Fundamentals of Physics
About This Course
A complete Level 1 grounding in the physics every technician needs: measurement and mechanics, fluids and heat, electricity and magnetism, waves, sound and light, and an introduction to modern physics. Each lesson pairs a video class with a comprehensive written chapter, worked examples and classwork, and ends with its own test – fifty questions drawn at random from a large bank, which you can retake until you pass.
Course Content
Measurement and Mechanics
Start with the language of physics and the mechanics behind every machine. You will cover physical quantities, units and measurement, vectors and scalars, and the full study of motion — speed, acceleration, momentum, impulse and Newton's laws — through to projectile motion, work, energy, power and simple machines, laying the groundwork for all technical calculation.
Fluids and Thermal Physics
Understand how fluids and heat behave in industrial systems. This module covers equilibrium and buoyancy, pressure in fluids and surface tension, and thermal physics — temperature and thermometers, heat energy, the kinetic theory, the gas laws and the particle nature of matter — the principles behind hydraulics, cooling and pressure equipment.
Fields, Electricity and Magnetism
Master the fields and circuits that power modern technology. You will study gravitational and magnetic fields, magnetism and electromagnetism, electrostatics and electric fields, the fundamentals of electricity, alternating-current circuits and electrolysis — the electrical foundation for installation, motors and control work.
Waves, Sound and Optics
Explore how energy travels as waves, sound and light. This module introduces wave motion and its properties, sound waves, simple harmonic motion and electromagnetic waves, then light waves and mirrors, refraction and total internal reflection, and optical instruments — connecting theory to communication, imaging and measurement technology.
Modern Physics
Meet the physics of the atom and beyond. You will examine atomic models and structure, quantum physics and wave-particle duality, radioactivity, and the difference between crystalline and amorphous solids — the ideas that underpin electronics, nuclear technology and modern materials.




