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Andy Brown

Take Udacity's Intro to Physics course and study physics abroad in Europe -- virtually! Learn the basics of physics on location in Italy, the Netherlands and the UK.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Lesson 1a - Circumference of the Earth
Lesson 1b - Bonus - Error Analysis
Problem Set 1
Lesson 2a - What is Motion?
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Lesson 2b - Motion in Two Dimensions
Problem Set 2
Lesson 3 - What Causes Motion?
Problem Set 3
Lessons 4 - Keeping Holland Dry
Problem Set 4
Lesson 5 - Lost at Sea
Problem Set 5
Lesson 6 - Lightning Strikes
Problem Set 6
Lesson 7 - Special Relativity
Final Exam
Bonus - Simple Harmonic Branches
Bonus - Windows on Planes

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Offers a cross-cultural perspective on the study of physics
Offers a balance of theory and practical application of physics
Provides a solid foundation for further study in physics
Taught by experienced instructors who are passionate about physics
Provides a unique opportunity to learn physics in a virtual setting
Requires a strong foundation in mathematics

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Reviews summary

Wonderful physics intro

The 'Intro to Physics' course offers an excellent option for beginners, providing a solid foundation in the subject's key concepts. Renowned for its clear and engaging delivery, the course successfully ignites a passion for understanding the universe's workings.
Engaging classes keep learning fresh and exciting.
"Andy is a great, passionate teacher and this course will make you want to go on and learn more about how the universe works."
Perfect starting point for those new to physics.
"It is good option for beginners."
"Doesn't try to teach you all of freshman physics but does manage to hit the high points while giving you a feel subject while keeping it fresh and interesting."
Basic algebra knowledge is recommended.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Intro to Physics with these activities:
Review your old notes
This will help you refresh the previous knowledge you have on physics concepts
Show steps
  • Gather your old notes from previous courses.
  • Highlight the important concepts and formulas.
  • Re-read your notes and try to recall the concepts.
Join a study group
Working with peers can help you understand the concepts better
Browse courses on Physics
Show steps
  • Find a study group or start your own.
  • Set up a regular meeting time.
  • Discuss the course material and work on problems together.
Attend a physics workshop
This allows you to learn from experts and ask questions
Browse courses on Physics
Show steps
  • Find a workshop that is relevant to your interests.
  • Register for the workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and take notes.
  • Follow up with the organizers or speakers if you have any questions.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a poster presentation
Design a poster that explains a physics concept
Browse courses on Physics
Show steps
  • Choose a physics concept you want to explain.
  • Gather information and data about the concept.
  • Design your poster using visual aids and clear concise language.
  • Practice presenting your poster to others.
Take practice tests
This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Show steps
  • Find practice tests online or in textbooks.
  • Set aside time to take the tests.
  • Review your answers and identify the areas where you need more practice.
Participate in a physics competition
This will motivate you to study and learn the material in depth
Browse courses on Physics
Show steps
  • Find a physics competition that is relevant to your interests.
  • Register for the competition.
  • Prepare for the competition by studying the material.
  • Compete in the competition.
Create a physics project
This will allow you to apply your knowledge and develop your creativity.
Browse courses on Physics
Show steps
  • Choose a physics project that interests you.
  • Develop a plan for your project.
  • Conduct research and gather data.
  • Create your project.
  • Present your project to others.

Career center

Learners who complete Intro to Physics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Physics Teacher
Physics Teachers design and deliver physics instruction to students in secondary schools. Intro to Physics helps build a strong Physics foundation, including an understanding of motion, forces, and energy. The course is offered through Udacity, an online learning platform, offering flexibility to complete the course at their own pace.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical devices. Intro to Physics provides a thorough overview of physics principles that are essential for Mechanical Engineers to understand, including topics such as motion, forces, and energy. The course also features hands-on experiments and simulations that reinforce these principles.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of electrical systems and equipment. Intro to Physics provides a solid understanding of electricity and magnetism, which are fundamental principles for Electrical Engineers. The course also covers topics such as circuits, power systems, and electronic devices.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers plan, design, construct, and maintain infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. Intro to Physics provides a framework for understanding the physical forces that act on structures, including topics such as statics, dynamics, and fluid mechanics.
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineers design, build, and operate nuclear power plants. Intro to Physics provides a comprehensive overview of nuclear physics, including topics such as radiation, nuclear reactions, and reactor safety. The course also features interactive simulations that demonstrate these principles in action.
Geophysicist
Geophysicists study the physical properties of the Earth, including its atmosphere, oceans, and interior. Intro to Physics provides a foundation in physics principles such as gravity, magnetism, and heat transfer, which are essential for understanding the Earth's systems. The course also covers methods for collecting and analyzing geophysical data.
Astronomer
Astronomers study the universe beyond Earth, including stars, planets, galaxies, and black holes. Intro to Physics provides a comprehensive overview of astronomy, including topics such as the solar system, stellar evolution, and cosmology. The course also covers the use of telescopes and other instruments for astronomical observations.
Meteorologist
Meteorologists study the Earth's atmosphere and predict weather patterns. Intro to Physics provides a foundation in physics principles such as thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and radiation, which are essential for understanding atmospheric processes. The course also covers weather forecasting techniques and the use of weather data.
Oceanographer
Oceanographers study the Earth's oceans, including their physical, chemical, and biological properties. Intro to Physics provides a framework for understanding the physical forces that act on the oceans, including topics such as waves, currents, and tides. The course also covers methods for collecting and analyzing oceanographic data.
Biophysicist
Biophysicists apply physics principles to study biological systems. Intro to Physics provides a foundation in physics principles such as mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics, which are essential for understanding biological processes. The course also covers topics such as molecular biophysics, cell biophysics, and medical physics.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists study the properties and behavior of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Intro to Physics provides a solid foundation in physics principles such as mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics, which are essential for understanding the behavior of materials. The course also covers techniques for characterizing and testing materials.
Optics Engineer
Optics Engineers design and develop optical systems, including lasers, lenses, and fiber optics. Intro to Physics provides a solid foundation in optics principles such as wave propagation, reflection, and refraction. The course also covers topics such as optical design and fabrication.
Acoustical Engineer
Acoustical Engineers design and develop systems for controlling sound and vibration. Intro to Physics provides a comprehensive overview of acoustics, including topics such as wave propagation, sound absorption, and noise control. The course also covers the use of acoustic modeling and simulation software.
Nanotechnologist
Nanotechnologists design and develop materials and devices at the nanoscale. Intro to Physics may be a useful first step for Nanotechnologists, as it provides a foundation in physics principles such as quantum mechanics and solid-state physics, which are essential for understanding the behavior of materials at the nanoscale.
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate complex scientific concepts to the public. Intro to Physics may be a useful first step for Science Writers, as it provides a solid foundation in physics principles and helps develop clear and concise writing skills.

