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Introduction to Physics

This course creates a foundation for learning advanced physics by focusing on the fundamental tools used in high school physics and beyond. For example, students will learn how physicists apply tools such as dimensional analysis, extreme case reasoning, and symmetries to understand the relationship between mathematical models and the real world. They’ll also learn the elements of experimental physics, including designing experiments, measuring uncertainty, and analyzing data. Learning core physics practices, like estimation and techniques for physics problem solving, are built into the course curriculum as well.

12 weeks

Diagnostics

ARE YOU READY? DO YOU NEED THIS?

Documents

SYLLABUS
12 weeks ARE YOU READY? DO YOU NEED THIS? SYLLABUS  

Schedule

Tuesday
Sep 2 - Nov 18
7:30 - 9:00
PM ET
Sep 2 - Nov 18
7:30 - 9:00 PM Eastern
6:30 - 8:00 PM Central
5:30 - 7:00 PM Mountain
4:30 - 6:00 PM Pacific
Click here to see more time zones
$400 (~$34/lesson)
$400 (~$34/lesson)
CLOSED
Sunday
Oct 5 - Jan 11
7:30 - 9:00
PM ET
Oct 5 - Jan 11
7:30 - 9:00 PM Eastern
6:30 - 8:00 PM Central
5:30 - 7:00 PM Mountain
4:30 - 6:00 PM Pacific
Click here to see more time zones
$400 (~$34/lesson)
$400 (~$34/lesson)
CLOSED
Wednesday
Dec 10 - Mar 11
7:30 - 9:00
PM ET
Dec 10 - Mar 11
7:30 - 9:00 PM Eastern
6:30 - 8:00 PM Central
5:30 - 7:00 PM Mountain
4:30 - 6:00 PM Pacific
Click here to see more time zones
$400 (~$34/lesson)
$400 (~$34/lesson)
ENROLL
Tuesday
Feb 3 - Apr 21
7:30 - 9:00
PM ET
Feb 3 - Apr 21
7:30 - 9:00 PM Eastern
6:30 - 8:00 PM Central
5:30 - 7:00 PM Mountain
4:30 - 6:00 PM Pacific
Click here to see more time zones
$400 (~$34/lesson)
$400 (~$34/lesson)
ENROLL
Sunday
Mar 29 - Jun 21
7:30 - 9:00
PM ET
Mar 29 - Jun 21
7:30 - 9:00 PM Eastern
6:30 - 8:00 PM Central
5:30 - 7:00 PM Mountain
4:30 - 6:00 PM Pacific
Click here to see more time zones
$400 (~$34/lesson)
$400 (~$34/lesson)
ENROLL

AoPS Holidays

There are no classes November 24 ‐ November 30, December 20 ‐ January 2, May 23 ‐ 25, July 3 ‐ 5, September 5 ‐ 7, and October 31 2026.

Who Should Take?

This is our foundational course for learning physics. It is intended for high school-level students who want to explore the way that physicists approach problems and prepare to study specific physics topics (like Mechanics or Electricity and Magnetism) in future courses. This course does not assume specific knowledge of physics. This course assumes competency with algebra; we recommend having taken at least Introduction to Algebra A at AoPS or having equivalent knowledge.

Lessons

1 Designing Experiments
2 Measurement
3 Communication in Physics
4 Uncertainty
5 Working with Equations
6 Building and Using Models
7 Problem Solving
8 Estimation
9 Working with Graphs
10 Analyzing Nonlinear Data
11 Thought Experiments
12 Conservation Laws

Introduction to Algebra A is an amazing class. AoPS has made me truly love mathematics. It covers the course material at a pace that allows you to learn a ton and not be bored by reciting stuff over and over. The explanations are clear and the problems are challenging and fun. I like it so much, I'm already signed up for Introduction to Algebra B.