Coursera

Oscillators and Waves (Coursera)

Offered by Rice University,
Oscillators and Waves (Coursera)

This first course serves as an introduction to the physics of waves and light. Upon completion, learners will understand how mathematical laws and conservation principles describe wave propagation and light in the context of both geometrical and physical optics. Learners will gain experience in solving physics problems with tools such as graphical analysis, algebra, vector analysis, and calculus.

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

This first course covers the Wave Equation, Normal Modes, Wave Propagation, and Dispersion. Each of the three modules contains complete video lectures, conceptual quizzes, and a set of homework problems. Once the modules are completed, the course ends with an exam. This comprehensive course is similar in detail and rigor to those taught on-campus at Rice. It will thoroughly prepare learners for their upcoming introductory physics courses or more advanced courses in physics.
This course is part of the Waves and Optics Specialization.

What you'll learn

  • Learners will be prepared to evaluate real-world data regarding oscillators and wave motion.
  • Learners can solve complicated mathematical problems related to oscillators and waves.
  • Learners will be prepared for more advanced courses in physics.

Syllabus

Oscillators
Waves I
Waves II
Oscillators and Waves Exam

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

Related Courses

Fundamentals of Fluid-Solid Interactions (Coursera) Coursera
École Polytechnique

Fundamentals of Fluid-Solid Interactions (Coursera)

Engineering Sci: Physics

What is fluid-solid interactions ? It is what happens when the motions of a fluid and of a solid are somehow coupled. This happens all the time, around you when leaves flutter in the wind, inside you when your heart beats, above you when wings of a plane vibrate, under the sea... The idea behind this MOOC is to give you the basic tools to be able to predict and eventually mitigate things called flutter, galloping, sloshing, vortex-induced vibrations, added mass, to cite a few. We are going to consider any possible domains of applications such as civil engineering, aerospace engineering, nuclear engineering , ocean engineering, biomechanics and even food processing !

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Physics Gravity Mechanical Engineering
Details
Programming Fundamentals (Coursera) Coursera
Duke University

Programming Fundamentals (Coursera)

CS: Theory CS: Programming

Programming is an increasingly important skill, whether you aspire to a career in software development, or in other fields. This course is the first in the specialization Introduction to Programming in C, but its lessons extend to any language you might want to learn. This is because programming is fundamentally about figuring out how to solve a class of problems and writing the algorithm, a clear set of steps to solve any problem in its class.

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks
Programming Algorithms C Language
Details
Foundation of Structural Dynamics (Coursera) Coursera
ISAE-SUPAERO

Foundation of Structural Dynamics (Coursera)

Engineering Sci: Physics

A course with variable geometry where everyone, we hope, will find personal benefits. The parts can be studied sequentially or independently; and inside each part, elementary learning items can be picked up. Globally, this course proposes a deep knowledge of fundamental dynamics, with possible explicit and implicit applications in structural dynamics, but also in physics and control of any dynamic system (automatics, …).

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Physics Newton Dynamics
Details
Innovation for Impact (i4i) The Carlson-Polizzotto Method of Value Creation (Coursera) Coursera
Northeastern University

Innovation for Impact (i4i) The Carlson-Polizzotto Method of Value Creation (Coursera)

Business

Welcome! Partnering with Tech industry giants Curtis Carlson and Len Polizzotto, Northeastern University brings you “Value Creation: The Carlson-Polizzotto Method” a short-form course experience like no other. Building careers by solving for the value proposition - Curt and Len are responsible for driving the integration of the software technology behind Apple’s voice command intelligent assistant and creating the standard for high definition television - now known to billions today as Siri and HDTV.

Nov 2nd 2026
1 Week
Business Innovation Entrepreneurship
Details
Data and Health Indicators in Public Health Practice (Coursera) Coursera
Johns Hopkins University

Data and Health Indicators in Public Health Practice (Coursera)

Health & Society Medicine & Pharmacology

Epidemiology is often described as the cornerstone science in public health. Epidemiology in public health practice uses study design and analyses to identify causes in an outbreak situation, guides interventions to improve population health, and evaluates programs and policies. In this course, we'll define the role of the professional epidemiologist as it relates to public health services, functions, and competencies. With that foundation in mind, we'll introduce you to the problem solving methodology and demonstrate how it can be used in a wide variety of settings to identify problems, propose solutions, and evaluate interventions.

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks
Health Data Disease
Details
Astro 101: Black Holes (Coursera) Coursera
University of Alberta

Astro 101: Black Holes (Coursera)

Sci: Physics

What is a black hole? Do they really exist? How do they form? How are they related to stars? What would happen if you fell into one? How do you see a black hole if they emit no light? What’s the difference between a black hole and a really dark star? Could a particle accelerator create a black hole? Can a black hole also be a worm hole or a time machine? In Astro 101: Black Holes, you will explore the concepts behind black holes. Using the theme of black holes, you will learn the basic ideas of astronomy, relativity, and quantum physics.

Nov 9th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Astronomy Physics Theory of Relativity
Details
The Finite Element Method for Problems in Physics (Coursera) Coursera
University of Michigan

The Finite Element Method for Problems in Physics (Coursera)

Engineering Sci: Mathematics

This course is an introduction to the finite element method as applicable to a range of problems in physics and engineering sciences. The treatment is mathematical, but only for the purpose of clarifying the formulation. The emphasis is on coding up the formulations in a modern, open-source environment that can be expanded to other applications, subsequently.

Nov 2nd 2026
13-24 Weeks
Math Physics Linear Algebra
Details
Cross Functional Collaboration (Coursera) Coursera
Starweaver

Cross Functional Collaboration (Coursera)

Business

Welcome to the "Cross-Functional Collaboration" course! This course focuses on the principles and strategies for collaborating effectively with colleagues from different functional areas. Through this course, you will learn techniques to overcome challenges, foster teamwork, and leverage diverse perspectives to achieve common goals. The course emphasizes the importance of building a culture of trust and cooperation among team members and covers various techniques to improve communication, manage conflicts, and make informed decisions through collaborative efforts.

Nov 9th 2026
1 Week
Teamwork Decision Making Collaboration
Details
GenAI for Everyone (Coursera) Coursera
Coursera Instructor Network

GenAI for Everyone (Coursera)

Statistics & Data Analysis Data Science

This course offers a foundational journey into the world of Generative AI (GenAI), setting the stage for a comprehensive learning path that delves into the nuanced, role-specific applications of AI. Designed to equip learners with essential GenAI knowledge, this primer is the perfect starting point before progressing through a series of courses tailored to various job functions and roles.

Nov 9th 2026
1 Week
Artificial Intelligence Critical Thinking Problem Solving
Details
Introduction to Engineering Design (Coursera) Coursera
Starweaver

Introduction to Engineering Design (Coursera)

Engineering

In today's fast-paced technological environment, understanding the fundamentals of engineering design is crucial for aspiring engineers and professionals alike. This comprehensive course serves as a primer, introducing participants to key concepts and methodologies essential for designing innovative solutions to complex problems. It provides an overview of the engineering design process, emphasizing the integration of creativity and functionality in problem-solving.

Nov 9th 2026
4 Weeks
Creativity CAD Design Process
Details