Impressed with all the science Mr.Coop always throws down on threads. Hell, it's usually so technical I couldn't even begin to tell if its bull**** or not.
Could you enlighten us all on what you studied to get where you are? For people who would want to learn the hard science, where would you recommend people begin? What subjects would be the basics, essentials, advanced topics etc...
Any other hardcore science guys feel free to chime in too!
Coop has education is a variety of fields. He has told a few of us what he studies however it would be best if he answered you himself. Suffice to say that you can pretty much guarantee what he says is evidence based.
Science itself is a VERY broad spectrum of topics, so it would depend on what you are most interested in learning. The best way to learn in this field is to read. And then read some more. With evidence always changing/ allowing for a more clearer picture, learning is continuous and not a one off.
As JJ said (who is one of the more brilliant minds on this forum), a very important skill is learning about research methodology and statistics. Discussions and conclusions, whilst insightful, are at the bias of the researcher when he/she interprets the data (to a degree - the language they choose in the discussion can alter the perception of significance or they can draw correlations/ causations under circumstances where such things cannot be stated). The actual results of the study better reflect its significance.
For training: Exercise science - anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, biology (cell and human), strength and conditioning are all important components.
For nutrition: Nutrition, Bioenergetics (biochemistry) and so on are good places to start. IMO basic nutrition papers do not delve far enough into metabolism and biological processes to allow for comprehensive understanding. Learning how things behave in the body will be far more beneficial to you than just "a carb is the primary source of energy in the body".