What are the best physics courses online?

Browse the physics courses below—popular starting points on Coursera. 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 Physics 102 - Electric Charges and Fields: Rice University Understanding Modern Physics II: Quantum Mechanics and Atoms: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

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.

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.

Top Physics Courses - Learn Physics Online

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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
186 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
955 reviews
Mixed · Course · 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: 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
72 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
274 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 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
3.2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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
60 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
171 reviews
Intermediate · 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
Build toward a degree
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
293 reviews
Advanced · 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

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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
Physics of Waves and Optics: Rice 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
Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity: Stanford University
Understanding Modern Physics II: Quantum Mechanics and Atoms: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Physics 102 - Electric Charges and Fields: Rice University

Physics Courses