Are you intrigued by the working of the physical world and want to learn basic physics? Our cosmos revolves around physics. The study of physics can comprehend everything from the tiniest atom to the most complicated situation in the cosmos.
Study physics to find solutions to real-world global problems that significantly influence our society, or just to acquire insight into some of physics’ most timeless mysteries, such as how the universe began?
Learning online with the best teachers worldwide can be the smartest way to do so.
Here are some of the best online physics courses to choose from.
Best Physics Training Online
- Physics 100: Mastering Newton’s Laws of Motion [Udemy]
- Physics- Waves, Sound and Optics – High School and AP Physics [Udemy]
- Physics 1 (Algebra Based) [Udemy]
- Physics Courses by FutureLearn
- Best Physics courses from Coursera
- Physics courses from edX
- Alison’s Physics courses on Motion and Gravity
- The Einstein Revolution from Harvard University
- Range of Complete Physics courses by MIT open Courseware
- Library of Physics courses from Khan Academy
- Physics: Intro to Electricity & Magnetism [Udemy]
- Introduction to physics by Udacity
- Yale university’s Fundamentals of Physics
Learn Physics Online: 13 Best Classes & Courses
1. Physics 100: Mastering Newton’s Laws of Motion [Udemy]
This course will enhance your physics grades by simply teaching the essential introductory topics and providing insight into the kind of challenges examiners prefer to include in examinations.
The instructor draws on his experience teaching college physics to emphasize crucial concepts and harmful misconceptions while also having a great time with hand-drawn animations and goofy examples.
| Rating | 4.6 |
| Return or refund policy | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 9 hours on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 795 students |
| Instructor | Eric Meloche Ph.D |
| Cons |
What You’ll Learn?
After enrolling in the physics training online, you will learn about:
- Newton’s Laws of Motion and its applications.
- Free-body diagrams.
- Pulleys and springs.
- Forces
- Circular motion problems.
Prerequisites
For the online physics courses with certificates, you’ll require:
- Basic algebra, precalculus and calculus knowledge.
- Stationery items for note-taking are suggested.
- Learners can access the course with an internet connection.
Who should take this course?
This is one of the best physics online classes and is meant for:
- Advanced Placement students
- First-year physics students
- JEE exam students
- Anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of physics should take this course.
Review Emine Sena U.
I really liked the teacher I nearly understand everything he taught
2. Physics- Waves, Sound and Optics – High School and AP Physics [Udemy]
This is one of the few online physics courses that discuss the physics of waves, sound, geometric optics, and physical optics in great detail.
Anyone who wants a grasp of the subject must go through this course. This course consists of lectures that highlight key topics with tutorials that will lead you through the process of learning physics.
| Rating | 4.5 |
| Return or refund policy | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 3.5 hours on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 678 students |
| Instructor | Corey Mousseau |
| Cons | Perhaps more equations and problems could have been discussed. |
What You’ll Learn?
In these online physics certificate programs, you will learn about:
- Wave and its characteristics.
- Sound, Resonance of Sound, the Doppler-Effect.
- Reflection on Plane and Spherical Mirrors, Refraction of thin lenses
- Physical optics
Prerequisites
For the physics online classes, you’ll require:
- Basic knowledge of trigonometry and geometry
- A computer, tablet or a mobile phone
- Note pad and pen.
Who should take this course?
This course is meant for:
- Advanced Placement students
- First-year physics students
- Anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of physics should take this course.
Review Katie F.
He shared a lot of information quickly and accurately.
3. Physics 1 (Algebra Based) [Udemy]
Using hand-drawn illustrations, this course covers the essential fundamentals of all the areas of basic physics. These best online physics courses are great for students who are taking a physics class but need a little more help.
Whether it’s because your teacher is difficult to follow, you missed some lectures, or you just want a different viewpoint, you may take this course for additional help.
| Rating | 4.6 |
| Return or refund policy | 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee |
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 5 hours on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 529 students |
| Instructor | David Manning |
| Cons | Course would have been better with more practice problems. |
What You’ll Learn?
In this course, you will learn about:
- Basics of Motion and Forces
- Work, Power and Energy
- Gravity, Center of Mass and Fluid Mechanics
- Heat and temperature
- Waves and sound
Prerequisites
For the physics training online, you’ll require:
- Basic knowledge of algebra and right-angle trigonometry.
- A stable internet connection for uninterrupted learning
- Stationery items for taking notes are highly recommended.
Who should take this course?
This is one of the best physics online classes suitable for:
- First year physics honors students
- High school and college level students
- Future AP Physics students
Review Ron D.
So far the course is interesting and informative. Good way to learn about Physics.
4. Physics Courses by FutureLearn.
The best online physics courses on FutureLearn are created with future students in mind. The course contains the material needed for continued study. It explains the many ways in which physics is taught at the university level, allowing for a smooth transition into a new degree program.
Here’s a list of some of the best physics courses from FutureLearn:
- The discovery of the Higgs Boson.
- Earth and Life.
- Life on Mars.
