Program Overview

Introduction to Scientific Research and Communication

Course Description

The course "Introduction to Scientific Research and Communication" aims to introduce students to the basics of scientific methodology and research, as well as scientific and professional communication. Students will acquire basic knowledge and develop practical skills necessary for successful scientific research, writing research papers, and scientific and professional publications.

Course Objectives

• Describe and apply the basic principles of scientific methodology.
• Independently search for literature in scientific databases and analyze and evaluate different types of scientific and professional literature.
• Apply acquired knowledge and skills in written and oral communication in their future professional and scientific research work.

Expected Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, students will be able to:

1. Describe and apply the basic principles of scientific methodology.
2. Describe and apply the principles of scientific ethics.
3. Describe the phases of scientific research.
4. Independently search for literature in scientific databases.
5. Analyze scientific articles and other literature.
6. Plan and create their own scientific research and professional work.
7. Write a summary of a scientific paper and a seminar paper.
8. Prepare a poster and a short oral presentation.
9. Describe and apply the principles of successful communication with colleagues and the public, as well as the popularization of science and profession.

Course Content

• Geophysics and its branches/disciplines.
• Scientific method: hypothesis, theory, scientific research.
• Scientific research: principles, ethics, phases, project.
• Publishing research results: types, structure, and writing of scientific papers, citation, and referencing.
• Scientific databases and journals: search, bibliometrics, evaluation, analysis.
• Professional work and professional studies.
• Research papers: seminar, diploma, and doctoral thesis.
• Scientific communication: oral presentation and posters.
• Use of language and graphics in presenting scientific research and professional work, and their results.
• Communication with the public and popularization of science.
• Career in science.

Teaching Methods

• Lectures, discussions, practical work on a computer with various tools, group work.
• Use of the Merlin system for e-learning.

Exam Dates

According to the schedule published on the Geophysics Department's website.

Conditions for Obtaining a Signature

• Positively evaluated first two homework assignments and submitted third homework assignment.
• Attendance at at least 70% of classes (lectures and exercises).

Method of Knowledge Assessment and Exam

• Three homework assignments in the form of a written report (seminar paper), short oral presentation, and poster, all on the same topic (selected scientific article).
• The final grade is the arithmetic mean of the grades of the individual homework assignments and the oral exam.

Required Literature

• Presentations from lectures, seminars, and exercises published on the e-course on the Merlin system.
• Marui, M. et al., 2013. Introduction to Scientific Research in Medicine, 5th edition, Medicinska naklada, Zagreb.
• Schultz, D. M., 2009. Eloquent Science: A Practical Guide to Becoming a Better Writer, Speaker, and Atmospheric Scientist, American Meteorological Society, Boston.
• Silobri, V., 1998. How to Create, Publish, and Evaluate a Scientific Work, 4th supplemented edition, Medicinska naklada, Zagreb.

Consultation Terms

• doc. dr. sc. Iva Dasovi: By agreement with prior notice by email.
• Location: 214

Note

This course is an obligatory part of the regular study program in Geophysics - climatology, meteorology, oceanography, seismology, in the 5th semester.