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Pre-University Physics

Prepare for your technical studies by reviewing the fundamentals of physics. Become familiar with the way physics and physics-related topics are taught at university level.

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10,374 already enrolled!
Starts May 20
Ends May 31
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Starts Jun 27
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Pre-University Physics

Prepare for your technical studies by reviewing the fundamentals of physics. Become familiar with the way physics and physics-related topics are taught at university level.

Estimated 5 weeks
6–8 hours per week
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
Free
Optional upgrade available

Choose your session:

10,374 already enrolled! After a course session ends, it will be archivedOpens in a new tab.
Starts May 20
Ends May 31
Enroll
Starts Jun 27
Enroll
Pre-University Physics

About this course

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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:

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

At a glance

  • Institution: DelftX
  • Subject: Physics
  • Level: Introductory
  • Prerequisites:

    This course revises high school level physics and moves on to show how it is presented at university level. It closes the readiness gap between high school and university. Participants should have the following background knowledge:

    • high school level calculus (or equivalent), including knowledge of derivatives and integrals.
    • high school level physics.

What you'll learn

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On completion of the course, participants will:

  1. have a basic understanding of the following physics topics: mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and waves.
  2. be able to apply this knowledge in various engineering contexts.
  3. be introduced to the academic approach to physics.
  4. 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

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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

Learner testimonials

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The most valuable thing about this course for me was that I had a chance to revise all the knowledge I had covered during high school. Also this knowledge was explained in a more abstract and mathematical way with videos deriving the equations I learned in high school.
This course has greatly increased my confidence in my knowledge about physics.

About the instructors

Ways to take this course

Choose your path when you enroll.
Verified Track
Audit Track

Price

$50 USD

Free

Access to course materials

Unlimited

Limited

Expires on Aug 1

World class institutions and universities

edX support

Shareable certificate upon completion

Graded assignments and exams

Read our FAQsin a new tab about frequently asked questions on these tracks.

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