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Sciences

A research guide to finding science resources from the EFSC Libraries.

Topic Ideas

These sites may be helpful in choosing a research topic.

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Sample Research Question

Once you have selected a topic and before you start searching for resources, it is helpful to perform these steps:

Put your topic in the form of a question.

Topic: algae blooms

Question: How do algae blooms impact the water supply? 

Step 1: Break the topic into main concepts:

algae blooms
water supply

Step 2: Brainstorm keywords for each concept:

Try thinking of synonyms and related terms. A thesaurus may be helpful. 

Algae Blooms Water Supply
algae
algae bloom(s)
algal bloom(s)
red tide
green tide
brown tide
cyanobacteria
microcystis
water
water supply
water pollution
water quality
freshwater
drinking water


Step 3: Combine your terms in a search

Where do I look?

Reference Materials give you a general overview of a subject.

Helpful Tip:
For Reference eBooks try Virtual Reference Library (Gale eBooks).

Books give a broad, thorough treatment of a subject.

Helpful Tip:
To find books use the Library Search or eBook Collection (EBSCO).

Periodicals provide information that is focused, usually from a contemporary point of view.

Helpful Tips:

Web Pages can include all information types. Since web publication is fast, use it for very current information.

Helpful Tips:

Media Resources provide visual and auditory details which can not be captured in written text.

Helpful Tips: