What are the best fluid mechanics courses on Coursera?

Top options include Fundamentals of Fluid Power from the University of Minnesota and Introduction to Thermodynamics: Transferring Energy from Here to There from the University of Michigan , which includes foundational fluid dynamics concepts. These courses explore topics like pressure, flow, conservation laws, and applications in mechanical and civil engineering .

Can I study fluid mechanics for free on Coursera?

Yes. Many courses related to fluid mechanics offer a free audit option, allowing learners to access video lessons and readings at no cost. To complete assignments or earn a certificate, you’ll need to pay or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a fluid mechanics course?

You’ll learn how fluids behave under various conditions, how to apply the principles of continuity, momentum, and energy, and how to solve practical problems involving flow through pipes, around objects, and in open channels. Some courses also introduce CFD (computational fluid dynamics) tools and simulations.

Do I need an engineering or physics background to take a fluid mechanics course?

Some basic understanding of calculus and physics is helpful, as fluid mechanics involves mathematical modeling and physical laws. That said, some introductory courses explain concepts step by step for learners new to the subject.

Can learning fluid mechanics on Coursera support my academic or professional goals?

Yes. Fluid mechanics is fundamental in fields like mechanical , civil , aerospace , and environmental engineering . Whether you're preparing for exams, building engineering knowledge, or working in industry, Coursera courses can help strengthen your foundation and support career development.

Best Fluid Mechanics Courses & Certificates Online [2025]

Find the Best Fluid Mechanics Course for Your Goals

Status: Free
University of Minnesota
Fundamentals of Fluid Power
Skills you'll gain: Hydraulics, Mechanical Engineering, Schematic Diagrams, Simulation and Simulation Software, Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Control Systems, Automation Engineering, Engineering Calculations, Mechanics, Matlab, Physics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Computational Fluid Mechanics - Airflow Around a Spoiler
Skills you'll gain: Simulation and Simulation Software, Engineering Analysis, Engineering, Prototyping, Computer-Aided Design, Cloud Computing
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
366 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Preview
Siemens
Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics
Skills you'll gain: Engineering Analysis, Thermal Management, Hydraulics, Mechanical Engineering, Simulations, Numerical Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Chemical Engineering, Differential Equations, Scientific Visualization, Physics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
170 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
ISAE-SUPAERO
Fundamentals of Flight mechanics
Skills you'll gain: Mechanics, Thermal Management, Mechanical Engineering, Hazard Analysis, Physical Science, Simulations, Applied Mathematics, Systems Of Measurement, Vibrations, Engineering Analysis, Control Systems, Engineering Calculations, Physics, Energy and Utilities, Mathematical Modeling
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
564 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Coursera Project Network
CFD Simulation Through a Centrifugal Pump
Skills you'll gain: Simulation and Simulation Software, Simulations, Engineering Design Process, Finite Element Methods, Engineering Analysis, Hydraulics, Cloud-Based Integration, Verification And Validation, Mathematical Modeling
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
282 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Statistical Thermodynamics
Skills you'll gain: Chemical Engineering, Quantitative Research, Chemistry, Thermal Management, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Calculations, Numerical Analysis, Energy and Utilities, Engineering Analysis, Statistical Methods, Differential Equations, Physics, Engineering, Simulation and Simulation Software, Mechanics, Oil and Gas, Probability Distribution, Materials science, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.1K reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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Status: Free Trial
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Vector Calculus for Engineers
Skills you'll gain: Integral Calculus, Calculus, Engineering, Geometry, Advanced Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Derivatives
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Georgia Institute of Technology
Introduction to Engineering Mechanics
Skills you'll gain: Engineering Analysis, Mechanics, Torque (Physics), Engineering Calculations, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering, Civil Engineering, Structural Analysis, Applied Mathematics, Trigonometry
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.1K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Northwestern University
Modern Robotics: Mechanics, Planning, and Control
Skills you'll gain: Machine Controls, Control Systems, Automation Engineering, Mathematical Modeling, Mathematical Software, Simulation and Simulation Software, Engineering Calculations, Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Torque (Physics), Applied Mathematics, Engineering Analysis, Automation, Engineering, Virtual Environment, Robotic Process Automation, Graph Theory, Matlab, Computer Programming Tools
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
HTML, CSS, and Javascript for Web Developers
Skills you'll gain: Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), HTML and CSS, Javascript, Ajax, Responsive Web Design, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Front-End Web Development, Web Design, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Browser Compatibility, Web Design and Development, Web Development, JSON, Web Applications, Scripting, Usability, Cross Platform Development, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Event-Driven Programming, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
L&T EduTech
Single-Phase Pipe Hydraulics and Pipe Sizing
Skills you'll gain: Hydraulics, Engineering Analysis, Engineering Calculations, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Flow Diagrams, Process Analysis, Mathematical Modeling
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
49 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
FEM - Linear, Nonlinear Analysis & Post-Processing
Skills you'll gain: Finite Element Methods, Engineering Analysis, Simulation and Simulation Software, Engineering Calculations, Mathematical Modeling, Structural Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
192 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours