Pre-University Physics from edX

Physics is the foundation of many important science and engineering disciplines. Understanding its basics is fundamental for advanced studies. In this course, you will have the chance to review the fundamentals either for your own interest, or to ensure you have a smooth start in the first year of your Bachelor’s degree.

The course aims to close the readiness gap between high school and university. It was specifically developed for potential future students: it covers physics topics that are a prerequisite for many engineering programs, but will also show you how these topics are applied in the various follow-up studies (For example in Applied Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering). The course not only covers the content needed for further study but also introduces the different ways in which physics is presented at university level to ensure an easy entry to a new degree program.

This course is intended for:

Prospective engineering students who want to refresh their physics knowledge before starting university
High school students who would like an additional challenge in physics not offered by their school
Engineering students already enrolled in university who realize that they have a gap in their physics knowledge
Other people who are interested in university level physics

What's inside

Learning objectives

Have a basic understanding of the following physics topics: mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and waves.
Be able to apply this knowledge in various engineering contexts.
Be introduced to the academic approach to physics.

On completion of the course, participants will:
Be introduced to the academic approach to physics.in particular, the successful participant will be able to:1) solve physics problems in an algebraic way without specifying numerical values,2) provide order-of-magnitude estimations without using calculation aids,3) apply basic differential and integral calculus to physics problems,4) work with vectors at a conceptual (non-quantitative) level.

Have a basic understanding of the following physics topics: mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and waves.
Be able to apply this knowledge in various engineering contexts.
Be introduced to the academic approach to physics.
On completion of the course, participants will:
Be introduced to the academic approach to physics.in particular, the successful participant will be able to:1) solve physics problems in an algebraic way without specifying numerical values,2) provide order-of-magnitude estimations without using calculation aids,3) apply basic differential and integral calculus to physics problems,4) work with vectors at a conceptual (non-quantitative) level.

Syllabus

Module 1: Mechanics

Force and Motion

Multiple Forces

Work

Energy

Circular Motion

Module 2: Electricity and Magnetism

Electric Force and Field

Electric Potential and Electric Energy

Electrical Circuits

Magnetic Fields

Capacitors

Module 3: Waves

Introduction to waves

Harmonic motion

Coupled oscillations

Travelling waves

Standing waves

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces the academic approach to physics, providing a solid foundation for further studies

Covers core physics topics, focusing on mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and waves, which are essential for various engineering disciplines

Emphasizes the application of physics concepts in engineering contexts, making the learning more relevant and applicable

Suitable for prospective engineering students seeking to refresh their physics knowledge, high school students seeking an academic challenge, and engineering students with gaps in their physics understanding

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 Pre-University Physics with these activities:

Review high school physics notes

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Review the basics of physics to refresh your memory and ensure a smooth start in the course.

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Gather your old physics notes from high school.
Review the key concepts and formulas in mechanics, electricity, and magnetism.
Solve a few practice problems to test your understanding.

Organize and compile study materials

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Create a comprehensive compilation of your notes, readings, and other study materials to enhance your organization and ease of review.

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Gather all of your physics-related materials from lectures, tutorials, and assignments.
Organize the materials into logical sections or topics.
Use a digital or physical filing system to keep your materials organized.
Review your compilation regularly to reinforce your understanding.

Follow online tutorials on specific topics

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Supplement your understanding of specific physics topics by seeking out guided tutorials that provide clear explanations and examples.

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Identify topics where you need additional support.
Search for online tutorials or videos on those topics.
Follow the tutorials and take notes.
Attempt the practice problems or exercises provided in the tutorials.

Four other activities

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Join study groups or discussion forums

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Engaging with peers through study groups or discussion forums provides opportunities to discuss concepts, share knowledge, and clarify misunderstandings.

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Identify classmates or fellow students who are also taking the course.
Form a study group or join an existing one.
Meet regularly to discuss lecture materials, solve problems, and prepare for assessments.
Participate in online discussion forums to ask questions, share insights, and engage with a broader community of learners.

Solve practice problems regularly

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Regularly solving practice problems will help you improve your problem-solving skills and deepen your understanding of the concepts.

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Find a collection of practice problems, such as past exam papers or online resources.
Set aside dedicated time each week to solve problems.
Start with easier problems and gradually increase the difficulty.
Check your solutions against the provided answers or consult with your instructor if needed.

Contribute to open-source physics projects

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Participating in open-source projects related to physics can provide practical experience, deepen your understanding, and contribute to the broader scientific community.

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Identify an open-source physics project that aligns with your interests and skills.
Join the project's community and learn about their goals and processes.
Make contributions to the project, such as fixing bugs, adding new features, or improving documentation.
Collaborate with other contributors and seek feedback on your work.

