Best Free Sci: Physical & Earth Sciences Courses & MOOCs

EdX

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Introduction to Astrophysics (edX)

Sci: Physical & Earth Sciences Sci: Physics

Dive into the fascinating world of astrophysics with this comprehensive online course. Explore the fundamental principles governing astronomical objects and understand how scientists study the vast expanse of space using light as their primary tool. Whether you're a beginner or looking to deepen your understanding, this course will equip you with the knowledge to unravel the secrets of our universe.

Self Paced

Self-Paced

Cosmology Physics Gravity

Coursera

University of Colorado Boulder

Spacecraft Dynamics Capstone: Mars Mission (Coursera)

Engineering Sci: Physical & Earth Sciences

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of spacecraft dynamics with our capstone course dedicated to a complex Mars mission project. This comprehensive program builds upon foundational knowledge in rigid body kinematics, kinetics, and control to tackle advanced orbital mechanics challenges. You'll delve into the intricacies of managing two-spacecraft communication systems orbiting Mars, mastering attitude dynamics simulations, and implementing sophisticated feedback controls for various mission modes such as sun pointing and nadir pointing. By the end of this course, you will have developed a robust integrated mission simulation that showcases autonomous closed-loop performance in space missions.

Sep 14th 2026

5-12 Weeks

Engineering Dynamic Physical Sciences

Coursera

University of Michigan

Climate Change, Sustainability, and Global Public Health (Coursera)

Engineering Sci: Physical & Earth Sciences

Dive into the critical intersection of climate change, sustainability, and global public health with our specialized online course. Understand how environmental changes are affecting human health globally and discover effective strategies for sustainable development that can protect and improve public health outcomes worldwide.

Sep 14th 2026

4 Weeks

Sustainability Climate Change Public Health

Coursera

University of Michigan

Environmental Hazards and Global Public Health (Coursera)

Engineering Sci: Physical & Earth Sciences

Dive into the critical world of Environmental Hazards and Global Public Health with our specialized online course. Explore the detrimental effects of various environmental hazards on human health and learn effective ways to mitigate these risks. This course is designed for those interested in public health, environmental science, urban planning, and global health issues.

Sep 14th 2026

4 Weeks

Global Health Solid Waste Management Air Pollution

Coursera

University of Michigan

Human Health Risks, Health Equity, and Environmental Justice (Coursera)

Engineering Sci: Physical & Earth Sciences

Dive into the final module of the Impacts of the Environment on Global Public Health specialization. This course focuses on two pivotal areas: ensuring health equity through environmental justice and effectively managing human health risks via risk assessment and management strategies. Gain insights into how to identify, quantify, and mitigate health threats while promoting a fair distribution of environmental health benefits across populations.

Sep 14th 2026

4 Weeks

Risk Management Risk Assessment Human Health

FutureLearn

National Tsing Hua University

Mysteries Of The Universe (FutureLearn)

Sci: Physical & Earth Sciences Science

Dive deep into the mysteries that surround our vast cosmos with 'Mysteries Of The Universe'. This course is designed for curious minds who want to understand the unexplained phenomena that make up more than 90% of the universe. From black holes to dark energy, and from the origins of the Earth to the ultimate fate of the universe itself, this course will expand your knowledge in cosmology and astronomy.

Self Paced

5-12 Weeks

Astronomy Cosmology Universe

Coursera

Coursera Project Network

Modelo de Ecossistema com Insight Maker (Coursera)

Sci: Physical & Earth Sciences Sci: Environment

Neste curso rápido de uma hora, você será introduzido ao poderoso Insight Maker para modelar ecossistemas complexos. Aprenda a simular dinâmicas entre diferentes espécies em um ambiente compartilhado, desenvolvendo habilidades essenciais em modelagem de sistemas dinâmicos e baseada em agentes.

Sep 14th 2026

Self-Paced

Environment Modeling Coursera Plus

Coursera

Dartmouth College

Question Reality: Matter (Coursera)

Sci: Physical & Earth Sciences Sci: Physics

Embark on a captivating exploration of how our comprehension of matter and the atom has evolved over centuries in 'Question Reality: Matter'. This course takes you through a timeline from ancient Greek philosophy to pivotal scientific breakthroughs, reshaping our perception of reality itself.

Sep 14th 2026

3 Weeks

Atom Reality Matter

Coursera

University of Colorado Boulder

The Business, Politics, Policy, & Players of Space Programs (Coursera)

Sci: Physical & Earth Sciences Sci: Physics

Embark on a fascinating journey through The Business, Politics, Policy, & Players of Space Programs course. This specialization dives deep into the multifaceted world of space exploration, examining how business interests, political dynamics, policy frameworks, and influential individuals drive advancements in space. Over four weeks, you'll navigate 31 learning objectives across nine lessons, uncovering the funding sources behind these ambitious projects and exploring practical applications like GPS technology and academic programs that could transform your educational institution.

Sep 14th 2026

4 Weeks

Entrepreneurship Politics Project