78 Physics
Courses
Introduction to Mechanics by Saylor Academy (CC BY).
In this course, we will study physics from the ground up, learning the basic principles of physical laws, their application to the behavior of objects, and the use of the scientific method in driving advances in this knowledge. This course will cover the area of physics known as classical mechanics. Classical mechanics is the study of motion based on the physics of Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton. While mathematics is the language of physics, you will only need to be familiar with high school level algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. The small amount of additional math and calculus that we need will be developed during the course.
Simulations
PhET Simulations by various (CC BY).
PhET provides fun, free, interactive, research-based science and mathematics simulations. We extensively test and evaluate each simulation to ensure educational effectiveness. These tests include student interviews and observation of simulation use in classrooms. The simulations are written in Java, Flash or HTML5, and can be run online or downloaded to your computer.
Supplementary Materials
Downloadable images (CC BY-SA).
Textbooks
Advanced Library Skills for Physics Research by Lauren Stieglitz (CC BY).
Literature searching and information evaluation for upper level undergraduates and Master’s students, from the University of Alberta Library.
BCIT Physics 0312 Textbook by Charles Hooge (CC BY).
An adaptation of OpenStax’s College Physics for courses at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
Introduction to Electricity, Magnetism, and Circuits by Samuel J. Ling; Jeff Sanny; William Moebs; and Daryl Janzen (CC BY).
This textbook emphasizes connections between theory and application, making physics concepts interesting and accessible to students while maintaining the mathematical rigour inherent in the subject. Frequent, strong examples focus on how to approach a problem, how to work with the equations, and how to check and generalize the result.This book is an adaptation of University Physics: Volume 2 (OpenStax).
Linear Algebra: A Course for Physicists and Engineers by Arak M. Mathai and Hans J. Haubold (CC BY-NC-ND).
This open textbook is meant for courses on space and atmospheric science, remote sensing, geographic information systems, meteorology, climate and satellite communications at UN-affiliated regional centers, various applications of the formal theory are discussed as well. These include differential equations, statistics, optimization and some engineering-motivated problems in physics.
Physics LibreTexts Library by LibreTexts (CC BY-NC-SA).
A collection of open textbooks, assignments, and other educational resources on sujects related to physics.
University Physics I: Classical Mechanics by Julio Gea-Banacloche, University of Arkansas (CC BY-NC).
This is a “minimalist” textbook for a first semester of university, calculus-based physics, covering classical mechanics (including one chapter on mechanical waves, but excluding fluids), plus a brief introduction to thermodynamics. The presentation owes much to Mazur’s The Principles and Practice of Physics: conservation laws, momentum and energy, are introduced before forces, and one-dimensional setups are thoroughly explored before two-dimensional systems are considered.
Videos
Discovery of the Higgs Boson by Open Education Edinburgh (CC BY-NC).
A collection of 35 videos addressing the discovery of the Higgs Boson.
Fluid Mechanics Video Playlist by various (CC BY-NC).
A collection of 40+ videos by the School of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh on various topics in Fluid Mechanics.
Websites
Open Physics by various (CC BY).
An interactive map of physics subjects that allows students to navigate through topics and read simpler or more complex versions of a concept.
