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Initiating a Research Project

This course is part of Introduction to Academic Research Specialization

Instructor: Angelique Louie

Included with

Learn more

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

No prior experience required

7 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

No prior experience required

7 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

8 assignments

Taught in English

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Introduction to Academic Research Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

This course guides learners through the foundational steps of starting a research journey. Learners will engage in deep reflection and exploration to identify their academic interests and narrow them into focused topics for future inquiry. The course begins with a critical discussion on plagiarism—what it is, why it matters, and how to avoid it—ensuring students understand the principles of credible and ethical research. By the end, students will have a clear sense of their research direction and the skills to approach scholarly work with integrity and purpose.

Module details

This module equips learners with the knowledge and strategies to maintain academic integrity when working with research sources. Learners will explore what constitutes plagiarism, why it undermines credibility, and the ethical implications of misusing others’ work. Through practical examples and best practices, learners will learn how to ensure their research is both original and trustworthy.

What's included

2 videos4 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

2 videosTotal 11 minutes

Course Introduction1 minute
Avoiding Plagiarism10 minutes

4 readingsTotal 46 minutes

Course Navigation and Safety Statement1 minute
5 Simple Rules to Avoid Plagiarism15 minutes
Avoiding Plagiarism15 minutes
Plagiarism McMillan15 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 45 minutes

Module 1 Quiz15 minutes
Spot the Plagiarism30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Plagiarism in Research10 minutes

Before diving into scholarly databases, the internet can be a powerful starting point for gathering background information and shaping your research focus. In this module, you’ll learn practical tips and techniques for conducting effective online searches, from crafting precise search queries to using advanced search operators. We’ll also explore how to evaluate the credibility of sources, distinguish trustworthy information from unreliable content, and apply these skills to find relevant material in your major field of study. By the end of this module, you’ll be equipped to search smarter and build a strong foundation for your research.

What's included

5 videos2 assignments

Starting with a broad list of interests can make research overwhelming and inefficient. In this module, you’ll learn how to refine your ideas into a focused, manageable topic that sets the stage for meaningful inquiry. We’ll explore strategies for narrowing your range of interests, shaping precise keywords, and structuring search queries that yield relevant results instead of thousands of unrelated hits. By the end, you’ll know how to transform a broad concept into a targeted research question and use smart search techniques to uncover high-quality sources.

What's included

4 videos1 reading2 assignments

Your library is more than a building—it’s a gateway to high-quality, in-depth resources that can elevate your research. In this module, you’ll learn how to navigate your local or institutional library to uncover detailed materials that support your academic interests. We’ll explore tools and strategies for finding scholarly articles, books, and databases, as well as tips for identifying potential research mentors and understanding their work. By the end, you’ll know how to make the most of library resources to strengthen your research foundation and connect with experts in your field.