Courses What Are the Best Structured Online Physics Courses for In-depth Learning?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding structured online physics courses suitable for someone with a background in physics and math but lacking advanced tools. The user, an ophthalmologist, seeks well-organized courses with scheduled homework, exams, and extensive problem-solving resources. Recommendations include Khan Academy and MIT Online courses, which provide comprehensive materials and exercises. The user emphasizes the importance of clear explanations and visual aids in learning complex topics such as Maxwell's equations and Schrödinger's wave equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of physics principles
  • Familiarity with calculus concepts
  • Ability to engage with online learning platforms
  • Interest in advanced topics like Maxwell's equations and quantum mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore Khan Academy's physics courses for foundational knowledge
  • Investigate MIT OpenCourseWare for structured physics lectures and materials
  • Research online platforms offering problem-solving exercises in physics
  • Look for courses that provide visual aids and graphical representations of complex concepts
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of physics, particularly those with a medical background or anyone interested in structured online learning resources for advanced physics topics.

DelmarPete
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Hello. I'm brand-new to the forum.

Can someone suggest some great online physics courses or point me to a location with that information?

Background notes
• I am a physician (ophthalmologist sub-specialized in corneal transplants).
• I have not practiced for many years due to a spinal core injury and resulting quadriplegia.
• My university courses (in physics and math) included only a course titled Physics for Science & Engineering and a year of Calculus.
• I have always loved physics but commonly become frustrated (when investigating a particular topic*) due to my lack of the basic physics/math tools required to proceed.
• I am not necessarily looking for a course that will culminate in an accredited physics degree as my main objective is to obtain the basic knowledge and proficiency characteristic of a bachelors/masters degree.

Course criteria
• I am interested in a course which is well-organized and follows a calendar with scheduled homework and exams. (Currently when studying various topics, I frequently find myself spending time on interesting but somewhat off-target tangents.)
• I'd also like to find a course which includes lectures and textbook material, but more importantly, large numbers of exercises and practice examinations, for which at least half of the problems include well-thought-out and clearly-explained solutions.
• The text/exercises/exams/solutions should contain an abundance of diagrams with excellent on-screen Graphics rendering.
• Finally, while it's always nice to find free resources, I am not opposed to paying a registration fee for a course which fulfills the criteria described above.

I've searched on several occasions for a site containing the above list of features but have yet to find one so I'm hopeful this post will result in a few good suggestions.

Thanks

*Some representative topics for which I would love to gain a better understanding:
• Maxwell's equations
• Einstein's field equations
• Schrödinger's wave equation
• many others
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to the PF, doctor. Very sorry that you suffered that life-changing injury.

Have you already looked into the Khan Academy and the MIT Online series of courses? I can find links to them if you haven't looked into them yet.
 

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