A starter’s guide to Open Science from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1 - Introduction to Open Science

In this module, we will talk about the history and foundational ideas of open science. We will then explore similarities between open science principles and ethical standards of research. Finally, we will highlight the benefits of open science for individual researchers, research disciplines, and society.

Module 2 - Open Access

In this module, we will talk about the definition and history of open access. We will learn the most common types of open access, and we will highlight the benefits of open access for individual researchers and society.

Module 3 - Open Data 

In this module, we will talk about the definition of research data and what does open data means. We will then learn about the FAIR principles and finally we will talk about data repositories.

Module 4 - Open Materials

In this module, we will talk about the definition of research materials and what does open materials is. We will then learn about examples of materials and how can researchers share these materials.

Module 5 - Preregistration and Registered Reports 

In this module, we will introduce preregistration and highlight its usefulness by using clinical trials as an example. We will also introduce a special article format called Registered Reports and show how it can help mitigate cognitive biases and issues associated with current incentives in academic publishing.

Module 6 - Open Educational Resources 

In this module, we will introduce open educational resources, we will present a few examples and discuss the benefits and challenges of creating and using Open Educational Resources.

Module 7 - Open Engaged Research

In this module, we will explore the connection between engaged and open research, we will present ways and examples of this connection and discuss the process and challenges of Open Engaged Research.

Module 8 - Open Evaluation 

In this module, we will explore some new trends in the evaluation of research performance. We will briefly describe the current evaluation practices to highlight why open science offers a new perspective on research evaluation on three different levels: individual, institutional, and international.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches the values and practices of open science and how researchers can implement them

Taught by professors and researchers at Erasmus University Rotterdam, and Risbo B.V

This course covers the importance of open science in research

Explores different types of open science practices, including open access, open data, and open materials

Examines the benefits and challenges of open science practices

Provides practical examples of how to implement open science practices in research

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in A starter’s guide to Open Science with these activities:

Review your understanding of research ethics

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Refresh your knowledge of research ethics to ensure that you are conducting research in an ethical and responsible manner.

Browse courses on Research Ethics

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Read through the Belmont Report.

Practice using open data repositories

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Practice using open data repositories to find and access research data.

Browse courses on Open Data

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Identify an open data repository relevant to your research interests.
Search for and download a dataset from the repository.

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Career center

Learners who complete A starter’s guide to Open Science will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct scientific research to advance knowledge in a particular field. This course can help aspiring Research Scientists develop a strong understanding of open science principles and practices, which are essential for conducting rigorous and reproducible research. Open science promotes transparency and collaboration, which can help Research Scientists to build a strong reputation and credibility in their field.

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Science Outreach Specialist

Science Outreach Specialists are responsible for engaging the public with science and technology. This course can help aspiring Science Outreach Specialists develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively communicate open science principles and practices to a broad audience. Open science emphasizes accessibility and transparency, which are essential for ensuring that scientific information is widely understood and disseminated.

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Medical Writer

Medical Writers communicate complex medical information to a variety of audiences, including patients, healthcare professionals, and the general public. This course can help aspiring Medical Writers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively communicate open science principles and practices to a broad audience. Open science emphasizes accessibility and transparency, which are essential for ensuring that medical information is widely understood and disseminated.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to a non-specialist audience. This course can help aspiring Science Writers develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively communicate open science principles and practices to a broad audience. Open science emphasizes accessibility and transparency, which are essential for ensuring that scientific information is widely understood and disseminated.

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Science Communicator

Science Communicators are responsible for communicating complex scientific information to a non-specialist audience. This course can help aspiring Science Communicators develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively communicate open science principles and practices to a broad audience. Open science emphasizes accessibility and transparency, which are essential for ensuring that scientific information is widely understood and disseminated.

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Data Archivist

Data Archivists are responsible for preserving and providing access to research data. This course can help aspiring Data Archivists develop a strong understanding of open science principles and practices, which are essential for managing research data in a responsible and ethical manner. Open science promotes transparency and accessibility of research data, which are critical for ensuring the preservation and dissemination of scientific knowledge.

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Data Manager

Data Managers are responsible for managing and organizing data to ensure its integrity, security, and accessibility. This course can help aspiring Data Managers develop a strong understanding of open science principles and practices, which are essential for managing research data in a responsible and ethical manner. Open science promotes transparency and reproducibility, which are critical for ensuring the quality and reliability of research data.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts are responsible for collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course can help aspiring Data Analysts build a foundation in open science practices, which are becoming increasingly important in the field of data analysis. Open science principles emphasize transparency, reproducibility, and accessibility of research data and methods, which are essential for ensuring the quality and integrity of data analysis results.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and distribution of disease in populations. This course can help aspiring Epidemiologists develop a strong understanding of open science principles and practices, which are becoming increasingly important in the field of epidemiology. Open science promotes transparency and reproducibility of research, which are essential for ensuring the quality and integrity of epidemiological studies.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to design and analyze biological and medical research studies. This course can help aspiring Biostatisticians develop a strong understanding of open science principles and practices, which are becoming increasingly important in the field of biostatistics. Open science promotes transparency and reproducibility of research, which are essential for ensuring the quality and integrity of statistical analyses in biomedical research.

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Science Editor

Science Editors are responsible for editing and reviewing scientific manuscripts for publication in academic journals. This course can help aspiring Science Editors develop a strong understanding of open science principles and practices, which are becoming increasingly important in the field of scientific publishing. Open science promotes transparency and reproducibility of research, which are essential for ensuring the quality and integrity of scientific publications.

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Science Policy Analyst

Science Policy Analysts analyze and develop policies related to science and technology. This course can help aspiring Science Policy Analysts develop a strong understanding of open science principles and practices, which are becoming increasingly important in the field of science policy. Open science promotes transparency and accountability in scientific research, which are essential for ensuring that science policy is based on sound evidence.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts analyze and develop policies related to health and healthcare. This course can help aspiring Health Policy Analysts develop a strong understanding of open science principles and practices, which are becoming increasingly important in the field of health policy. Open science promotes transparency and accountability in scientific research, which are essential for ensuring that health policy is based on sound evidence.

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Research Librarian

Research Librarians provide research support to students, faculty, and staff at academic institutions. This course can help aspiring Research Librarians develop a strong understanding of open science principles and practices, which are becoming increasingly important in the field of academic librarianship. Open science promotes accessibility and transparency of research information, which are essential for supporting the research process.

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Research Administrator

Research Administrators provide administrative support to researchers and research projects. This course can help aspiring Research Administrators develop a strong understanding of open science principles and practices, which are becoming increasingly important in the field of research administration. Open science promotes transparency and efficiency in research management, which are essential for ensuring the smooth operation of research projects.

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A starter’s guide to Open Science

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