This course has allowed me to learn more about Open Access, and to think about the current challenges faced by scientific production in open access. I have also learned about the types of licenses that can be used in Open Access. Additionally, having to participate in forums encouraged me to express my opinions and to understand the viewpoints of my classmates.

This seminar provided guidance for good practices throughout the research process and, in the same way, allow me to think about many aspects of my research project and research in general. Additionally, this session helped me understand the procedures and key aspects to consider when requesting approval from the UOC’s Ethics Committee, which is necessary to begin the research.

I find it necessary to   have tools to apply a gender perspective in research. Beyond focusing on women’s health, I have learned the importance of considering intersectionality in my work. Additionally, I have discovered new resources and UOC staff members I can reach out to when I have gender-related questions.

This seminar allowed me to explore the functionality of Atlas.ti, a software I had not used or known about before. I found it intuitive and interesting and believe it is important to promote its use since it is available at UOC. Additionally, the training provided deeper insights into qualitative methodology, highlighting that this approach does not aim for data representativeness but rather a deep understanding of a phenomenon.

Date: Sept 2024 to Jan 2025

Place: Online/Remote

Competences and reflection on the learning undertaken: This course has been very beneficial to understanding all the pieces of a research proposal. The required readings and sources helped me understand general social science research and all the key aspects I needed to consider when writing my proposal. Additionally, the assessments were relevant for proposal writing and adjacent skills, including a video presentation and peer feedback. These helped refine my proposal and other skills, such as presentation and constructive, critical feedback skills. The timelines for the submission were challenging to manage along with other responsibilities. Still, even that helped me understand the pressure I may work under during the entire PhD study.

I wish there had been a live, synchronous aspect to the course, as both the professor and the tutor were highly knowledgeable, and it would have been a rich experience to hear directly from them. However, the tutor was readily available via email and accommodating to personal circumstances, making my journey a bit easier.

Date: September 2024-January 2025

Place: Online/Remote

Competences and reflection on the learning undertaken: This course has been a fantastic help to understand better some of the methodologies I plan to use in my research, such as the case study. The materials provided were relevant, and the assignments were highly practical, refining my qualitative skills, which I really appreciated and learned from. Through the course, I have had the opportunity to parctice using Nvivo, a software widely employed for qualitative research. I had previously used it, but not systematically, to carry out high-quality qualitative data extraction and analysis. I feel more confident and prepared to use this software and plan to build on my learning.