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Uncertainty and Research
  • Level Foundation
  • Duration 15 hours
  • Offered by

About

This course teaches the fundamentals of scientific research. We approach the research process as a means of systematically reducing uncertainty and demonstrate how conducting a scientific investigation can be posed as an exercise in Bayesian uncertainty quantification. We begin by exploring the scientific landscape to understand the different types of research, where they are conducted, how they are supported, and why each of these types of research is important. We then formalize scientific inquiry and the scientific method and elaborate the research process and its scientific merits. Basic concepts in probability theory are introduced leading to a conceptually simple presentation of Bayes’ Rule. We then illustrate how Bayes’ Rule provides a mathematical framework for the research process. We place an emphasis on the role that research plays in our daily and professional lives and how research skills can help us think critically, whether you’re in a technical field or not. Exercises are designed to help you improve your research skills and think more scientifically. Learners who are new to research fields or would like to improve their research skills in any field for career/professional or personal growth are encouraged to enroll. The course is taught at an introductory level such that, by the end of the course, you will be able to formulate a research hypothesis and devise a scientific research plan to test that hypothesis. To be successful in this course, you will need entrance-level college mathematics.

Modules

Course Introduction

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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1 Videos

  • Course Introduction

1 Readings

  • Introductory Reading / Syllabus

Why Conduct Research?

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Personal Goals

1 Discussions

  • Discussion on the Importance of Research

2 Videos

  • Research Motivations
  • Importance of Scientific Research

1 Readings

  • Instructional Materials

Spectrum of Research Activities

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Spectrum of Research Activities

1 Videos

  • Spectrum of Research Activities

1 Readings

  • Instructional Materials

Where is Research Conducted?

    • 3 Videos
    • 4 Readings
    • 2 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Carnegie Classification & HERD Survey

2 Discussions

  • Carnegie Classification & HERD Survey
  • Where Research is Conducted

3 Videos

  • Where is Research Conducted? Part 1 - Universities
  • Where is Research Conducted? Part 2 - Government
  • Where is Research Conducted? Part 3 - Industry and IRIs

4 Readings

  • Instructional Materials
  • NRC Report on Research Universities
  • Research University Studies
  • Survey of Federal Funds for Research and Development

Scientific Explanations

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Scientific Explanations

1 Videos

  • What Makes an Explanation Scientific?

1 Readings

  • Instructional Materials

Nonscientific Explanations

    • 2 Videos
    • 3 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Identifying Pseudoscience

1 Discussions

  • Identifying Pseudoscience

2 Videos

  • Non-scientific Explanations: Part 1 - Non-science
  • Non-scientific Explanations: Part 2 - Protoscience and Pseudoscience

3 Readings

  • Instructional Materials
  • Distinguishing Between Science & Pseudoscience
  • Additional Readings on Pseudoscience

Methods of Inquiry

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Methods of Inquiry

1 Discussions

  • Scientific Method

2 Videos

  • Methods of Inquiry: Part 1 - A Brief Overview
  • Methods of Inquiry: Part 2 - The Scientific Method

1 Readings

  • Instructional Materials

Components of the Scientific Method

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 2 Assignment
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2 Assignment

  • Theories & Hypotheses
  • Theory-driven vs. Data-driven Research

2 Videos

  • Language of Scientific Investigation
  • More on Theories

1 Readings

  • Instructional Materials

The Research Process

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 PeerReview
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1 Peer Review

  • Research Program Development

2 Videos

  • Steps of the Research Process
  • How is the Research Process Scientific?

1 Readings

  • Instructional Materials

Basics of Uncertainty & Probability

    • 3 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Identifying Different Types of Uncertainties

3 Videos

  • What is Uncertainty?
  • Essentials of Set Theory
  • Essentials of Probability

1 Readings

  • Instructional Materials

Bayes' Rule

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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2 Videos

  • Law of Total Probability
  • Bayes' Rule

1 Readings

  • Instructional Materials

Some Examples and Applications

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Bayes' Rule Problems

1 Videos

  • Bayes' Rule: An Example

1 Readings

  • Instructional Materials

Uncertainty Quantification

    • 2 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • UQ & Scientific Research

1 Discussions

  • Scientific Method UQ Example

2 Videos

  • Uncertainty Quantification & The Scientific Method
  • Uncertainty Quantification & The Research Process

1 Readings

  • Instructional Materials

Hypotheses & Hypothesis Testing

    • 3 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Lab
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Bayesian Hypothesis Testing Lab Quiz

1 Labs

  • Bayesian Hypothesis Testing

3 Videos

  • What Makes a Good Hypothesis?
  • Bayesian Hypothesis Testing
  • Testing Multiple Hypotheses

1 Readings

  • Instructional Materials

Auto Summary

Discover the fundamentals of scientific research with "Uncertainty and Research," led by Coursera. This introductory course delves into Bayesian uncertainty quantification, the scientific method, and probability theory. Designed for beginners, it emphasizes critical thinking and research skills applicable to professional and personal growth. With a duration of 900 minutes, the course offers flexible subscription options, including Starter and Professional plans. Ideal for those new to research or looking to enhance their skills.