Full course description
Ready to take the next step in your research journey? The Research Readiness Canvas Course was developed through a partnership between Penn State’s Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring (URFM) office and Penn State University Libraries to help students build a strong foundation for research success.
Through a series of self-paced modules, you'll gain the essential knowledge and skills needed to confidently engage in Penn State’s wide range of undergraduate research opportunities. Whether you're just beginning to explore research or preparing to join a research team, these modules will help you navigate the process and develop key scholarly skills.
Course modules include:
- Introduction to Research
- Identifying Appropriate Opportunities
- Formulating Research Questions and Conducting Literature Reviews
- Citation Management and Ethical Considerations in Research
- Joining the Scholarly Conversation
- Research Funding Opportunities
Throughout the course, you'll have opportunities to complete ungraded self-checks to assess your understanding and reinforce key concepts. Optional assignments will allow you to apply what you've learned and further develop your research skills.
Students who complete all modules will earn a Research Readiness Certificate, recognizing their commitment to preparing for meaningful engagement in undergraduate research.