- Physics, Astronomy, and Space: Teaching Secondary Science
| Certification | Yes |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | Different for different courses |
| Level | Intermediate, Advanced |
| Instructor | Various |
| Cons | Slightly unorganized |
What You’ll Learn?
In this one of the best online physics certificate programs, you will learn about:
- Fundamentals behind various emerging physics disciplines
- How physics impacts the real world
- Physics as an interdisciplinary approach
Prerequisites
For the physics online classes, you’ll require:
- Interest in Physics & scientific concepts
- A computer, tablet or a mobile phone
- Note-taking gears.
Who should take these online physics courses?
The courses on Future learn are perfect for:
- University students trying to figure out the area they want to specialize in.
- Science teachers looking to enhance their knowledge
- Anyone interested in learning advanced physics
5. Best Physics courses from Coursera
We present the series of best online physics certificate programs brought to you by Coursera. It includes courses on topics ranging from beginner-level introduction to advanced-level modern physics concepts.
If you are looking for a better understanding of the topics in your curriculum or just want to satisfy your curiosity, Coursera has it all.
Here is a curated list of courses by Coursera you can try:
- How things work: An Introduction to Physics
- Understanding Einstein: The special theory of relativity.
- Introduction to the General Theory of Relativity.
- Mechanics: Motion, Forces, Energy and Gravity, From Particles to Planets.
| Certification | Most of the courses provide certificates |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | Different for different courses |
| Level | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
| Instructor | Various |
| Cons | Some courses might be overwhelming for beginners |
What You’ll Learn.
In the online physics courses with certificates, you will learn:
- Everything about the fundamentals of physics
- Detailed courses even on specific topics
- Advanced modern physics
- Theory of relativity
- Forces & Motion
- Secondary physics
Prerequisites
For the physics training online, you’ll require:
- Basic knowledge of fundamentals as required by the course
- A stable internet connection for uninterrupted learning
- Time & willingness to learn
Who should take this course?
These excellent courses are meant for:
- Advanced Placement students
- University level physics students
- Physics intermediate learners
6. Physics courses from edX
edX’s best online physics courses with certificates will provide you with a firm foundation in various aspects of physics.
edX’s collaboration with highly prestigious universities from all over the world is highly beneficial to its users. The courses are intriguing for anybody interested in pursuing a career in science or learning more about the world around us. So, begin learning right away!
List of some of the best edX courses for Physics:
- Introductory Mechanics by MIT
- Single variable Calculus by MIT
- Astrophysics by ANU
- Calculus applied by Harvard
| Certification | Yes, in the paid version. |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | Different for different courses |
| Level | Intermediate, Advanced |
| Instructor | Various |
| Cons | Paid courses are slightly expensive |
What You’ll Learn?
In this best physics online classes, you will learn about:
- The diverse range of subjects like calculus, Astrophysics, mechanics etc.
- Fundamentals behind various emerging disciplines
- Various principles of physics on an advanced level
Prerequisites
To learn from the courses available on edX, you’ll require:
- Fundamentals of the discipline you choose to pursue
- A computer, tablet or a mobile phone
- Note-taking gears.
Who should take this course?
The courses on FutureLearn are suitable for:
- University students
- Job employees who want to upskill without leaving their jobs.
- Anyone interested in learning advanced physics
7. Alison’s Physics courses on Motion and Gravity
The best online physics courses with certificates from Alison provide an overview of motion and gravitational physics.
After completing the course, students will understand how mathematical laws and conservation concepts explain the motions and interconnections of materials all around us.
To address physics problems, they will gain experience in approaches such as data presentation, mathematics, vector analysis, and calculus.
| Certification | Certificates only on Paid Courses |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Enrolled | 2231 Students |
| Cons | Some courses might be overwhelming because of the duration of the course. |
What You’ll Learn?
In the given course, you will learn:
- Motion and its types
- Momentum and Impulse
- Gravitation
- Modern physics
Prerequisites
For this best physics training online, you’ll require:
- Basic knowledge of Motion and Gravitation
- A stable internet connection for uninterrupted learning and a notebook & pen.
Who should take this course?
This is one of the best physics online classes meant for students looking forward to have a career in science:
8. The Einstein Revolution from Harvard University
This is one of the best online physics courses from Harvard. The era of physics we live in today results from Einstein’s unique approach to physics.
This special course will lead you through the part of his life involved in scientific, cultural, political, and philosophical aspects.
| Language of the course | English |
| Paid | Free to enroll |
| Duration | 14 weeks, with 2-3 hours per week |
| Level | Beginner-friendly |
| Instructor | Peter Galison, Ion Mihailescu |
What You’ll Learn.
In this course you will learn about:
- How physics evolved in the twentieth and the twenty-first century
- Physics in a broader aspect
Prerequisites
For the physics online classes, students will need:
- Knowledge of basic physics fundamentals
- A computer, tablet or a mobile phone
- Note-taking gears.
Who should take this course?
