List of Free Online Quantum Physics Courses and Learning Materials
See our list of the top free online quantum physics courses. Learn about what courses are available, what topics they cover and whether you can use them to get college credit.
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Information on Online Quantum Physics Courses
Many of these courses are intended for learners who already have a strong background in physics. Course materials often include access to problem sets and exams. Students may need to have a scientific calculator with advanced functions in order to work on lessons or assignments. They may also need software like QuickTime or Adobe Reader in order to access the materials. These courses do not result in academic credit and learners can't interact with instructors or fellow students.
Free Online Quantum Physics Courses and Learning Materials
Fundamentals of Physics II at Yale University
This course is designed for students who have a solid foundation in physics and mathematics. Quantum mechanics is covered extensively, with lecture topics including the Schrodinger equation, wave-particle duality and measurement theory. Students can download video lectures, problem sets and solutions. Three physics textbooks and a supplemental mathematics book are required.
Introduction to Modern Physics at Tufts University
This course introduces subjects relevant to the discovery of quantum physics in the early 20th century, such as relativity, Maxwell EM waves, the Bohr atom, electron waves and cosmology. Topics covered include the theoretical principles of quantum mechanics and related math. One textbook is required and two other books are listed as reserve reading. Outlines for each lecture can be found on the course site and lecture slides can be viewed online or downloaded as PDF files. Some exams are available for download from the course site. Solutions are included for most exams.
Quantum Mechanics at Utah State University
This course provides students with information on how quantum theory is used and gives them the tools to pursue the subject further. It is aimed at students with some knowledge of physics and quantum mechanics and covers product observables, spin states, the Gaussian state, momentum and observables with continuous or unbounded values. The lecture notes can be downloaded. Homework assignments are available on the course site as well.
Quantum Physics I at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
This undergraduate course consists of 24 lectures with detailed notes for each available as a PDF file. Some of the topics covered include the Bohr model, the photoelectric effect, wave functions and wave packets, the Schrodinger equation, angular momentum and spherical harmonics. A list of required and suggested readings is available. Students can also download 11 problem sets, exams and exam solutions from the course site. No solutions are provided for the problem sets. Students are expected to have previous academic coursework in the field.
Quantum Physics II at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
This second course in quantum physics builds upon the knowledge gained in the previous course. Topics covered include two-state systems, angular momentum, quantum dynamics and identical particles. There are seven textbooks required for this course. Students can download reading assignments, access problem sets and review related experiments. These course materials are designed for students with some background in quantum physics and with advanced mathematics skills.
Quantum Physics III at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
In this course, five textbooks are required for the readings. These readings cover topics like time-independent perturbation theory, scattering, variational and semi-classical methods and charged particles in a magnetic field. Assignments, which include readings and problem sets, can be downloaded as PDF files. The course materials include tips on writing scientific research papers that may be useful. This course is intended for students who have previously taken quantum physics classes.
Quantum Physics Made Relatively Simple at Cornell University
This series was recorded in 1999 and features three lectures from Professor Hans Bethe interspersed with graphics illustrating his lecture points. The 45-minute lectures are available as QuickTime videos in large and small formats and as audio files. The lectures are not extremely technical and concentrate on Bethe's work as a pioneer of quantum physics theory during his 75-year career.
Earn Real Credit from Free Courses
While the free courses above don't award credit directly, you can earn credit by passing an exam and transferring credit to your college. There are two widely recognized and affordable options for exams that award credit.
Option #1: CLEP Exams
The College Board's 33 CLEP exams allow you to test out of your general education requirements. Credit is accepted at 2/3 of colleges and universities in the U.S.
Option #2: Excelsior College's Credit-by-Exam
Excelsior College offers over 40 exams that lead to transferable credit. You can also earn three full degrees by taking free online courses and earning your credit by exam.
Learn how Education Portal Academy will pay you to earn credit!
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