction to Mechanics
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Torque (Physics), Physics, Problem Solving, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Calculations, Calculus, Engineering Analysis, Physical Science, Mathematical Modeling, Algebra, Applied Mathematics, Geometry, Trigonometry
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
271 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Physics of Waves and Optics
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Mechanics, Engineering Calculations, Vibrations, Materials science, Applied Mathematics, Physical Science, Trigonometry, Mathematical Modeling, Advanced Mathematics, Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Problem Solving
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Physics 102 - Electric Charges and Fields
Skills you'll gain: Basic Electrical Systems, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mechanics, Electrical Systems, Calculus, Mathematical Modeling, Trigonometry, Problem Solving, Applied Mathematics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
167 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Physics 101 - Energy and Momentum
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Calculations, Calculus, Engineering Analysis, Physical Science, Mathematical Modeling, Problem Solving
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
41 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Understanding Modern Physics II: Quantum Mechanics and Atoms
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Experimentation, Advanced Mathematics, Physical Science, Quantitative Research, Engineering Analysis, Mathematical Modeling
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
58 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Semiconductor Physics
Skills you'll gain: Semiconductors, Electronic Systems, Materials science, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Components, Physics, Electronics, Applied Mathematics
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
293 reviews
Advanced · 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
Physics 101 - Forces and Kinematics : Rice University
Particle Physics: an Introduction: University of Geneva
Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity: Stanford University
Exploring Quantum Physics: University of Maryland, College Park
Understanding Modern Physics I: Relativity and Cosmology: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Introduction to Mechanics: Rice University
Physics of Waves and Optics: Rice University
Physics 102 - Electric Charges and Fields: Rice University
Physics 101 - Energy and Momentum: Rice University

Physics Courses