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
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 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
164 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
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, Engineering Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Estimation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Yale University
Rocket Science for Everyone
Skills you'll gain: Global Positioning Systems, Wireless Networks, General Networking, Communication Systems, Mechanics, Telecommunications, Technical Communication, Physics, Environmental Monitoring
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
651 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
61 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Preview
The University of Tokyo
From the Big Bang to Dark Energy
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Physical Science, General Science and Research, Science and Research, Scientific Methods, Mathematical Modeling, Chemistry, Scientific Visualization
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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Status: Preview
University of Arizona
Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Ancient History, Chemistry, General Science and Research, Global Positioning Systems, Scientific Methods, Scientific Visualization, Research, Simulations
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
ISAE-SUPAERO
Flight mechanics - The basis
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Simulations, Engineering Calculations, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Energy and Utilities, Engineering Analysis, Systems Of Measurement
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
474 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Rocket Science 101
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Monitoring, Global Positioning Systems, Environmental Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Environment, Physical Science, Climate Change Programs, Engineering Calculations, Geographic Information Systems, Scientific Methods, Manufacturing and Production, World History, Chemical Engineering, International Relations, Engineering Analysis, Electrical Power, Political Sciences, Emerging Technologies, Timelines
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
55 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
The Physics of Emergence: Introduction to Condensed Matter
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Physical Science, Materials science, Semiconductors, Chemistry, Mechanics, Advanced Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Computational Thinking, Simulations, Applied Mathematics, Calculus
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
19 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
The Basics of Rocket Science
Skills you'll gain: Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Calculations, Chemical Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Electrical Power, Applied Mathematics
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
39 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Epic Games
Epic Games Game Design
Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, Game Design, Video Game Development, Animation and Game Design, Ideation, 3D Modeling, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Software Documentation, Software Design Documents, 3D Assets, User Experience Design, Computer Graphics, Usability, User Interface (UI), User Experience, User Interface (UI) Design, Interactive Design, Virtual Environment, Version Control, Prototyping
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
522 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Physics learners also search

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

Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity: Stanford University
Understanding Modern Physics I: Relativity and Cosmology: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Mechanics: Motion, Forces, Energy and Gravity, from Particles to Planets: UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales)
Rocket Science for Everyone: Yale University
Understanding Modern Physics II: Quantum Mechanics and Atoms: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
From the Big Bang to Dark Energy: The University of Tokyo
Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space: University of Arizona
Flight mechanics - The basis: ISAE-SUPAERO
Rocket Science 101: University of Michigan
The Physics of Emergence: Introduction to Condensed Matter: University of Colorado Boulder

Physics Courses