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.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Comprehensive introduction to research data management

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation and a comprehensive overview of research data management and sharing. Students particularly appreciate the coverage of the data lifecycle, data management plans (DMPs), and data sharing and archiving principles. It is frequently described as highly relevant for researchers and those needing to understand funder/journal requirements. While many find the theoretical content strong and the explanations clear, some reviewers noted a desire for more hands-on examples or practical application.

Content is well-explained and easy to follow.

"The instructors explained complex topics in a very clear and understandable way."

"The course materials were well-organized and easy to digest."

"Lectures were concise and effective in conveying the core ideas."

Explains data lifecycle, DMPs, sharing, and archiving.

"The content on Data Management Plans was particularly useful for me and directly applicable."

"I appreciated the detailed sections on sharing data and archiving principles, which are crucial today."

"It covers all the essential stages of the research data lifecycle clearly."

Highly applicable to academic and professional research.

"As a researcher, I found this course highly relevant to my work and the requirements I face."

"It clearly explains why data management is important in the current research landscape."

"The course helped me understand the increasing demands from funders and journals regarding data."

Provides a solid introduction to key concepts.

"This course provided me with a solid foundation in research data management."

"It gives a very good overview of the principles and practices required for good data management."

"I feel much more confident in my understanding of the research data lifecycle after taking this course."

More hands-on content or software use desired.

"While the theory is good, I wish there were more hands-on examples or demonstrations of tools."

"Could use more practical application rather than just conceptual explanations."

"I felt it was a bit too theoretical at times; some labs would have been beneficial."

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

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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.

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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

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

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.

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Systems Analyst

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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.

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Information Architect

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Taxonomist

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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.

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Librarian

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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.

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Web Developer

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