History of Physics
From the Copernican revolution to quantum field theory — trace the ideas, experiments, and personalities that built our understanding of the physical universe.
About This Course
This course traces the development of physics from the Scientific Revolution of the 16th century through the great unifications of the 19th century, the revolutionary discoveries of the 20th century, and the frontiers of modern research. Along the way, we encounter the brilliant minds — and fierce debates — that shaped our understanding of nature.
Organized into six chronological parts with 19 chapters, supplemented by over 100 documentary films and lectures, the course provides a comprehensive journey through the history of physical science.
Course Structure
The Scientific Revolution
Copernicus, Galileo, and Kepler overthrow the ancient cosmos and lay the foundations of modern science.
Newton & the Age of Reason
Newton unifies terrestrial and celestial mechanics, the Royal Society institutionalizes science, and optics reveals the nature of light.
Heat, Energy & Chemistry
The chemical revolution transforms our understanding of matter, the steam engine drives industrialization, and thermodynamics unifies energy.
Electricity & Magnetism
From Benjamin Franklin's kite to Maxwell's equations, the electromagnetic revolution transforms civilization.
The Atomic Revolution
Radioactivity, relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics shatter classical certainties and reshape our world.
Modern Physics
Particle physics, cosmology, and cutting-edge research continue to push the boundaries of human knowledge.
Timeline Highlights
Recommended Reading
- The Structure of Scientific Revolutions — Thomas S. Kuhn (1962)
- The Sleepwalkers — Arthur Koestler (1959)
- The Elegant Universe — Brian Greene (1999)
- QED: The Strange Theory of Light and Matter — Richard Feynman (1985)
- Thirty Years that Shook Physics — George Gamow (1966)
- The Making of the Atomic Bomb — Richard Rhodes (1986)
The Prize Courses — Modern Physics’ Roll of Honour
The history of 20th- and 21st-century physics can be told as a history of its prizes. Each course below collects laureate lectures and biographical material in one place.
Nobel Physics →
The benchmark global physics prize since 1901 — 35 laureate lectures (2013–2025).
Nobel Chemistry →
The benchmark global chemistry prize since 1901 — 37 laureate lectures (2013–2025).
Fields Medal & Abel Prize →
The two top mathematics honours, with the complete Abel Prize laureate-interview archive (2003–2025).
Dirac Medal of ICTP →
ICTP Trieste annual award for theoretical physics, since 1985 — laureate lectures + ICTP Distinguished Conversations.
Max Planck Medal →
DPG’s highest honour for theoretical physics, since 1929 — laureate lectures plus the Lise Meitner Lecture series.
Crafoord Astronomy →
Royal Swedish Academy honours in astronomy and astrophysics.
Crafoord Geosciences →
Royal Swedish Academy honours in geosciences and climate.
Crafoord Biosciences →
Royal Swedish Academy honours in evolutionary biology and ecology.