Cracking Mechanics: Further Maths for Engineers (FutureLearn)

Offered by University of Bristol,
Cracking Mechanics: Further Maths for Engineers (FutureLearn)

Practise the maths, learn the physics, and find out how engineers use both to solve real world problems. The aim of this free online course is to introduce you to some of the physics and maths that engineers find useful. The content comprises: parts of A-level maths and further maths (mechanics); the physical laws which this maths is used to model; and examples of how these skills are employed in mechanical, aerospace, civil, environmental, materials and electrical engineering.

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

The course is run over six weeks, and every week has a different theme, such as forces, motion or energy. Each week is split into bite-sized chunks, taking less than 30 minutes per day. You’ll watch videos, read articles, answer questions, do tests and quizzes, and discuss problems with other learners and help them with their problems too.

You’ll learn maths skills like: calculus (integration, differentiation, and solving differential equations); trigonometry (e.g. resolving forces); and geometry (calculating where things are). You’ll learn laws of physics like Newton’s laws of motion and the laws of thermodynamics. Finally, you’ll see how these tools and principles allow engineers to design: planes, cars, skyscrapers, bridges, dams, ICT networks, self-healing materials, robots, water treatment systems, wind turbines, hydro-power systems, biofuel plants.
The course is designed to be adaptable to your needs with quick questions (to check knowledge) and optional work sheets (so you can focus on areas that are new to you or practise skills that you want to improve). The aim of the course is to “have a go, get it wrong, and learn some new skills and knowledge”, it is certainly not to complete every single task perfectly.

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

Related Courses

Understanding Maths and Logic in Computer Science (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Raspberry Pi Foundation

Understanding Maths and Logic in Computer Science (FutureLearn)

Improve your understanding and ability to teach maths and logic in computing while building elements of an escape room. Become more familiar with maths and logic in computer science. The mathematical aspects of computer science can be difficult to understand and teach. On this course, you will be introduced to maths and logic in computing in an engaging way.

Nov 1st 2021
3 Weeks
Studying in Italian - Science and Mathematics: a MOVE-ME Project Course (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
The Open University,Università per Stranieri di Siena - UniStraSi,NUI Galway

Studying in Italian - Science and Mathematics: a MOVE-ME Project Course (FutureLearn)

Study Science and Maths in Italian and develop the skills you need when you take part in a European student mobility programme. Each year thousands of students travel across Europe to study in a foreign language like Italian. This can be daunting, even for those who are fluent. This online course from UniStraSi will help, guiding you through the peculiarities of academic discourse in Italian, and enabling you to understand and produce written and aural academic texts.

No sessions available
5-12 Weeks
Analysis of Algorithms (Coursera) Coursera
Princeton University

Analysis of Algorithms (Coursera)

This course teaches a calculus that enables precise quantitative predictions of large combinatorial structures. In addition, this course covers generating functions and real asymptotics and then introduces the symbolic method in the context of applications in the analysis of algorithms and basic structures such as permutations, trees, strings, words, and mappings.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Quantum Optics 1 : Single Photons (Coursera) Coursera
École Polytechnique

Quantum Optics 1 : Single Photons (Coursera)

This course gives you access to basic tools and concepts to understand research articles and books on modern quantum optics. You will learn about quantization of light, formalism to describe quantum states of light without any classical analogue, and observables allowing one to demonstrate typical quantum properties of these states. These tools will be applied to the emblematic case of a one-photon wave packet, which behaves both as a particle and a wave.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
The Discovery of the Higgs Boson (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Edinburgh

The Discovery of the Higgs Boson (FutureLearn)

Should we be excited about the Higgs boson? Find out more about particle physics and understanding the universe. The discovery of a new fundamental particle at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), CERN is the latest step in a long quest seeking to answer one of physics’ most enduring questions: why do particles have mass? The experiments’ much anticipated success confirms predictions made decades earlier by Peter Higgs and others, and offers a glimpse into a universe of physics beyond the Standard Model.

Self Paced
5-12 Weeks
Mathematics for Computer Science: Essential Skills (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Hull

Mathematics for Computer Science: Essential Skills (FutureLearn)

Strengthen key maths skills needed in computer science, including Venn diagrams, algebra techniques and set theory notation. Gain confidence in mathematics to kickstart your career in computer science. If you are approaching or considering degree-level study in computer science, you may wish to strengthen your understanding of key mathematical techniques.

Available now
3 Weeks
World Class Maths: Asian Teaching Methods (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Macmillan Education

World Class Maths: Asian Teaching Methods (FutureLearn)

Learn about the global success of primary maths teaching methods in Asia, and apply techniques to your own practice. Discover how to use world-class maths teaching methods in your own lessons. Get an introduction to Asian maths teaching methods for primary education, with this course from Macmillan Education and University of Southampton. On this course, you’ll find out about the key features of Asian maths teaching methods and what makes them so successful.

No sessions available
4 Weeks
Numeracy Skills for Employability and the Workplace (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Loughborough University

Numeracy Skills for Employability and the Workplace (FutureLearn)

Improve your mathematical confidence and gain the skills to pass employers’ numeracy tests with this free online course. In our highly technical world numeracy skills, particularly the ability to interpret data, are becoming increasingly important and are highly sought after by employers. A lack of mathematical confidence and poor numeracy skills are barriers to employment as numeracy tests are increasingly part of the recruitment process, often early on.

No sessions available
3 Weeks
Introduction to Thermodynamics (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Hull

Introduction to Thermodynamics (FutureLearn)

Discover the laws of thermodynamics as you learn how to calculate chemical properties and predict chemical reactions. Get an introduction to thermodynamic properties and systems. Curious about thermodynamics or thinking about studying it at university? This short course from the University of Hull offers a short introduction to the fundamentals of thermodynamics – the branch of physics that deals with heat and its relation to energy.

Available now
3 Weeks
Understanding Superstructures (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Liverpool

Understanding Superstructures (FutureLearn)

Discover the mechanics behind the natural and man-made structures that make up our world with this free online course. Despite being surrounded by both man-made and natural structures, we don’t often think about what it takes to keep them standing. This course will introduce the mechanics of solids and structures that govern the performance of these essential structures.

No sessions available
5-12 Weeks
Principles of Engineering (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
King's College London

Principles of Engineering (FutureLearn)

Gain a fascinating introduction to engineering principles and learn about key engineering skills, processes, and technologies. Develop your understanding of engineering design and the role of an engineer. This four-week course will develop your engineering skills and understanding for university study and work. You’ll gain a thorough introduction to engineering principles, engineering design, and leading engineering technologies.

Self Paced
4 Weeks