Essentials of Community-based Research

Course Description:

This course will cover basic research skills that can be practically applied to the workplace and other community settings. Students will learn the fundamentals of conceptualizing, planning, and conducting research in a community-driven, participatory, and action-oriented way. Course topics will include how to collaboratively craft a relevant purpose statement and corresponding research questions, choose appropriate methods, follow research ethics, conduct data collection and analysis, share learnings impactfully, initiate new action based on findings, and engage stakeholders throughout the research process. The course is organized according to the four phases of community-based research and illustrated with real-world examples, while allowing students to apply course learnings to their individual contexts.

Course Objectives:

After successful completion of this course participants should have:

1- A basic understanding of the related concepts and theory behind community-based research.

2- Insight into how various aspects of community-based research can be practically implemented in community settings.

3- The ability to apply course learnings when supporting community-based research projects on topics that are important to them.

Delivery Method: Online (Synchronous) on Zoom

Instructors: Lisa Schincariol McMurtry, Dayan De Souza

Course Length: 14 hours

Course Sessions Dates and Time:

Friday, January 16, 2026, from 01:00 PM to 4:30 PM ET

Friday, January 23, 2026, from 01:00 PM to 4:30 PM ET

Friday, January 30, 2026, from 01:00 PM to 4:30 PM ET

Friday, February 06, 2026, from 01:00 PM to 4:30 PM ET

Course Costs:

• Each course: $695
• Cost for Basic Community-based Research Certificate: is $2,780 (4 courses x $695)
• Cost for Advanced Community-based Research Certificate: is $5,560 (8 courses x $695)
• As a charitable organization, CCBR is HST (tax) exempt
• A $50 discount is available when course cost paid six weeks in advance. Please ensure you use the [earlybird] code when registering to receive the discount.
• Bursary: A minimum of 1 spot available per course (see details here)
• Students from any institution save 10%. Email general@communitybasedresearch.ca from your university email address with a picture of your student card to access the discount code

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

• A full refund (minus a $50 administration fee) will be issued for cancellations made at least two weeks before the first class.
• A 70% refund will be provided for cancellations made up to 2 days before the first class. ​
• No refunds will be issued for cancellations or no-shows made on or after the first class.