“If only I knew how to evaluate these new studies”.
Sound familiar?
Approaching the world of published scientific information and data may appear daunting, but it does not necessarily have to be that way. This course will demystify the seemingly complex field of scientific studies, even for those students with no specialized background in scientific research. This is more than just a course; it's your passport to understanding the realm of science publication. You don’t have to outsource your thinking and analysis to those who may not have your best interests in mind!
The video embedded above is the first lesson from a previous round of this exciting course. If you find this interesting, then consider registering for the upcoming iteration of the course!
Instructor: James Lyons-Weiler, PhD
SYLLABUS (Subject to Change)
Course Description: This is an online course designed to empower individuals to know the landscape and layout of scientific studies. Topics will include the basics like types of studies, how to find published studies and preprints, how to access supplemental material, what to expect to find in specific sections of a typical peer-reviewed study, including the abstract, introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion, acknowledgements, funding information, conflicts of interest, and citations; how to approach an author for access to data and software; how and why to respond to studies that are flawed and/or unethical. Course material will include case studies of specific publications – both well-done and flawed. Course assignments will include finding specific types of studies. By the end of the course, students will be comfortable navigating the familiar territory of published scientific studies.
Week 1. Types of Studies
Week 2. Where to Find Studies
Week 3. Publication Anatomy 1 – Title and Abstract
Week 4. Publication Anatomy 2 – Introduction
Week 5. Publication Anatomy 3 – Materials and Methods
Week 6. Publication Anatomy 4 – Results (Text, Figures, Tables)
Week 7. Publication Anatomy 5 – Discussion
Week 8. Publication Anatomy 6 – Affiliations, Disclosures, Acknowledgements
Week 9. Publication Anatomy 7 – Citations
Week 10. Wrap-Up and Overview
Learn to Read & Interpret a Scientific Study! IPAK-EDU Analytics 100, Unit 1.