This course is meant for learners of different areas:
- Advanced Placement students
- Interested Individuals
- Anyone looking to learn about physics
9. Range of Complete Physics courses by MIT open Courseware
MIT, the dream college for every physics and technology student, brings a range of physics online training courses available to everyone online.
Do check out the available content for a better understanding of the concepts.
Here is a list of handpicked physics courses from MIT:
- Classical Mechanics
- Quantum Mechanics – III
- Einstein, Oppenheimer, Feynman: Physics in the 20th century
| Certification | No |
| Paid | No |
| Duration | Different for different courses |
| Level | Under-Graduate, Graduate |
| Cons | Some courses might be overwhelming because of too many resource materials. |
What You’ll Learn in These Physics Online Classes?
In this physics course candidates will learn:
- Everything about Classical Physics
- Everything about Modern physics
- Everything about Quantum mechanics
Prerequisites
For the range of courses available, you’ll require:
- Basic knowledge of Physics
- A stable internet connection for uninterrupted learning
- Stationeries for taking notes
Who should take this course?
These online physics courses are suitable for:
- Advanced Placement students
- Distance learning students
10. Library of Physics courses from Khan Academy
The information is presented via comprehensive multimedia lessons, including video footage of essential experiments, animations, and worked-out example problems, all narrated by a sympathetic narrator. You’ll work on a variety of challenging practice problems.
| Certification | No |
| Paid | No |
| Level | Beginner & Intermediate |
| Cons | Course lacks doubt clearing Q&A sessions |
What You’ll Learn.
In the online physics certificate programs, you will learn about:
- Basic of mechanics
- Physics of heat and thermodynamics
- Electro-magnetism
- Modern physics
Prerequisites
For the physics online classes, you’ll require:
- No prior knowledge required
- A computer, tablet or a mobile phone
- Notebook and pen
Who should take this course?
This physics course is perfect for:
- Advanced Placement students
- 12th standard students appearing for competitive exams
- 1st year physics honors students
11. Physics: Intro to Electricity & Magnetism [Udemy]
This is one of the best online physics courses, built specifically for visual learners. It will allow you to debate the link between theoretical physics ideas and practical work, forcing you to consider the classroom and what your fellow students are taught via practical work.
| Rating | 4.6 |
| Certification | No |
| Paid | No |
| Duration | 3 hours 45 mins on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 27,225 students |
| Instructor | Scott Redmond |
| Cons | Firstly, no certificate awarded as it is a free course from Udemy, Secondly, learners with zero physics knowledge find this course overwhelming. |
What You’ll Learn.
In this physics course, learners will learn about:
- Charging by conduction and induction
- Everything about Coulomb’s Law
- Electric fields and charge distribution
Prerequisites
For the physics training online, students will require:
- Basic idea about physics terms
- A stable internet connection for uninterrupted learning
- Stationeries for taking notes is highly recommended.
Who should take this course?
This is one of the best physics online classes, and is meant for:
- First year physics honors students
- Introductory level college exam students
Review Samuel K.
Its a really great course. I was kind of behind in my physics course but now I feel like am really catching up.
12. Introduction to physics by Udacity
The best online physics courses begin with basic mathematics. In kinematics and Newton’s laws of motion, you’ll look at the equations of motion, normal response as well as friction.
After that, you’ll look at work, energy and power, as well as simple harmonic motion. Following that, the course examines charges and electric fields.
| Certification | No |
| Paid | No |
| Duration | 2 months |
| Instructor | Andy Brown |
| Cons | Lack of proper structure |
What You’ll Learn.
In the physics online classes, candidates will learn about:
- Kinematics and Newton’s laws of motion
- Work, Energy and Power
- Oscillatory Motion (Simple Harmonic).
- Electricity
Prerequisites
For this introductory course, you’ll require:
- Basic knowledge of trigonometry, geometry and algebra.
- A computer, tablet or a mobile phone
- Notepad and a pen.
Who should take this course?
These courses are about the very basics of physics, and are meant for:
- Advanced Placement students
- First year college physics students
- JEE exam students
- Anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of physics should take this course.
13. Yale university’s Fundamentals of Physics.
One of the most esteemed universities of the United States of America brings out online physics courses based on the fundamentals of physics to you. In this course, Prof. Ramamurti Shankar, an IIT-Madras Alumni and a PhD from the University of California educates you on the very basics of physics.
| Paid | No |
| Duration | Self-Paced |
| Level | Beginner and Intermediate |
| Lectures | 24 |
| Instructor | Ramamurti Shankar |
What You’ll Learn.
After enrolling in this best physics training online, you will learn:
- Newtonian Mechanics
- Special relativity
- Thermodynamics
- Waves and their characteristics
Prerequisites
For the esteemed course, you’ll require:
- Time to regularly finish the assigned homework
Related: Mechanical Engineering Courses, Organic Chemistry Classes
Conclusion
So, this was a list of the best physics online classes handpicked for learners of different caliber and requirements. These courses can be a supplement to your school curriculum, or they can be a source of mainstream learning.
Some of the best online physics certificate programs are meant to enhance your knowledge and skill and make you eligible for high-paying jobs.
