Because physics is so broadly applicable, a background in this discipline is necessary for many different types of career paths. Any type of engineering job, from structural engineers and civil engineers to optical engineers and laser engineers, requires a high level of proficiency in fundamentals of physics and calculus and potentially more advanced skills specific to a given engineering subfield.

Many other careers can benefit from a familiarity with physics, even if it is not fundamental to the work being done. For example, software developers working in robotics and autonomous car developers rely on physics models to allow their creations to navigate the world reliably. Lab technicians in health care operating x-ray machines, MRIs, and similar types of imaging devices need a background in physics to understand how these complex pieces of equipment work and how to operate them safely.

Then again, some physics students who develop a passion for the field end up going to graduate school to become researchers in areas like astronomy, particle physics, and theoretical physics. These areas may have less practical applications in daily life, but the satisfaction of helping to advance the frontiers of this foundational scientific discipline can be incredibly rewarding. Alternately, you can pass your love of physics onto the next generation by inspiring learners as a high school physics teacher.

Coursera has numerous options available for you to learn about physics, astronomy, and all of their subfields, giving you opportunities to learn online regardless of your needs are in this fascinating topic. If you’re just getting started learning about physics, you can take courses providing introductions to core topics such as physics, astronomy, and thermodynamics. More advanced learners can dive deeper into a wide range of specialized areas such as aeronautical engineering, quantum physics, quantum mechanics, and nanotechnology.

Regardless of your particular needs, online courses available on Coursera are all offered by top-ranked schools in physics and astronomy, including as University of Michigan, University of Virginia, and the University of Arizona. These courses let you learn from the same great faculty and in-depth materials as the courses taught on campus at these schools, but you can complete the work on a flexible schedule - and pay a much lower tuition cost.