Digital library
Textbooks, references and open learning resources.
External
Computational Physics
Y. D. Chong · Nanyang Technological University
An introductory course in computational physics for upper-level undergraduates. Topics covered include numerical linear algebra, eigenvalue problems, sparse matrix problems, numerical integration and initial-value problems, Fourier transforms, and Monte Carlo simulations. Programming examples are based on Scientific Python.
External
Optics
Sander Konijnenberg, Aurèle J.L. Adam, & H. Paul Urbach · Delft University of Technology
This book treats optics at the level of students in the later stage of their bachelor or the beginning of their master. It is assumed that the student is familiar with Maxwell’s equations. Although the book takes account of the fact that optics is part of electromagnetism, special emphasis is put on the usefulness of approximate models of optics, their hierarchy and limits of validity. Approximate models such as geometrical optics and paraxial geometrical optics are treated extensively.
External
Electricity and Magnetism
Jeremy Tatum · University of Victoria
This is the first in a series of chapters on electricity and magnetism. Much of it will be aimed at an introductory level suitable for first or second year students, or perhaps some parts may also be useful at high school level. Occasionally, as I feel inclined, I shall go a little bit further than an introductory level, though the text will not be enough for anyone pursuing electricity and magnetism in a third or fourth year honours class.
External
Soils Laboratory Manual
Colby Moorberg & David Crouse · Kansas State University
In the contents: 03: Soil Physics
External
Open Algebra and Knots
Matthew Salomone · Bridgewater State University
The theory of knots has been well studied since the early 20th century, and has many connections to geometry and topology, and applications to physics, biology, and beyond. We’ll investigate perhaps its most fundamental connection: to algebra. In what ways are knots algebraic objects? How can we use algebraic structures and reasoning to classify knots? And how can this help us to think algebraically beyond the classroom?
External
Astronomy for Educators
Daniel E. Barth · University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Astronomy for Educators provides new and accomplished K-12 instructors with concepts and projects for low-cost, high-impact STEM classroom instruction that is built around the National Academies National Research Council's K-12 Framework for Science Education.
External
Radically Modern Introductory Physics Text I
David J. Raymond · New Mexico Tech
The idea for a “radically modern” introductory physics course arose out of frustration with the standard two-semester treatment of the subject. It is basically impossible to incorporate a significant amount of “modern physics” (meaning post-19th century!) in that format. The authors feel that an introductory physics course for non-majors should make an attempt to cover the great accomplishments of physics in the 20th century, since they form such an important part of our scientific culture.
External
Radically Modern Introductory Physics Text II
David J. Raymond · New Mexico Tech
The idea for a “radically modern” introductory physics course arose out of frustration with the standard two-semester treatment of the subject. Given this structure, a knowledgeable instructor able to offer one-on-one time with students (as in our recitation sections) is essential for student success. The text is most likely to be useful in a sophomore-level course introducing physics majors to the broad world of physics viewed from a modern perspective.
External
Relativity Lite - A Pictorial Translation of Einstein’s Theories of Motion and Gravity
Jack C. Straton · Portland State University
Relativity Lite is designed for courses like my 100-student General Astronomy sequence. Relativity Lite translates the mathematical equations conventional relativity texts rely upon into pictures that are readily understood and contain within them the mathematical essentials. This new book would provide the comprehensive coverage needed to understand, in sufficient depth, these three linked areas of our reality.
External
Introduction to Soil Science Laboratory Manual (Schwyter and Vaughan)
Anna R. Schwyter and Karen L. Vaughan · University of Wyoming
In the contents: 05: Soil Physics and Water Relations
External
Phys1140: Introductory Physics II: Part 1
Elizabeth McCormak · Bowdoin College
Welcome students! Physics 1140 will be using a selection of open electronic resources (OER) to support your learning in this course. The Bowdoin Physics Department has collected sections of the OpenStax University Physics OER textbook and arranged them in parts 1 and 2 according to the material we will discuss. Part 1 provides information, sample problems, and online simulations for the first half of the course. Part 2 provides the same for the remainder of the course.
External
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Niels Walet · University of Manchester
In the contents: 01: A History of Particle Physics · 1.01: Nobel Prizes in Particle Physics · 1.02: A Timeline of Particle Physics
External
Physics Formulas
Johan Wevers · Eindhoven University of Technology
In the contents: 1.07: Statistical Physics · 1.10: Quantum Physics · 1.11: Plasma physics
External
Essential Graduate Physics - Classical Mechanics
Konstantin K. Likharev · Stony Brook University
includes: Electric Charge Interaction; Charges and Conductors; Polarization of Dielectrics; DC Currents; Magnetism; Time-Dependent Electromagnetism; Electromagnetic Wave Propagation; Radiation, Scattering, Interference, and Diffraction; Special Relativity; Radiation by Relativistic Charges
External
UCD: Physics 9C - Electricity and Magnetism
Tom Weideman · University of California, Davis
Physics 9C introduces general principles and analytical methods used in electricity & magnetism for physical science and engineering majors.
External
Mechanics and Relativity
Timon Idema · Delft University of Technology
In Mechanics and Relativity, the reader is taken on a tour through time and space. Starting from the basic axioms formulated by Newton and Einstein, the theory of motion at both the everyday and the highly relativistic level is developed without the need of prior knowledge. Applications covered in the book span a wide range of physical phenomena, including rocket motion, spinning tennis rackets and high-energy particle collisions.
External
Introduction to the Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Photons (Benedict)
Mihály Benedict · University of Szeged
These lecture notes have been prepared to give an introduction into the foundations of atomic and molecular physics with an emphasis on the interaction of these atomic systems with light, and in more general, with electromagnetic fields. Modern technology is based more and more on the laws and properties of micro-world, so it seems necessary to understand the most important rules and methods of this field of a physics student.
External
Stellar Atmospheres
Jeremy Tatum · University of Victoria
This textbook presents a physics-based introduction to stellar atmospheres, covering radiation theory, blackbody radiation, and radiative transfer. It explains how absorption, scattering, and atomic processes shape stellar spectra, linking quantum mechanics and statistical physics to line formation, broadening, and limb darkening, and concludes with tools like the curve of growth for interpreting observations.
External
The Fundamentals of Stellar Astrophysics
George W. Collins II · Ohio State University
This book offers a rigorous, theory-driven overview of stellar astrophysics, from the physics of matter, energy generation, and transport to full models of stellar structure and evolution. It covers main-sequence and post–main-sequence stars, relativistic and rotating stars, pulsations, and stellar atmospheres, linking fundamental physics to observable stellar properties and spectra.
External
Biophysics 241: Membrane Biology
Roland Faller · University of California, Davis
Advanced topics on membrane biochemistry and biophysics. Relationship of the unique properties of biomembranes to their roles in cell biology and physiology.