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Physics Courses

Physics courses can help you learn how matter, energy, and forces interact—providing a foundation for understanding motion, electricity, waves, and the universe itself.

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Find the best Physics course for your goals

  • Status: Preview
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    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

  • Status: Preview
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    S

    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
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    T

    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: Preview
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    Y

    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
    ·
    646 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
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    U

    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
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    U

    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

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Preview
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    T

    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

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    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
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    19 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

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    T

    The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

    Understanding Modern Physics III: Simplicity and Complexity

    Skills you'll gain: Physics, Advanced Mathematics, Numerical Analysis, Simulations, Mathematical Modeling, Calculus, Differential Equations, Computer Programming

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
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    33 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    E

    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
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    503 reviews

    Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Preview
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    F

    Fractal Analytics

    Quantum Computing For Everyone - An Introduction

    Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Machine Learning Algorithms, Critical Thinking, Simulations

    4
    Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
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    81 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Free
    Free
    U

    University of Alberta

    Astro 101: Black Holes

    Skills you'll gain: Physics, Storytelling, Scientific Methods, Science and Research, General Science and Research, Simulations, Scientific Visualization

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.2K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Physics learners also search

mechanics
science
quantum physics
dynamics
relativity
mechanical
energy
physical chemistry
1234…14

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

  • Understanding Modern Physics I: Relativity and Cosmology: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
  • 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
  • Rocket Science for Everyone: Yale University
  • Mechanics: Motion, Forces, Energy and Gravity, from Particles to Planets: UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales)
  • Astronomy: Exploring Time and Space: University of Arizona
  • From the Big Bang to Dark Energy: The University of Tokyo
  • The Physics of Emergence: Introduction to Condensed Matter: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Understanding Modern Physics III: Simplicity and Complexity: The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
  • Epic Games Game Design: Epic Games

Frequently Asked Questions about Physics

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

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.‎

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.‎

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.‎

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.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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