Welcome to Pre-seeds (Research 101)!

Last updated on 2025-06-25 | Edit this page

Estimated time: 5 minutes

Overview

Questions

  • What is this course about?
  • Who is it for?
  • How can I get the most out of it?

Objectives

  • Get oriented with the course’s tone and approach.
  • Understand who this course is designed for.
  • Feel excited and supported as you begin your learning journey.

Introduction

Welcome! 🎉

We’re so glad you’re here. This course—Pre-seeds (Research 101)—is not your typical introduction to research. It’s built for you: the curious, the hopeful, the hands-on learners who may not always see themselves in traditional research spaces but know they have something to contribute.

Whether you’re stepping into research for the first time or circling back with fresh eyes, you’re in the right place.

This isn’t about throwing jargon at you or expecting you to “catch up.” We’ll take things step by step, building confidence and skills in a way that’s practical, inclusive, and deeply human. Expect check-ins, relatable examples, and thoughtful pauses—not just facts.

We believe research is for everyone, and that includes you!

Inline instructor notes can help inform instructors of timing challenges associated with the lessons. They appear in the “Instructor View”

This intro is intentionally lightweight—don’t rush through it! Invite learners to reflect on their own relationship with research and learning. Consider pausing to ask why they joined the course or what they’re hoping to walk away with.

Challenge 1:

Who is this course designed for?

  1. Only people with a science degree

  2. Researchers at elite institutions

  3. Anyone curious about research, no matter their background

  4. People who already know everything

Answer: C

This course was built for anyone who’s curious about research, especially folks who may not come from traditional academic paths.

Challenge 2:

What kind of experience can you expect from this course?

  1. Lots of memorisation and final exams

  2. Strict grading and formal lectures

  3. A practical, inclusive, step-by-step journey

  4. Pure chaos, honestly

Answer: C

We’re keeping things practical and human—this is a supportive space to explore and grow.

Challenge 3:

Which of the following might already make you a budding researcher?

  1. Asking good questions

  2. Looking for patterns

  3. Being curious about the world

  4. All of the above

Answer: D

Yep—if you’ve done any of these, you’ve already started thinking like a researcher!

Figures

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You don’t need to be an expert

This course is designed assuming you have little to no formal research training. If you’ve ever asked good questions, looked for patterns, or been curious about the world—congrats, you already have the beginnings of a researcher’s mind.

Just a heads-up

Throughout this course, you’ll find short challenges, real-world scenarios, and opportunities to apply what you’ve learned. There’s no grading—just growth.

Each module builds on the one before it, but you can always circle back or skip ahead if something calls to you.

So take a breath, settle in, and get ready to stretch your brain gently.

You belong here. đź’›

Key Points

  • This course is beginner-friendly and community-rooted.
  • You don’t need a research background to get started.
  • Learning is nonlinear, and that’s okay.