Category 1

Course cost: $30.50 (individuals); $750.50 (institutions)

Course duration: 1h: 39 min

Course description

Reading scientific research papers efficiently, effectively and critically is an essential skill for every scientist. However, this skill is rarely taught and consequently over 90% of postgraduate/graduate students and early career researchers struggle with reading scientific research papers. This reduces their productivity and quality of work. Consequently, some have resorted to using generative AI tools that summarize research papers. The bad news is that these summaries are shallow, meaning that they do not always give a true message of the paper. The essence of this course is to equip learners with strategies for reading scientific research papers readily, thoroughly and critically without the use of generative AI tools. The course begins with pertinent reasons why relying solely on AI tools to read scientific research papers is a wrong approach. This is followed by stating the reasons why scientists read scientific research papers, different parts of a scientific research paper, how to read scientific research papers efficiently and effectively, how to read the various parts of scientific research papers and ends with strategies for critical reading. Therefore, upon completion of the course, the successful learner will acquire practical strategies for reading scientific research papers efficiently, effectively and critically. The course is for postgraduate/graduate students and early career researchers in science disciplines.

Course access: 21 days (individuals); 1 year (institutions)