The course begins in Module 1 with a welcome, course review, and recap. Students are introduced to key concepts of interdisciplinary research through a review of Chapter 4 (pp. 31–33). Activities include a peer introduction discussion, an assignment reflecting on prior research experience, and a syllabus review quiz.
In Module 2, students deepen their understanding of interdisciplinary research by studying Chapter 8, Step 1 (pp. 57–64). They develop a topic, problem, and purpose statement, participate in a feedback discussion, and submit a corresponding assignment.
Module 3 focuses on identifying and formulating research problems through Chapter 8, Step 2 (pp. 65–67). Students craft a preliminary research question, receive peer feedback in discussion, and submit their own research question.
In Module 4, students plan their research project using Chapter 7 (pp. 51–56). They outline their project goals and create a timeline for completion.
Module 5 introduces theoretical frameworks (Chapter 9, Step 3, pp. 68–87). Students design a theoretical framework that supports their research question and apply it to their project.
In Module 6, students refine their research questions by finalizing the main question and developing sub-questions (Chapter 9, Step 4–5, p. 88). They submit a finalized set of guiding questions for their project.
Module 7 shifts focus to abstract writing. Students draft a capstone abstract, participate in peer review discussions, and revise their work for clarity and focus.
In Module 8, students draft the introduction to their capstone project. A peer review discussion supports refinement of this section before submission.
Module 9 emphasizes research methods and design (Chapter 10, Step 6, pp. 89–94). Students design their methodology and outline a data collection plan and timeline.
In Module 10, students build on that work by exploring data collection and analysis (Chapter 10, Step 7, pp. 94–95). They participate in a discussion about foreseeing challenges and problem-solving, and complete a database deep dive assignment.
Module 11 highlights the use of research matrices. Students read Developing Your Research Methodology and complete a matrix comparing five sources across five topics to begin synthesizing themes.
In Module 12, students gain foundational knowledge of research ethics by completing IRB and CITI training, then practice drafting an IRB application.
Module 13 continues work with source collection and synthesis. Students expand their research matrix to include 10 sources across five themes to prepare for their literature review.
Finally, in Module 14, students complete and submit their final project: a literature review that demonstrates their ability to synthesize and analyze scholarly sources. They also complete a final course review and reflection assignment.