Research Data Management and Sharing from Coursera

This course will provide learners with an introduction to research data management and sharing. After completing this course, learners will understand the diversity of data and their management needs across the research data lifecycle, be able to identify the components of good data management plans, and be familiar with best practices for working with data including the organization, documentation, and storage and security of data. Learners will also understand the impetus and importance of archiving and sharing data as well as how to assess the trustworthiness of repositories.

Today, an increasing number of funding agencies, journals, and other stakeholders are requiring data producers to share, archive, and plan for the management of their data. In order to respond to these requirements, researchers and information professionals will need the data management and curation knowledge and skills that support the long-term preservation, access, and reuse of data. Effectively managing data can also help optimize research outputs, increase the impact of research, and support open scientific inquiry. After completing this course, learners will be better equipped to manage data throughout the entire research data lifecycle from project planning to the end of the project when data ideally are shared and made available within a trustworthy repository.

This course was developed by the Curating Research Assets and Data Using Lifecycle Education (CRADLE) Project in collaboration with EDINA at the University of Edinburgh.

This course was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under award #RE-06-13-0052-13. The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Research Data Management and Sharing MOOC do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Hashtag: #RDMSmooc

What's inside

Syllabus

Understanding Research Data

This week introduces multiple types of research data in an array of contexts as well as important data management concepts including metadata and the research data lifecycle. We will also define the concept of data management, identify the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, and examine various data management tasks throughout the research data lifecycle.

Data Management Planning

This week provides an overview of Data Management Plans (DMPs) including the components of good DMPs, the DMP policies of several funding agencies, and information on data management planning tools.

Working with Data

This week is brought to you by EDINA and the Data Library at the University of Edinburgh and is presented by Sarah Jones from the Digital Curation Centre. Sarah will introduce strategies for organizing research data including versioning and file naming conventions as well as data file formatting and transformations. She will also discuss why documenting data and data citation are important. Finally, she will present issues involved in storing, securing, and backing up research data.

Sharing Data

This week examines the benefits and challenges of sharing research data. We will also discuss how to protect confidentiality and how data ownership can affect data sharing. Finally, we will examine different types of access restrictions that may be placed on data as well as how to enable data sharing through the application of a standard license.

Archiving Data

During the final week of the course, we will examine the preservation needs of research data, introduce the concepts of authenticity and integrity, and identify the different types of metadata and their role in data discovery and reuse. We will also discuss the role of trustworthy repositories as well as how repositories demonstrate their trustworthiness through audit and certification. Finally, we will present key archival standards and best practices for ensuring data remains accessible and understandable for the long-term.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores fundamental data management concepts and best practices, suitable for beginners in the field

Covers a range of topics related to research data management, providing a comprehensive overview

Provides practical guidance on organizing, documenting, and storing research data

Examines the ethical and legal considerations around data sharing and archiving

Taught by experienced instructors from the University of Edinburgh, recognized for their expertise in research data management

Offers a structured approach to data management, aligned with industry standards and best practices

Reviews summary

Research data management and sharing basics

Learners say this course is largely positive and offers a great introduction to research data management. According to students, the course covers a variety of topics related to research data management, including data organization, documentation, storage, and security. Students also learn about the importance of archiving and sharing data. The course is well-paced and well-organized, and the instructors are knowledgeable and engaging. Overall, students say this course is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about research data management.

Good questions and help connect theory to practice

"The quizzes had good questions..."

"The peer graded assignments helped in connecting the course content back to the real world."

Informative and valuable

"The resource material was very informational; covered all the fundamental core topics..."

"Excellent course. Can do this at your own pace. Wonderful instructors and concise content."

"The supplemental information was valuable..."

Engaging and knowledgeable

"The presnters are very knowledgeable."

"The instructors are knowledgeable and engaging."

Well-paced and organized

"The course was well-paced, well-organized, and clearly expressed."

"A well organized course and thoughtfully planned out curriculum."

"This is a great introductory course in handling research data through its entire life cycle."

Comprehensive and relevant

"This course covered all aspects of research data management a researcher should know."