Design and build a simple physics experiment

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Conducting your own experiment allows you to apply your physics knowledge, develop practical skills, and gain a deeper understanding of scientific inquiry.

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Identify a physics concept you want to investigate.
Design an experiment to test your hypothesis.
Gather the necessary materials and build your experimental setup.
Conduct the experiment and collect data.
Analyze the data and draw conclusions.

Career center

Learners who complete Pre-University Physics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Physicist

A Physicist applies the principles of physics to answer questions about the universe. This course will help you build a strong foundation in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and waves, which are some of the cornerstone subjects of Physics. You will also be introduced to the academic approach to physics, which will prepare you for graduate study in Physics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physicist

Aerospace Engineer

An Aerospace Engineer may research, design, develop, test, or manage the construction or maintenance of aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. This course introduces Aerospace Engineering, and familiarizes you with the basic physics it uses. You will learn about mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and waves, and you will be able to apply this knowledge in various engineering contexts. There is a particular focus in this course in preparing students for Applied Physics, Aerospace Engineering, and other engineering fields. You may find that this course is especially helpful in preparing you to succeed as an Aerospace Engineer, even if you are already working in the field and are looking to advance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer

Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer may develop, design, test, or supervise the installation, operation, or maintenance of electrical equipment and systems. This course will help you build a strong foundation in electricity and magnetism so that you will be ready to handle the more advanced physics that Electrical Engineers use.

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Mechanical Engineer

A Mechanical Engineer may design or develop machinery that is used in many different fields, including power generation, manufacturing, and transportation. This course may be a useful introduction to Mechanical Engineering for you, after which you will be prepared to apply what you have learned about mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and waves in more advanced studies. If you are a high school student, taking this course may also give you an advantage in your undergraduate studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer

Astronomer

An Astronomer researches the universe and everything in it, including stars, planets, galaxies, and black holes. This course exposes you to the fundamental physics of mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and waves, which form the basis of the celestial bodies and phenomena that Astronomers study.

See salaries and explore the career path for Astronomer

Geophysicist

A Geophysicist studies the physical properties of the Earth and its atmosphere. This course will help you build a solid foundation in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and waves. Whether you are planning to go on to graduate school in Geophysics, or are already working in the field, you may find that this course helps to solidify the physics you use on the job.

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Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and construct buildings, bridges, roads, and other structures. This course covers basic physics in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and waves. While you will not learn about all of the specific engineering principles of Civil Engineering in this course, you will be able to go into a more advanced degree program, and then a career in Civil Engineering, prepared for the physics that you will encounter.

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Data Scientist

A Data Scientist collects, analyzes, and interprets data to find patterns and trends. The physics covered in this course, including mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and waves, will give you a good foundation in understanding how to find patterns and trends in data.

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Materials Scientist

A Materials Scientist studies the structure and properties of matter, and designs new materials for use in a wide variety of applications. This course introduces you to the basics of physics, so that you will be prepared to learn more about the advanced physics and chemistry of Materials Science in future studies.

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Operations Research Analyst

An Operations Research Analyst uses mathematics and other analytical methods to help organizations make better decisions. This course will help you build a foundational understanding of physics, which, when combined with your skills as an OR Analyst, will make you a very strong candidate.

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Chemical Engineer

A Chemical Engineer may design or develop processes for producing chemicals, fuels, or other products. This course will help you build a foundational understanding of the physics of electricity and magnetism, as well as mechanics and waves. You will find that this can be useful if you choose to specialize in a field that incorporates physics, or if you work with teams that include Physicists or Engineers.

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Computer Scientist

A Computer Scientist may design new computer systems or develop software that runs on computers. This course is a good introduction to the physics of electricity and magnetism. While you may not find that the other units on waves or mechanics are directly related to your work as a Computer Scientist, having a basic understanding of these principles may prove useful in advanced studies or in specialized roles.

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Mathematician

A Mathematician may solve theoretical or practical problems using mathematics. This course may be useful in building the skills you need to approach applied mathematics. The course will help you develop your skills in solving physics problems in an algebraic way without specifying numerical values and providing order-of-magnitude estimations without using calculation aids. For example, you will learn to apply basic differential and integral calculus to physics problems, and work with vectors at a conceptual (non-quantitative) level.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mathematician

Actuary

An Actuary analyzes and calculates risks for insurance companies and other financial institutions. The focus on vectors at a conceptual (non-quantitative) level in this course may prove useful for you if you seek an Actuarial career.

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Economist

An Economist may analyze and interpret economic data to forecast trends and develop strategies for businesses and governments. This course will give you a broad introduction to physics, and may prove useful for specializing in a field of Economics that uses physics, such as econophysics. As it is, the course will expose you to working with vectors at a conceptual (non-quantitative) level, which may prove useful.

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