Courses

Introduction to Mechanics (CC BY)

In this course, we will study physics from the ground up, learning the basic principles of physical laws, their application to the behavior of objects, and the use of the scientific method in driving advances in this knowledge. This course will cover the area of physics known as classical mechanics. Classical mechanics is the study of motion based on the physics of Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton. While mathematics is the language of physics, you will only need to be familiar with high school level algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. The small amount of additional math and calculus that we need will be developed during the course.

Simulations

PhET Simulations (CC BY)

PhET provides fun, free, interactive, research-based science and mathematics simulations. We extensively test and evaluate each simulation to ensure educational effectiveness. These tests include student interviews and observation of simulation use in classrooms. The simulations are written in Java, Flash or HTML5, and can be run online or downloaded to your computer.

Physics Fundamentals (CC BY)

A collection of videos and simulations on different topics in physics.

Supplemental Materials

Downloadable images (CC BY-SA)

• Ohm’s Law variations

Textbooks

Advanced Library Skills for Physics Research (CC BY)

Literature searching and information evaluation for upper level undergraduates and Master’s students, from the University of Alberta Library.

BCIT Physics 0312 Textbook (CC BY)

An adaptation of OpenStax’s College Physics for courses at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Calculus-Based Physics I (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Calculus-Based Physics is an introductory physics textbook designed for use in the two-semester introductory physics course typically taken by science and engineering students. This is the first of two textbooks for this course.

Calculus-Based Physics II (CC BY-SA 2.5)

Calculus-Based Physics is an introductory physics textbook designed for use in the two-semester introductory physics course typically taken by science and engineering students. This is the second of two textbooks for this course.

College Physics 2e. (CC BY 4.0)

College Physics 2e introduces topics conceptually and progresses through clear explanations in the context of career-oriented, practical applications, and meets the scope and sequence of an algebra-based physics course. The narrative of physics and scientific discovery has been even further expanded to focus on including more diverse contributors to the field. Building on the success of the first edition the authors have increased focus on interdisciplinary connections, including enhancements to biological and medical applications. The problem solving approach has been revised to further unify conceptual, analytical, and calculation skills within the learning process, the authors have integrated a wide array of strategies and supports throughout the text for students.

Introduction to Electricity, Magnetism, and Circuits (CC BY)

This textbook emphasizes connections between theory and application, making physics concepts interesting and accessible to students while maintaining the mathematical rigour inherent in the subject. Frequent, strong examples focus on how to approach a problem, how to work with the equations, and how to check and generalize the result.This book is an adaptation of University Physics: Volume 2 (OpenStax).

Linear Algebra: A Course for Physicists and Engineers (CC BY-NC-ND)

This open textbook is meant for courses on space and atmospheric science, remote sensing, geographic information systems, meteorology, climate and satellite communications at UN-affiliated regional centers, various applications of the formal theory are discussed as well. These include differential equations, statistics, optimization and some engineering-motivated problems in physics.

Physics LibreTexts Library (CC BY-NC-SA)

A collection of open textbooks, assignments, and other educational resources on sujects related to physics.

University Physics I: Classical Mechanics (CC BY-NC)

This is a “minimalist” textbook for a first semester of university, calculus-based physics, covering classical mechanics (including one chapter on mechanical waves, but excluding fluids), plus a brief introduction to thermodynamics. The presentation owes much to Mazur’s The Principles and Practice of Physics: conservation laws, momentum and energy, are introduced before forces, and one-dimensional setups are thoroughly explored before two-dimensional systems are considered.

University Physics Volumes 1, 2 and 3 (CC BY 4.0)

University Physics is a three-volume collection that meets the scope and sequence requirements for two- and three-semester calculus-based physics courses. Volume 1 covers mechanics, sound, oscillations, and waves. Volume 2 covers thermodynamics, electricity, and magnetism, and Volume 3 covers optics and modern physics. This textbook emphasizes connections between theory and application, making physics concepts interesting and accessible to students while maintaining the mathematical rigor inherent in the subject. Frequent, strong examples focus on how to approach a problem, how to work with the equations, and how to check and generalize the result.

Videos

Discovery of the Higgs Boson (CC BY-NC)

A collection of 35 videos addressing the discovery of the Higgs Boson.

Fluid Mechanics Video Playlist (CC BY-NC)

A collection of 40+ videos by the School of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh on various topics in Fluid Mechanics.

Websites

Open Physics (CC BY)

An interactive map of physics subjects that allows students to navigate through topics and read simpler or more complex versions of a concept.