Anatomy of a Research Paper

Course Description

Developed in partnership with The Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

This course guides you through the process of finding, organizing, and understanding the scientific literature, with a focus on nutrition research. Learn how to effectively search and navigate the scientific literature databases, manage your sources, and evaluate key sections of a research paper. This module provides a step-by-step breakdown of each section within a research paper, from the abstract to the conclusion, empowering you to read and use nutrition research literature with confidence.  It also includes a case study on how nutrition-related scientific evidence is translated into press releases and social media, helping you to critically evaluate and responsibly communicate research findings.

Anatomy of a Research Paper is one of three related courses comprising a series of skills related to Assessing Nutrition Information. The series equips you with the essential skills to critically evaluate nutrition-related information, research, and media in today’s fast-paced world. These courses are part of a portfolio of Nutrition related micro-credentials.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify and compile nutrition research publications using appropriate search engines and databases
• Describe the function of each section within a published research paper
• Summarize how each section of a research paper contributes to the responsible translation of the study findings

Basic Enrollment Requirements:

 None

Completion Requirements:

This course is asynchronous learning. Learners will receive 8 weeks to complete the course and upon successful completion receive a digital badge.

Continuing Education Units for Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN): 

Assessing Nutrition Information: Anatomy of a Research Paper awards 7.5 CPEUs in accordance with the Commission of Dietetic Registration's CPEU Prior Approval Program.