Academic Research Types and Methods

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to academic research, exploring what research means, how it is conducted across disciplines, and why it matters. Students will begin by examining the purpose, process, and impact of research within universities, gaining insight into its role in knowledge creation and innovation. Through interviews and case studies with faculty from various UC campuses, learners will compare research practices across fields, understand the responsibilities of professors, and discover practical strategies for getting involved in undergraduate research. In the final module, the course addresses essential topics for every researcher, including research integrity, intellectual property, and safety, highlighting their importance in maintaining credibility and protecting scholarly work. By the end of the course, students will have a clear understanding of academic research and the tools to engage with it responsibly and effectively.