SCI S330 Scientific Research Methods (Free Courseware)

Fundamentals of scientific research

Research plays a vital role in addressing questions. Through research we can develop results that can help to answer these questions. Scientists — as well as science 1 students — must learn that conducting scientific research requires an understanding of the whole research process. This module focuses on the fundamentals and the beginning steps of the research process, including identifying research problems, asking research questions and formulating hypotheses. It will help you to understand what research is, and the many forms it can take.

This module is subdivided into four sections:

1. The fundamentals  This section illustrates what science and research are, and explains each step of the research process. You’ll also be introduced to the tools that researchers typically use to achieve their research goals.
2. Identifying problems This section discusses ways of setting up research projects; in particular, we’ll focus on the skills you will need to identify research problems, as well as how to break down a research problem into subproblems.
3. Asking questions This section highlights the basic considerations and skills you need to ask research questions.