CalculusPhysicsclassical mechanicsEnergyMaterialsFraming
Introduction to Mechanics Specialization
Understand the Physics of Mechanics and Motion. This specialization is equivalent to a one semester calculus-based introductory mechanics course, and will prepare you well for further coursework or independent study in science or engineering.
Offered By
Introduction to Mechanics SpecializationRice UniversityWhat you will learn
How to describe motion graphically mathematically.
The nature of forces and how they influence motion.
How to use energy and momentum to solve mechanics problems.
Interactions and energies of gravitational interactions.
Skills you will gain
About this Specialization
This specialization is for learners who are interested in first-year, university-level physics. Through three courses, you will gain a foundation in mechanics including motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotational motion, and gravitation. With 100 brief lectures and over 100 problems, this comprehensive specialization is similar in detail and rigor to what is taught in on-campus courses. It will thoroughly prepare learners for their upcoming introductory physics courses, or more advanced studies.
Applied Learning Project
The courses include conceptual lecture questions, computational homework problems, and comprehensive exams. These will build your skills in using mathematical tools (trigonometry, vector analysis, and calculus) to calculate and/or estimate needed parameters in real-world problems.
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online courses
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible Schedule
Set and maintain flexible deadlines.
Intermediate Level
Learners need a good understanding of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Familiarity with basic calculus is helpful, but not required.
Approx. 4 months to complete
Suggested 4 hours/week
English
Subtitles: English
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online courses
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible Schedule
Set and maintain flexible deadlines.
Intermediate Level
Learners need a good understanding of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Familiarity with basic calculus is helpful, but not required.
Approx. 4 months to complete
Suggested 4 hours/week
English
Subtitles: English
There are 3 Courses in this Specialization
Physics 101 - Forces and Kinematics
This course serves as an introduction to the physics of force and motion. Upon completion, learners will have an understanding of how mathematical laws and conservation principles describe the motions and interactions of objects all around us. They will gain experience in solving physics problems with tools such as graphical analysis, algebra, vector analysis, and calculus. The course follows the typical progression of topics of a first-semester university physics course: Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Energy, and Momentum. Each of five modules contains reading links to a free textbook, complete video lectures, conceptual quizzes, and a set of homework problems. Once the modules are completed, the course ends with an exam. With 100 brief lectures and over 100 problems, this comprehensive course is similar in detail and rigor to those taught on-campus. It will thoroughly prepare learners for their upcoming introductory physics courses, or more advanced courses in physics.
Physics 101 - Energy and Momentum
This course serves as an introduction to the physics of energy and momentum. Upon completion, learners will have an understanding of how mathematical laws and conservation principles describe the motions and interactions of objects all around us. They will gain experience in solving physics problems with tools such as graphical analysis, algebra, vector analysis, and calculus. The course follows the typical progression of topics of a first-semester university physics course: Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Energy, and Momentum. Each of five modules contains reading links to a free textbook, complete video lectures, conceptual quizzes, and a set of homework problems. Once the modules are completed, the course ends with an exam. With 100 brief lectures and over 100 problems, this comprehensive course is similar in detail and rigor to those taught on-campus. It will thoroughly prepare learners for their upcoming introductory physics courses, or more advanced courses in physics.
Physics 101 - Rotational Motion and Gravitation
This course serves as an introduction to the physics of rotational motion and gravitation. Upon completion, learners will have an understanding of how mathematical laws and conservation principles describe the motions and interactions of objects all around us. They will gain experience in solving physics problems with tools such as graphical analysis, algebra, vector analysis, and calculus. The course is the third course in the Physics 101 specialization, which follows the typical progression of topics of a first-semester university physics course: Kinematics, Newton’s Laws, Energy, and Momentum. Each of the modules contains reading links to a free textbook, complete video lectures, conceptual quizzes, and a set of homework problems. Once the modules are completed, the course ends with an exam. This comprehensive course is similar in detail and rigor to those taught on-campus. It will thoroughly prepare learners for their upcoming introductory physics courses, or more advanced courses in physics.
Offered by
Rice University
Rice University is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the U.S. and the top 100 in the world. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the refund policy?
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.
Can I just enroll in a single course?
Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate, or you can audit it to view the course materials for free. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.
Can I take the course for free?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.
Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?
This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.
How long does it take to complete the Specialization?
The three courses combined are equivalent to one academic semester of study. The specialization will take 3-6 months to complete.
What background knowledge is necessary?
Learners need a good understanding of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Familiarity with basic calculus is helpful, but not required.
Do I need to take the courses in a specific order?
Not necessarily, but if you're looking for a complete introduction to mechanics, it is the order we recommend.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?
University credit is not available for this specialization.
What will I be able to do upon completing the Specialization?
You will gain a foundation in mechanics including motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotational motion, and gravitation.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
