We've reviewed 79 physical science and engineering courses across multiple platforms to bring you the definitive list of the best options available.
Top 15 Physical Science and Engineering Courses
| # | Course | Platform | Rating | Price | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transferring Energy from Here to There Course | Coursera | 4.9/5 | Free | Medium |
| 2 | Plant Bioinformatic Methods Specialization Course | Coursera | 4.9/5 | Free | Medium |
| 3 | HarvardX: Energy and Thermodynamics course | EDX | 4.8/5 | Free | Beginner |
| 4 | Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors Specialization Course | Coursera | 4.8/5 | Free | Beginner |
| 5 | From the Big Bang to Dark Energy Course | Coursera | 4.8/5 | Free | Beginner |
| 6 | Disaster Preparedness Course | Coursera | 4.8/5 | Free | Beginner |
| 7 | Sensors and Sensor Circuit Design Course | Coursera | 4.8/5 | Free | Advanced |
| 8 | Electric Power Systems Course | Coursera | 4.8/5 | Free | Beginner |
| 9 | Introduction to solar cells Course | Coursera | 4.8/5 | Free | Beginner |
| 10 | Electric Vehicles and Mobility Course | Coursera | 4.8/5 | Free | Beginner |
| 11 | Mechanics of Materials II: Thin-Walled Pressure Vessels and Torsion Course | Coursera | 4.8/5 | Free | Beginner |
| 12 | Sustainable Cities and Communities Specialization Course | Coursera | 4.8/5 | Free | Beginner |
| 13 | Introduction to GIS Mapping Course | Coursera | 4.8/5 | Free | Beginner |
| 14 | Robótica Course | Coursera | 4.8/5 | Free | Beginner |
| 15 | Wireless Communications for Everybody Course | Coursera | 4.8/5 | Free | Beginner |
1. Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transferring Energy from Here to There Course
Platform: Coursera | Rating: 4.9/5 | Price: Free
Master fundamental thermodynamics principles and their engineering applications through this rigorous introductory course.
Pros
- University of Michigan faculty
- Interactive property table exercises
- Real-world system analyses
- Downloadable equation sheets
Cons
- Requires calculus foundation
- Steep initial learning curve
- Needs supplemental practice
2. Plant Bioinformatic Methods Specialization Course
Platform: Coursera | Rating: 4.9/5 | Price: Free
Master computational biology techniques for plant genome analysis, transcriptomics, and evolutionary studies.
Pros
- University of Toronto experts
- Real plant datasets
- Jupyter notebook tutorials
- Reproducibility focus
Cons
- Requires Linux basics
- Demanding computational specs
- Needs biology foundation
3. HarvardX: Energy and Thermodynamics course
Platform: EDX | Rating: 4.8/5 | Price: Free
HarvardX’s Energy & Thermodynamics delivers deep theoretical understanding combined with quantitative application. It is ideal for serious STEM learners pursuing advanced chemistry or engineering pathways.
Pros
- Strong mathematical and scientific rigor.
- Clear explanation of thermodynamic laws.
- Excellent preparation for advanced STEM coursework.
- Harvard-backed academic credibility.
Cons
- Conceptually and mathematically demanding.
- Requires calculus and prior chemistry background.
- Fast-paced for beginners without STEM foundation.
4. Solar Energy for Engineers, Architects and Code Inspectors Specialization Course
Platform: Coursera | Rating: 4.8/5 | Price: Free
This specialization offers concise yet impactful learning on solar energy design and economics. It balances technical fundamentals with real-world tools, ideal for engineers, architects, or renewable energy practitioners at the entry level.
Pros
- Clear capstone design project with practical system sizing and cost modeling.
- Includes economics, permitting, and code context relevant for U.S. building inspectors.
- Beginner-friendly with no prerequisite required.
Cons
- Does not cover wind energy or broader renewable systems integration.
- Focused on PV only; limited detail on grid or storage impacts.
5. From the Big Bang to Dark Energy Course
Platform: Coursera | Rating: 4.8/5 | Price: Free
This course offers a compelling, beginner-friendly introduction to Special Relativity and cosmology. Taught with clarity and accessible analogies, it bridges physics and philosophy, making complex concepts graspable without advanced math.
Pros
- Exceptionally clear and engaging instructor
- Minimal math, maximum conceptual depth
- Fascinating use of real universe mode
Cons
- No programming or mathematical simulations
- Limited assessment diversity