Good preparation in mathematics and school-level physics is expected; calculus is important for following the derivations.
Optional preparation: Middle School Physics: Free Course.
About this course
Physics uses a small set of principles to explain a wide range of motion, energy and thermal phenomena. This free Yale course develops those principles through mathematical reasoning and worked explanations. It provides a substantial foundation for students preparing for further study in physics or engineering.
Course at a glance
| Provider | Yale |
|---|---|
| Instructor / Teaching team | Ramamurti Shankar |
| Platform | YouTube · YaleCourses |
| Access | Free Video |
| Level | Intermediate · WikiFree audience assessment |
| Language | English |
| Lessons | 24 |
| Video duration | 28h 44m · allow extra time for reading and practice |
| Format | Self-paced video learning |
| Certificate | No certificate included with free YouTube viewing |
What you’ll learn
- Set up introductory mechanics problems with clearly stated assumptions.
- Use vectors and quantitative reasoning to analyze physical situations.
- Explain the purpose of the relativity concepts introduced.
- Connect waves and thermodynamics with broader physical principles.
Skills you’ll gain
- Mechanics
- Mathematical modeling
- Quantitative reasoning
- Thermodynamics
Course Overview
The sequence begins with Newtonian mechanics and vectors, then expands into gravitation, special relativity, waves and thermodynamics. The recurring challenge is to move from a physical description to a model that can be analyzed quantitatively. Pausing to reconstruct derivations and solve examples is an important part of studying this material independently.
How the course develops
- Motion and forces: translate physical situations into vectors, equations and conservation arguments.
- Gravity and relativity: examine how different frameworks describe motion and the relationship between observers.
- Waves and thermal physics: connect collective behavior with energy, thermodynamic laws and entropy.
The classroom contains all 24 videos in this official YaleCourses playlist. Use the lesson list to follow the course or search for a topic you want to revisit. Introductory segments, teaching examples and supplementary discussions remain available within this course.
Who is this for?
Physics and engineering students, and independent learners with a strong interest in mathematical science.
Before you start
Good preparation in mathematics and school-level physics is expected; calculus is important for following the derivations.
Put the lessons into practice
Solve a mechanics example twice: first symbolically, then with chosen numerical values and units. Explain the assumptions and use an extreme case to check whether the result behaves sensibly.
This optional study activity is provided by WikiFree for independent reflection. It is not a graded Yale assignment. Keep a short record of what you can explain confidently and what you need to revisit; use that record to plan your next study session.
Certificate / Assessment
The public videos can be watched free of charge. This WikiFree listing does not include a Yale certificate, academic credit, a degree, graded assessments or feedback from the instructors. A similarly named course on another platform may have different enrollment, assessment and payment conditions.
The classroom’s Mark complete control records your personal progress. It does not assess your understanding or award a credential. Course examples reflect the recordings; check current sources whenever you need up-to-date professional information.
Related courses for your next step
- Review a lower-level optionMiddle School Physics: Free Course
Focus: Physics foundations · Motion concepts
Beginner - Compare another approachFree Yale Course: Fundamentals of Physics II
Focus: Electromagnetism · Circuit reasoning
Intermediate - Review a lower-level optionHigh School Physics: Free Course
Focus: Physics models · Motion analysis
Beginner
Compare course focus, level and study time
| Course | Level | Focus | Study time |
|---|---|---|---|
| This course — Free Yale Course: Fundamentals of Physics I | Intermediate | Mechanics · Mathematical modeling · Quantitative reasoning | 28h 44m of video; practice time is additional |
| Middle School Physics: Free Course | Beginner | Physics foundations · Motion concepts · Forces | 2h 10m of video; practice time is additional |
| Free Yale Course: Fundamentals of Physics II | Intermediate | Electromagnetism · Circuit reasoning · Optics | 29h 48m of video; practice time is additional |
| High School Physics: Free Course | Beginner | Physics models · Motion analysis · Forces and momentum | 7h 39m of video; practice time is additional |
Frequently asked questions
Is this Yale course free?
Yes. This listing provides the official YaleCourses YouTube videos for free viewing. Textbooks, optional materials and separately enrolled programs may have their own costs.
How long does the course take?
The playlist contains 24 videos totaling approximately 28h 44m. Reading, note-taking, revision and independent practice add to that viewing time.
What background do I need?
Good preparation in mathematics and school-level physics is expected; calculus is important for following the derivations.
Will I receive a Yale certificate?
No. Watching these YouTube lessons or marking them complete on WikiFree does not earn a Yale certificate, degree or academic credit.
Can I watch on a phone?
Yes. Use the responsive lesson list and player on a phone, tablet or computer. A larger screen and a notebook may help with detailed examples, equations or software demonstrations.
What happens if a video becomes unavailable?
The lesson should remain visible in its place with its title and an availability notice. You can continue with the other lessons and report the problem through the correction link.
Provider: Yale. Videos play from the YaleCourses channel on YouTube.
Report a correction
Questions & discussion
Share a useful question or correction. Comments appear after moderation. Please avoid personal or sensitive information.