Explore introductory physics resources for motion, forces, and scientific modeling, with guidance on calculus prerequisites and working through problems independently.
10 learning resources in this collection
Physics connects observations with mathematical models. Classical mechanics introduces motion, forces, energy, and related reasoning. A lecture can make a solution look clear while the real learning occurs when you choose and justify the model yourself.
Check calculus and algebra prerequisites before a university mechanics course. Archived material can teach enduring foundations, but expect a substantial problem-solving workload. Work in consistent units and draw the situation before manipulating equations.
Attempt a problem independently, state the assumptions, and check whether the result makes physical sense. Revisit the first step you cannot explain rather than only rereading the final answer.
Coursera · University of Virginia — Louis A. Bloomfield
Virginia introduces physics through skating, falling balls, ramps, seesaws, wheels and bumper cars, connecting everyday objects with mechanics.
MIT OpenCourseWare · Massachusetts Institute of Technology
A free MIT mechanics course with lectures and problem-solving material on motion, forces, momentum, energy, and rotation.
Coursera · University of Geneva — Martin Pohl
Geneva introduces nuclei, particles, accelerators and detectors, then examines fundamental interactions and evidence for new physical phenomena.
Coursera · Rice University — Jason Hafner
Rice examines mechanical energy, momentum, collisions, statics and elasticity as the second course in its quantitative mechanics sequence.
Coursera · Rice University — Jason Hafner
Rice develops one- and two-dimensional motion and Newton’s laws through quantitative physics problems, with algebra and trigonometry expected.
Coursera · Rice University — Jason Hafner
Rice extends mechanics to rotational motion, angular momentum and universal gravitation, building on earlier force, energy and momentum study.
Coursera · Rice University — Jason Hafner
Rice concludes its electricity sequence with alternating-current circuits, impedance and Maxwell’s equations, using quantitative physics methods.
Coursera · Rice University — Jason Hafner
Rice introduces electric charge, electric fields and Gauss’s law through mathematical problems in the first course of its electricity sequence.
Coursera · Rice University — Jason Hafner
Rice connects electric potential and capacitors with direct-current circuits, following its introduction to electric charge and fields.
Coursera · Rice University — Jason Hafner
Study magnetic fields, their sources and electromagnetic induction in Rice’s intermediate electricity-and-magnetism course on Coursera.