The course provides a broad view of how to become and progress as a researcher. It spans over a wide range of topics, from the historical development of scientific thought to research methodology, to the pragmatics of publication, research funding, evaluation, and promotion in a researcher’s career. It also stresses the ethical aspects of research. Although the course speaks about scientific research in general, it especially focuses on the field on Information and Communication Science and Technology.
Offered By
Being a researcher (in Information Science and Technology)
Politecnico di MilanoAbout this Course
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Shareable Certificate
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Beginner Level
Approx. 7 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
Skills you will gain
publicationsevaluating researchResearch Methodologyresearch ethicsResearch
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Beginner Level
Approx. 7 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: English
Offered by
Politecnico di Milano
Politecnico di Milano is a scientific-technological University, which trains engineers, architects and industrial designers.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1 hour to complete
WEEK 1 - Research and its context
Week 1 has an introductory and motivational purpose. It faces the following questions: What is science? What is scientific research? What is the relation between scientific progress and the progress of society? What is the relation between research and innovation? Why should researchers engage themselves publicly?
1 hour to complete
4 videos (Total 30 min)
4 videos
What is science? What is scientific research?7m
Scientific progress and the progress of society6m
Research, innovation and public engagement8m
1 practice exercise
Weekly Quiz 130m
1 hour to complete
WEEK 2 - Research Methodology
Week 2 focuses on research methods. It discusses the interplay between invention — the creative act that identifies an interesting open problem and a possible solution — and validation — the meticulous process through which the identified solution is critically evaluated. It briefly discusses the historical evolution of the notion of a “scientific method”, through which research results are validated, mainly developed in the context of physical and natural sciences. Then it broadens the analysis to other kinds of research, and in particular ICST research.
1 hour to complete
6 videos (Total 46 min)
6 videos
The scientific method: a historical perspective8m
Lesson learned from the history of science7m
The logic of scientific discoveries10m
The limits of discoveries8m
Experimental validation of research results9m
1 practice exercise
Weekly quiz 230m
1 hour to complete
WEEK 3 - The products of research: publications and beyond
The results of research (its products) are used to develop further research and lead to industrial innovations and societal changes. Week 3 focuses on the diffusion process of research products. The main way of diffusing research results is through scientific publications. The traditional publication process is analysed and recent trends towards open access are also discussed. Other kinds of research products, which take the form of artifacts, like data sets or research prototypes, are also discussed.
1 hour to complete
6 videos (Total 52 min)
6 videos
Writing a research paper10m
The peer review process10m
The publication world7m
Other forms of diffusion8m
Towards open access10m
1 practice exercise
Weekly Quiz 330m
1 hour to complete
WEEK 4 - The researcher's progress
Week 4 focuses on the researcher’s career progress in his/her professional life, from being a researcher-in-formation to becoming a junior independent researcher to maturing into an established research leader. In particular, it discusses the skills one needs to acquire and provides tips of advice on how to progress successfully.
1 hour to complete
4 videos (Total 30 min)
4 videos
Researcher in formation6m
Acquiring and mastering the necessary skills5m
The indipendent researcher10m
1 practice exercise
Weekly Quiz 430m
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Once you enroll for a Certificate, you’ll have access to all videos, quizzes, and programming assignments (if applicable). Peer review assignments can only be submitted and reviewed once your session has begun. If you choose to explore the course without purchasing, you may not be able to access certain assignments.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
What is the refund policy?
You will be eligible for a full refund until two weeks after your payment date, or (for courses that have just launched) until two weeks after the first session of the course begins, whichever is later. You cannot receive a refund once you’ve earned a Course Certificate, even if you complete the course within the two-week refund period. See our full refund policy.
Is financial aid available?
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Will I earn university credit for completing the Course?
This Course doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Course Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more. Online Degrees and Mastertrack™ Certificates on Coursera provide the opportunity to earn university credit.
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