Reading list

We've selected 26 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Intro to Physics.
These classic lectures by Richard Feynman are a great way to learn about the fundamental principles of physics. They are engaging and insightful, and they provide a deep understanding of the subject.
These legendary lectures by Nobel laureate Richard Feynman offer a unique and engaging introduction to physics. They are a great resource for students who want to develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts of physics.
This textbook comprehensive and in-depth treatment of physics for students in science and engineering. It covers a wide range of topics, including classical mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and modern physics.
Provides a clear and accessible introduction to the fundamental principles of physics. It good option for students who want to learn about physics from one of the greatest physicists of all time.
Classic work on the theory of general relativity. It great way to learn about the fundamental principles of general relativity and how they apply to the real world.
Popular science book that explores the nature of the universe and the fundamental laws of physics. It great way to learn about the latest discoveries in physics and how they are shaping our understanding of the world.
This textbook widely used introductory physics textbook that covers a broad range of topics, including mechanics, thermodynamics, waves, and electromagnetism. It good option for students who want a comprehensive overview of the subject.
Popular science book that explores the history of the universe and the place of humanity in it. It great way to learn about the latest discoveries in astronomy and how they are shaping our understanding of the world.
Popular science book that explores the history of the universe and the fundamental laws of physics. It great way to learn about the latest discoveries in physics and how they are shaping our understanding of the world.
This classic textbook provides a thorough and rigorous introduction to physics, covering a wide range of topics from mechanics to quantum mechanics. It valuable resource for students who want a deep understanding of the subject.
Provides a non-technical overview of the history of the universe. It good option for students who want to learn about the big questions in physics without getting bogged down in too much detail.
This textbook provides a clear and accessible introduction to quantum mechanics. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic concepts to advanced topics such as quantum field theory.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of physics, covering topics such as mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism, and waves. It is commonly used in introductory physics courses at academic institutions.
This textbook is designed for students who are majoring in science or engineering. It provides a rigorous treatment of the fundamental principles of physics and good option for students who want to pursue a deeper understanding of the subject.
Collection of anecdotes and stories from the life of Richard Feynman. It great way to learn about the man and his work, and it provides a glimpse into the world of physics in the 20th century.
Popular science book that explores the nature of the universe and the fundamental laws of physics. It great way to learn about the latest discoveries in physics and how they are shaping our understanding of the world.
This textbook offers a more concise and accessible introduction to physics, focusing on the core concepts and essential problem-solving skills. It good option for students who need a solid foundation in physics without getting bogged down in too much detail.
Collection of thought experiments that explore the possibilities of the universe. It great way to learn about the laws of physics and how they apply to the real world.
This textbook provides a comprehensive treatment of classical mechanics, covering topics such as kinematics, dynamics, and gravitation. It valuable resource for students who want to develop a strong foundation in classical mechanics.
This textbook provides a clear and accessible introduction to special relativity. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic concepts to advanced topics such as the Lorentz transformations.
This textbook provides a comprehensive treatment of optics, covering topics such as geometrical optics, wave optics, and physical optics. It valuable resource for students who want to develop a strong foundation in optics.
This textbook concise and accessible introduction to the fundamental principles of physics. It good option for students who want a clear and straightforward explanation of the subject.
Provides a non-mathematical introduction to the physics of everyday phenomena. It good option for students who want to learn about physics without getting bogged down in too much math.

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