Library Introduction
This introductory course gives you a quick overview of how to find information and use the library's services, both digital and physical. You will also learn how to search for required reading, place orders through ORIA, and navigate the library space.
Academic Writing
The course provides an introduction to writing simple academic assignments and exam answers. You will learn how to interpret typical task descriptions, understand common concepts, and structure a well-written paper. It also offers insight into academic language and techniques such as paraphrasing, along with useful tips to help you get started with the writing process.
This course is designed for those writing bachelor’s or master’s theses or other advanced academic texts. It covers the process from choosing a topic and research area to formulating a strong research question. We discuss key elements such as literature review, theory and methodology selection, as well as privacy considerations and the use of artificial intelligence. You will learn how to structure larger papers, develop a more advanced academic language, and receive practical tips for the writing process.
Searching for Literature
The course provides an introduction to literature searching, with a focus on developing effective search strategies and techniques. We demonstrate searches using Oria.
An introduction to the search interfaces and content of health-related databases, with a main focus on Cinahl and MEDLINE.
The course provides an introduction to the search interfaces and content of Keenious and Scopus AI – two tools that use artificial intelligence in literature searching.
Systematic Literature Searches
In this course, you will get a basic introduction to creating a search strategy and then performing systematic literature searches for a scoping review. We demonstrate various search techniques in Medline and Scopus.
Target group: PhD candidates, staff, and master’s students.
Recommended prerequisites: Basic search skills.
No dates available. Please contact the University Library to arrange a course or individual guidance.
Reading and Assessing
We take a qualitative article as our starting point and explore effective ways to read it, as well as how to critically evaluate its content, relevance, credibility, and transferability.
References
The course provides an introduction to the APA 7th style. We discuss when and how to reference correctly and show examples of common challenges.
EndNote is a tool that integrates with Word and allows you to organize sources and easily insert references into your text. The course provides an introduction to using the tool.
The courses are held every Wednesday from 12:15 to 14:00 during weeks 38–48.
Zotero is a free and easy-to-use program that helps you manage references and create bibliographies. The course provides an introduction to using the tool.
Dates to be announced.
Artificial Intelligence
This course provides an introduction to how generative AI tools can be used responsibly and effectively, in line with Nord University's guidelines. We explore what these guidelines mean in practice, address common challenges when using AI, and share tips on how to work thoughtfully with generative AI.
Research Support
PhD course
PhD Essentials is a four day in person seminar designed to introduce PhD students to fundamental, yet hidden aspects of academic life and develop essential scholarly skills. The course covers searching for and assessing academic literature, academic writing and argumentation, managing research data, presenting research and networking.
Open Science
Funders such as the Research Council of Norway and the EU require Open Access publishing and FAIR data management. It is recommended to implement additional Open Science practices, and this must be described in project proposals. The course Open Science in Grant Applications provides an introduction to these requirements and offers tips on how to present Open Science practices in grant applications. The University Library offers guidance and can also assist in drafting grant applications.
Research Data
PhD Essentials includes lectures and workshops on research data management. The course covers the background and rationale behind FAIR and open data requirements, the FAIR principles including privacy considerations, data management plans, data archiving, and requirements from funders and Nord University. The goal is to prepare candidates for good data management throughout the entire PhD journey.
Schedule for Spring 2026 and registration link can be found HERE. Registration deadline: 9th March 2026.
Get in-depth information on research data management and how to meet requirements from funders and institutions. Learn more about tools and workflows for FAIR data management throughout your research project. We cover the FAIR principles and provide tips for effective data stewardship. The University Library also invites guest speakers during the spring semester to give insights into national and international developments. In addition, the library offers guidance through courses, seminars, and one-on-one consultations.
Schedule for Spring 2026 and registration link can be found HERE.
Work actively with research data management and get guidance from the University Library. We assist with tasks such as creating a Data Management Plan (DMP), setting up file structures, adding metadata, and archiving in line with the FAIR principles. The café is held monthly and lasts 90 minutes.
Publishing
Learn how to use the Norwegian Register for Scientific Journals, Series and Publishers to select relevant and approved journals (Level 1 or 2) and avoid predatory journals. The University Library offers guidance and courses on requirements for publications to be counted as scholarly, Open Access alternatives, and how to avoid fraud—also as part of PhD Essentials.
Funders and Nord University require Open Access (OA) publishing. The University Library manages Nord’s Open Access Fund, publishing agreements, and the Norwegian Research Information Repository (Nasjonalt vitenarkiv, NVA). We offer guidance and courses that provide an introduction to Open Access, funder's requirements, and the different routes to OA. Open Access is also included in PhD Essentials.
Authors generally own the rights to their own works, but in traditional publishing it is common that rights are transferred to the publisher. In Open Access publishing, authors usually retain copyright, and reuse is defined by Creative Commons licenses. The University Library offers courses and guidance on rights to scholarly publications and license selection.
Digital visibility increases the dissemination of research results and citations, and helps build networks. Researchers can use profiles and platforms such as NVA, ORCID, ResearchGate, and social media. This topic is also part of PhD Essentials.
The University Library analyzes publishing activity, collaboration, and citations, and provides bibliometric reports to the institution. On request, we also prepare specialized analyses and overviews. This topic is included in PhD Essentials.
About the Library’s Online Courses
The library’s online courses are open to students and staff at Nord university. Courses are held in Teams or Zoom and require registration.
The registration deadline is the last working day before the course date.
More information about the course, target audience, recommended prerequisites, and registration can be found via the link with date and time.
Courses require a minimum of 5 participants to run.
Note: The University Library’s research support courses will also be held with fewer than 10 participants. In most cases, registration is possible until the webinar starts.
All our courses can also be found in the course calendar
Book Group Instruction
It is also possible to book instruction and guidance for groups of students and staff, both on-site and online. Feel free to contact us!
Questions? Send an email to ub@nord.no .