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Introduction to Mechanics: Kinematics and Dynamics

Learn about kinematics and dynamics in this calculus-based physics course.

Introduction to Mechanics: Kinematics and Dynamics

Learn about kinematics and dynamics in this calculus-based physics course.

Mechanics is the study of the physics of motion and how it relates to applied forces. It lays the foundation of understanding the world around us through the how and why of motion.

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This online physics course is the first in the xSeries that covers calculus-based mechanics. In this course, you will learn kinematics – the geometric description of motion – in the context of one-dimensional, multi-dimensional, and circular motion. It also reviews Newton’s laws of motion and examines their real-world applications.

The xSeries in Introduction to Mechanics is a four-part series of online courses that is based on the MIT subject 8.01: Physics I, required of all MIT undergraduates.

  1. Mechanics: Kinematics and Dynamics
  2. Mechanics: Momentum and Energy
  3. Mechanics: Rotational Dynamics
  4. Mechanics: Simple Harmonic Motion and Non-Inertial Reference Frames

All four courses will be launching in Fall 2024.


*The course image is a picture of an MIT building with the name Newton prominently displayed.

What you'll learn

  • Kinematics
  • Newton’s Laws
  • Circular Motion
  • Resistive Forces. Constraints, and Massive Ropes

Prerequisites

High school physics

  • Calculus 1A: Differentiation
  • Calculus 1B: Integration
  • Calculus 1C: Coordinate Systems & Infinite Series

Meet your instructors

  • Featured image for Krishna Rajagopal
    William A. M. Burden Professor of Physics
  • Featured image for Peter Dourmaskin
    Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physics at MIT
  • Featured image for Analia Barrantes
    Physics Lecturer at the Experimental Study Group at MIT
  • Featured image for Saif Rayyan
    Former Assistant Director of Academic Programs at the MIT Abdul Latif Jameel World Education Lab (J-WEL).
  • Featured image for Michelle Tomasik
    Lecturer in the Department of Physics at MIT
  • Featured image for George Stephans
    Senior Research Scientist in the Laboratory for Nuclear Science and a Senior Lecturer in the Physics Department at MIT

Who can take this course?

Because of U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) restrictions and other U.S. federal regulations, learners residing in one or more of the following countries or regions will not be able to register for this course: Iran, Cuba, Syria, North Korea and the Crimea, Donetsk People's Republic and Luhansk People's Republic regions of Ukraine.