"I found the supplemental information valuable, I especially liked the links for current live templates to meet funding or grant application criteria, while allowing me to meet my own future research and data storage needs."

"This course will provide learners with an introduction to research data management and sharing..."

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 Research Data Management and Sharing with these activities:

Create a data management plan

Show steps

Identify all of the key pieces of information that should be included in a data management plan and how to write each component in a clear and understandable way.

Show steps

Identify the types of data that will be collected or generated during the research project.
Describe how the data will be collected or generated.
Explain how the data will be stored and secured.
Identify the people who will be responsible for managing the data.
Describe how the data will be shared and reused.

Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete Research Data Management and Sharing will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They work with data analysts and other data professionals to collect, clean, and analyze data, and then use that data to develop models that can predict future outcomes. This course will provide you with the skills you need to collect, clean, and analyze data, as well as how to develop models that can predict future outcomes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts use data to make informed decisions. This typically involves collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data, as well as visualizing it in a way that is easy to understand. This course will provide you with the skills you need to collect, clean, and analyze data, as well as how to visualize it effectively. You will also learn about the importance of data management and how to ensure that your data is secure and accessible.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Research Data Analyst

Research Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data for research purposes. They work with researchers to design and conduct studies, and then they analyze the data to draw conclusions. This course will provide you with the skills you need to collect, clean, and analyze data, as well as how to work with researchers to design and conduct studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Data Analyst

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts design and implement information systems. They work with business stakeholders to understand their needs and then design and implement systems that can meet those needs. This course will provide you with the knowledge you need to design and implement information systems, as well as how to work with business stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Information Architect

Information Architects design and build information systems. They work with business stakeholders to understand their information needs and then design systems that can meet those needs. This course will provide you with the knowledge you need to design and build information systems, as well as how to manage information throughout its lifecycle.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

Data Architect

Data Architects design and build data management systems. They work with business stakeholders to understand their data needs and then design systems that can meet those needs. This course will provide you with the knowledge you need to design and build data management systems, as well as how to manage data throughout its lifecycle.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Architect

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. They work with database users to ensure that data is available and accessible, and they also work with database developers to ensure that databases are designed and built to meet the needs of the business. This course will provide you with the skills you need to manage and maintain databases, as well as how to work with database users and developers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Data Engineer

Data Engineers build and maintain data pipelines. They work with data scientists and other data professionals to ensure that data is available and usable for analysis. This course will provide you with the skills you need to build and maintain data pipelines, as well as how to work with data scientists and other data professionals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Knowledge Manager

Knowledge Managers develop and manage knowledge management systems. They work with business stakeholders to identify and capture knowledge, and then they develop systems that can make that knowledge available to the people who need it. This course will provide you with the skills you need to develop and manage knowledge management systems, as well as how to work with business stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Knowledge Manager

Records Manager

Records Managers manage and maintain records. They work with organizations to ensure that records are created, stored, and disposed of in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. This course will provide you with the skills you need to manage and maintain records, as well as how to work with organizations to ensure that records are created, stored, and disposed of in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Records Manager

Taxonomist

Taxonomists develop and manage taxonomies. They work with organizations to create and maintain systems for classifying and organizing information. This course will provide you with the skills you need to develop and manage taxonomies, as well as how to work with organizations to create and maintain systems for classifying and organizing information.

See salaries and explore the career path for Taxonomist

Information Specialist

Information Specialists help people find and use information. They work with librarians, archivists, and other information professionals to provide access to information resources. This course will provide you with the skills you need to find and use information, as well as how to work with librarians, archivists, and other information professionals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Specialist

User Experience Designer

User Experience Designers design and evaluate user interfaces. They work with users to understand their needs and then design interfaces that are easy to use and enjoyable. This course will provide you with the skills you need to design and evaluate user interfaces, as well as how to work with users to understand their needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Designer

Librarian

Librarians help people find and use information. They work with patrons to identify their information needs and then help them find the resources they need. This course will provide you with the skills you need to find and use information, as well as how to work with patrons.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. They work with clients to understand their needs and then design and develop websites that meet those needs. This course will provide you with the skills you need to design and develop websites, as well as how to work with clients to understand their needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer