Fundamentals of waves and vibrations (Coursera)

Offered by École Polytechnique,
Fundamentals of waves and vibrations (Coursera)

Waves are everywhere. On water of course, but also in the air as you hear a plane, and under your feet during an earthquake certainly. Vibrations, too, are everywhere In your bike as you go over a bump, in you guitar as you play, and of course in your smartphone. You can guess that there is something in common behind all this. This is exactly the purpose of this course !

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

So if you want to understand better waves and vibrations, and the relation between them and to use that knowledge in your field, this MOOC is for you. We are going to consider any possible domains of applications such as civil engineering, aerospace engineering, plant biomechanics, and many others! This is why we called the course “fundamentals of waves and vibrations”. There are so many phenomena and so many models that we need to work with you on the basic mechanisms. We look forward to see you in the course, and work together !

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Simple waves
Presentation of the models of continuous systems and application for non-dispersive waves.

WEEK 2
Complex waves
Introduction to non-dispersive waves and their properties.

WEEK 3
Modes
How combining waves with boundary conditions leads to the existence of particular solutions, modes.

WEEK 4
More modes
The concept of modes is now applied to a large variety of systems, both fluids and solids.

WEEK 5
Oscillators
The response of the oscillator to any type of forcing is explored, as a generic model of modal response.

WEEK 6
Dynamics using modes
Using the knowledge on the oscillator dynamics from the previous week, the response of general systems is built by modal recomposition.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Roadmap to Success in Digital Manufacturing & Design (Coursera) Coursera
University at Buffalo,The State University of New York

Roadmap to Success in Digital Manufacturing & Design (Coursera)

Learners will create a roadmap to achieve their own personal goals related to the digital manufacturing and design (DM&D) profession, which will help them leverage relevant opportunities. The culminating project provides a tangible element to include in their professional portfolios that showcases their knowledge of Industry 4.0.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Mechanics of Materials I: Fundamentals of Stress & Strain and Axial Loading (Coursera) Coursera
Georgia Institute of Technology

Mechanics of Materials I: Fundamentals of Stress & Strain and Axial Loading (Coursera)

This course explores the topic of solid objects subjected to stress and strain. The methods taught in the course are used to predict the response of engineering structures to various types of loading, and to analyze the vulnerability of these structures to various failure modes. Axial loading with be the focus in this course.

Nov 9th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Machine Design Part I (Coursera) Coursera
Georgia Institute of Technology

Machine Design Part I (Coursera)

“Machine Design Part I” is the first course in an in-depth three course series of “Machine Design.” The “Machine Design” Coursera series covers fundamental mechanical design topics, such as static and fatigue failure theories, the analysis of shafts, fasteners, and gears, and the design of mechanical systems such as gearboxes. Throughout this series of courses we will examine a number of exciting design case studies, including the material selection of a total hip implant, the design and testing of the wing on the 777 aircraft, and the impact of dynamic loads on the design of an bolted pressure vessel. In this first course, you will learn robust analysis techniques to predict and validate design performance and life.

Nov 9th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Quantum Mechanics (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

Quantum Mechanics (Coursera)

Course 2 of Statistical Thermodynamics presents an introduction to quantum mechanics at a level appropriate for those with mechanical or aerospace engineering backgrounds. Using a postulatory approach that describes the steps to follow, the Schrodinger wave equation is derived and simple solutions obtained that illustrate atomic and molecular structural behavior. More realistic behavior is also explored along with modern quantum chemistry numerical solution methods for solving the wave equation.

Oct 26th 2026
3 Weeks
RF and millimeter-Wave Circuit Design (Coursera) Coursera
Eindhoven University of Technology

RF and millimeter-Wave Circuit Design (Coursera)

This unique Master-level course offered by the Center for Wireless Technology Eindhoven (CWT/e) of the Eindhoven University of Technology, The Netherlands, provides students with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience on RF and mmWave circuit design. The course covers the topics on how to derive the RF wireless systems specifications, and how to design the main building blocks of a transceiver, i.e., low noise amplifier, power amplifier, RF mixers, oscillators, and PLL frequency synthesizers. It is divided into two parts: (1) theoretical lectures will cover the basis of RF and mmWave Circuit Design; and (2) design labs will include simulation and implementation of these circuits.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Physics 101 - Rotational Motion and Gravitation (Coursera) Coursera
Rice University

Physics 101 - Rotational Motion and Gravitation (Coursera)

This course serves as an introduction to the physics of rotational motion and gravitation. Upon completion, learners will have an understanding of how mathematical laws and conservation principles describe the motions and interactions of objects all around us. They will gain experience in solving physics problems with tools such as graphical analysis, algebra, vector analysis, and calculus.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Review (Coursera) Coursera
Georgia Institute of Technology

Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Review (Coursera)

The purpose of this course is to review the material covered in the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to enable the student to pass it. It will be presented in modules corresponding to the FE topics, particularly those in Civil and Mechanical Engineering. Each module will review main concepts, illustrate them with examples, and provide extensive practice problems.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Intelligent Machining (Coursera) Coursera
University at Buffalo,The State University of New York

Intelligent Machining (Coursera)

Manufacturers are increasingly utilizing machine tools that are self-aware – they perceive their own states and the state of the surrounding environment – and are able to make decisions related to machine activity processes. This is called intelligent machining, and through this course students will receive a primer on its background, tools and related terminology.

Oct 19th 2026
4 Weeks