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.
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Specialization - 3 course series
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.
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.
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The three courses combined are equivalent to one academic semester of study. The specialization will take 3-6 months to complete.
Learners need a good understanding of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Familiarity with basic calculus is helpful, but not required.
Not necessarily, but if you're looking for a complete introduction to mechanics, it is the order we recommend.
University credit is not available for this specialization.
You will gain a foundation in mechanics including motion, forces, energy, momentum, rotational motion, and gravitation.
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.
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.
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.
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
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.