Mechanics: Kinematics and Dynamics from edX

Mechanics is the study of the physics of motion and how it relates to applied forces. It lays the foundation of understanding the world around us through the how and why of motion.

This physics course is the first in a series of four modules that covers calculus-based mechanics. This module reviews kinematics (the geometrical description of motion) in the context of one-dimensional, multi-dimensional, and circular motion. It also reviews Newton's laws of motion and examines their application to a wide variety of cases.

The modules are based on material in MIT's Physics I, which is required for all MIT undergraduates, and is being offered as an XSeries on edX. Please visit theIntroductory Mechanics XSeries Program Page to learn more and to enroll in all four modules.

The course image is a picture of an MIT building with the name Newton prominently displayed.

What you'll learn

High school physics
Calculus (on edX:
,
and
)
8.01x modules are prerequisites for 8.02x which will be available in spring 2018.
Kinematics
Newton's Laws
Circular Motion
Resistive Forces,Constraints, and Massive Ropes

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Introduces advanced physics concepts that extend students' knowledge beyond high school-level physics

Covers topics essential for understanding mechanics, which is a fundamental aspect of physics

Provides a strong foundation for further studies in mechanics and related fields

Taught by esteemed instructors from MIT, renowned for their expertise in physics

May require strong mathematical skills and a background in calculus

Prerequisites include other modules in the Introductory Mechanics XSeries Program

Reviews summary

Excellent introduction to newtonian mechanics

This course is a great introduction to the basics of Newtonian mechanics. It is well-organized and engaging, with a clear focus on understanding the fundamental concepts. The instructor is knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and the course materials are well-presented and easy to follow. Overall, this is an excellent course for anyone who wants to learn more about Newtonian mechanics.

Career center

Learners who complete Mechanics: Kinematics and Dynamics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design and build machines and other mechanical devices. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering principles to create products that are both efficient and reliable. This course can help provide a strong foundation in the fundamentals of mechanics, which is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design and build robots. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering principles to create robots that can perform a variety of tasks, from manufacturing to healthcare. This course can help build a foundation in the fundamentals of mechanics, which is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design and build aircraft, spacecraft, and other vehicles that fly. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering principles to create vehicles that are both safe and efficient. This course can help build a foundation in the fundamentals of mechanics, which is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering principles to create structures that are both safe and efficient. This course can help build a foundation in the fundamentals of mechanics, which is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers design and build nuclear power plants and other facilities that use nuclear energy. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering principles to create systems that are both safe and efficient. This course can help build a foundation in the fundamentals of mechanics, which is essential for understanding the behavior of nuclear reactions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Engineer

Structural Engineer

Structural Engineers design and build the structural elements of buildings and other structures. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering principles to create structures that are both safe and efficient. This course can help build a foundation in the fundamentals of mechanics, which is essential for understanding the behavior of solids and fluids.

See salaries and explore the career path for Structural Engineer

Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists study the properties of materials and develop new materials for a variety of applications. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering principles to create materials that are stronger, lighter, and more durable. This course can help build a foundation in the fundamentals of mechanics, which is essential for understanding the behavior of materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design and build medical devices and equipment. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering principles to create devices that can diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions. This course can help build a foundation in the fundamentals of mechanics, which is essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Petroleum Engineer

Petroleum Engineers design and build systems to extract oil and gas from the earth. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering principles to create systems that are both efficient and safe. This course can help build a foundation in the fundamentals of mechanics, which is essential for understanding the behavior of fluids and gases.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and build systems to protect the environment. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering principles to create systems that can clean up pollution and protect natural resources. This course can help build a foundation in the fundamentals of mechanics, which is essential for understanding the behavior of fluids and gases.

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Product Designer

A Product Designer is responsible for the design and development of products. They work closely with engineers and other team members to create products that are both functional and visually appealing. This course can help build a foundation in physics and engineering principles, which are essential for success in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Designer

Transportation Engineer

Transportation Engineers design and build transportation systems, such as roads, bridges, and airports. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering principles to create systems that are both safe and efficient. This course can help build a foundation in the fundamentals of mechanics, which is essential for understanding the behavior of vehicles and other moving objects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Engineer

Geotechnical Engineer

Geotechnical Engineers design and build systems to protect structures from the effects of earthquakes and other natural disasters. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering principles to create systems that are both safe and efficient. This course can help build a foundation in the fundamentals of mechanics, which is essential for understanding the behavior of soils and other geological materials.

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Mining Engineer

Mining Engineers design and build systems to extract minerals from the earth. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering principles to create systems that are both efficient and safe. This course can help build a foundation in the fundamentals of mechanics, which is essential for understanding the behavior of solids and fluids.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mining Engineer

Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design and build chemical plants and other facilities that produce chemicals and other materials. They use their knowledge of physics and engineering principles to create processes that are both efficient and safe. This course can help build a foundation in the fundamentals of mechanics, which is essential for understanding the behavior of fluids and gases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

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Reviews summary

Excellent introduction to newtonian mechanics

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