his module introduces the landscape of scientific research and its role in advancing knowledge and society. You will explore why research is conducted, who conducts it, and the various environments where research takes place, including universities, government, and industry. The module also examines the range of research activities and how different institutions contribute to scientific discovery.
This module explores the foundations of scientific inquiry and what distinguishes scientific explanations from non-scientific ones. You will examine methods of inquiry and learn how scientists evaluate evidence when investigating questions. The module also discusses pseudoscience and how scientific thinking helps identify credible explanations.
This module examines the scientific method and the structured process researchers use to investigate questions. You will learn key terminology used in scientific investigations, including hypotheses and theories, and how they guide research design. The module also explains the steps involved in conducting systematic and evidence-based research.
This module introduces how uncertainty appears in scientific investigations and how it can be analyzed using probability. You will learn key probability concepts, including conditional probability and Bayes’ Rule. These ideas help researchers interpret uncertain information and support data-driven reasoning.
This module connects the research process with uncertainty quantification and Bayesian reasoning. You will explore how hypotheses are developed and tested using Bayesian hypothesis testing. The module highlights how researchers design studies and interpret results while accounting for uncertainty in data.