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Dr. Lizette Guzman Ramirez, Dr. Antonio Schettino, Dr. Chrysoula Papacharalampou, and Risbo B.V.

Welcome to the Erasmus University Rotterdam Open Science MOOC! This course aims to empower researchers and research support professionals with foundational knowledge to conduct, support, and disseminate research efficiently and responsibly.

This MOOC consists of 8 modules that cover the most common open science practices. At the end of this MOOC, you will be able to define open science and its main values, identify the main open science movements and practices, and recognize open science practices that you can incorporate in your workflow.

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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.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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

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Reviews summary

Foundational guide to open science practices

According to students, "A starter’s guide to Open Science" offers a largely positive and comprehensive introduction to fundamental open science practices. Learners appreciate its well-structured 8 modules, which provide a clear overview of essential concepts like Open Access, Open Data, and Preregistration. Many find the course highly beneficial for researchers and professionals new to the field, providing a solid foundational knowledge. While the course excels as a starting point, some indicate it primarily covers theoretical aspects and may be less suitable for those seeking advanced practical applications or deep dives into specific tools.
Modules are well-organized, making complex topics easy to follow.
"The 8 modules are very well-paced and build logically on one another, making the learning process smooth."
"I found the explanations really clear, even for concepts I was completely new to like preregistration."
"The structure made it easy to grasp the foundational ideas behind each open science movement and its practices."
Provides a thorough overview of core Open Science principles.
"This course is an excellent starting point; it covers all the major facets of open science without overwhelming you."
"I appreciate how it introduced me to Open Access, Open Data, and even Open Evaluation, giving a full picture."
"It truly lives up to its name as a 'starter's guide,' offering a really broad and useful overview of the field."
Highly beneficial for researchers new to Open Science.
"As a researcher new to Open Science, this course was exactly what I needed to get up to speed and apply concepts."
"It perfectly serves its purpose for professionals looking to incorporate responsible research practices into their work."
"I now feel confident identifying Open Science practices I can use in my workflow, thanks to this comprehensive guide."
May be too basic for those already familiar with Open Science.
"If you already have some background in Open Science, parts of this might feel repetitive or too introductory."
"I found some modules very basic, but for someone starting from scratch, it would be absolutely perfect."
"As someone with prior knowledge, I was hoping for a bit more advanced discussion or nuanced perspectives on topics."
Strong on theory and principles, but limited in practical application.
"While excellent conceptually, I wish there were more practical examples or guidance on specific tools and platforms."
"The course provides a great theoretical background, but don't expect deep dives into actual implementation steps."
"It's a foundational guide to 'what' Open Science is, less so 'how' to technically implement every aspect in detail."

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
Refresh your knowledge of research ethics to ensure that you are conducting research in an ethical and responsible manner.
Browse courses on Research Ethics
Show steps
  • Read through the Belmont Report.
Practice using open data repositories
Practice using open data repositories to find and access research data.
Browse courses on Open Data
Show steps
  • Identify an open data repository relevant to your research interests.
  • Search for and download a dataset from the repository.
Show all two activities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in A starter’s guide to Open Science.
Provides a practical guide to open educational resources. It covers the different types of OERs and how to find and use them.
Provides a guide to open innovation. It covers the history, theory, and practice of open innovation, including case studies of open innovation.
Provides a guide to the lean startup. It covers the theory and practice of the lean startup, and how to use it to create a successful business.
Provides a guide to building a successful startup. It covers the theory and practice of starting a business, and how to avoid the pitfalls.
Provides a guide to marketing and selling technology products to mainstream customers. It covers the theory and practice of crossing the chasm, and how to avoid the pitfalls.

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