Make Code Make Sense: Programming Basics for Beginners

Stats without the scary math? Yes, please! In this episodeof Un-Hidden Curriculum, you’ll learn the four questions you need to pick the right statistical test. No equations—justlogic, clarity, and real-world examples.What you’ll learn in this beginner-friendly stats crash course:• Why statistics are the backbone of science (and not just “math for math’s sake”)• The 5 main types of variables and why they matter (continuous, discrete, ordinal, categorical, binary)• Key assumptions behind statistical tests (normality, variance, independence)• How to choose the right test—t-test, ANOVA, chi-square, regression, and more• What a p-value really means (and why it doesn’t tell you everything)• Why effect sizes, confidence intervals, and multiple comparisons matter• How to spot and avoid bad practices like p-hackingWhether you’re a student, researcher, or justsomeone who’s been traumatized by a stats class before, this guide will help you finally understand statistics—without a single equation.📌Resource mentioned: https://statsandr.com/blog/files/overview-statistical-tests-statsandr.pdf

Whether you're planning a psychology experiment, a neuroscience study, or any kind of research project, solid study design is the key to valid, reliable, and publishable results. In this episode of Un-Hidden Curriculum, we break down the basics of research design—independent vs. dependent variables, within- vs. between-subjects designs, randomization, control groups, confounds, power, pilot testing, and more. No more guessing. It’s time to design like you mean it. You’ll learn how to turn messy ideas into methodical plans, spot common pitfalls before they wreck your results, and make choices that strengthen your science instead of sabotaging it. If you’ve ever asked, “Is this even real science?”—this episode is for you.

Feeling lost when it comes to coding? You’re not alone, and Un-Hidden Curriculum is here to help. This episode breaks down the fundamentals of programming in a clear, beginner-friendly way—no prior experience required! Whether you're a student, researcher, or just curious, you'll learn what code is, how it works, and what tools and languages to start with. From variables and functions to syntax, debugging, and version control—we’ve got you covered.

Struggling with files, folders, or software? This episode of Un-Hidden Curriculum teaches the real basics of computing, including understanding file types and extensions like .txt, .csv, and .pdf, mastering shortcuts, and navigating your desktop, taskbar, and menus like a pro. Perfect for students, scientists, and anyone ready to gain confidence with their computer, whether you’re brand new to computing or looking for advanced tips to compute like a scientist. No jargon, no judgment—just the computing skills that actually matter.

Struggling to find your files? Drowning in version numbers and missing data? In this episode of Un-Hidden Curriculum, we break down how to organize your research data like a pro—from file naming conventions and metadata to data dictionaries and README best practices. Whether you’re working with behavioral data, brain imaging, or anything in between, these tips will help you create data you can understand and trust—even months (or years) down the line.

How far can one email take you? For a 14-year-old, a single message sparked an MD/PhD journey into medicine, research, and the world of preterm brain development. In this episode, guest Madelyn Nance helps us explore the twists, challenges, and rewards of becoming a physician-scientist—what it really takes to make it through the application process, the realities of training in a dual-degree program, and why anyone would choose to spend 8+ years earning two degrees instead of one. Whether you’re dreaming of science, medicine, or both, this story will inspire you to take your own bold first step. Perfect for premeds, early trainees weighing medicine vs. research, or anyone who cares about our youngest generation.

Think brain scans can read your mind? Think again. This episode of Un-Hidden Curriculum breaks down the essential tools in cognitive neuroscience—from EEG, fMRI, and fNIRS to MEG, PET, and TMS. You’ll discover:• What each brain imaging method really measures (and what it can’t)• The key trade-offs in spatial vs. temporal resolution• How scientists choose the right tool for different populations, settings, and questions• Common myths about glowing brain scans and “mind reading”Whether you’re a neuroscience student, early-career researcher, or just curious about how we peek inside the brain without cracking open the skull, this episode gives you a clear, myth-busting guide to the technologies shaping modern brain science.Tune in to expand your neuroscience toolbox and see how these tools bring the brain into focus.

In this episode, we break down the major types of neuroscience—from molecular and systems to cognitive and clinical—exploring the big questions each subfield tackles and what a typical day looks like for researchers in each area. Whether you love coding, working with people, or diving into brain scans, there’s a neuroscience path for you. Tune in and start picking your brain path today!

Writing a literature review—or not even sure what one is? This episode breaks it down: how to search smarter, read faster, stay organized, and avoid the most common mistakes. Whether you're working on a thesis, grant, or manuscript, you’ll get tools, tricks, and real talk to keep your sanity (and your browser) intact.

Not all labs are created equal. In this episode, we break down what lab culture actually is, how to spot red flags, and how to have a research experience that slays. Whether you’re choosing your first lab or stuck in one that’s draining your will to science, this episode’s for you. We’re talking PIs, power dynamics, peer support, and what makes or breaks the vibe. Tune in and learn how to protect your peace and your passion for science.