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Human Biology: Researching a topic

This guide provides information and links about Human Biology resources in the ECU Library and other useful external resources

Planning Your Library Research

The literature search and review is the starting point for any assignment topic.

Generally, you are expected to use research-based scholarly resources, books and journals, in preference to information found on websites or in newspapers.

Start your library research as early as possible to allow time to identify the resources you need, access books in Reserve and if necessary request books on loan. Key texts may be in high demand.

Researching an Assignment Topic

The scope of the literature search and type of information required will depend on the requirements of the assignment.

Books provide a useful starting point for an introduction to the subject. Books generally also provide an in-depth coverage of a topic.

Journal Articles: for current research or information on a very specific topic, journal articles may be the most useful, as they are published on a regular basis. It is normally expected that you will use some journal articles in your assignment.

Free Web Publications: useful information can also be found in free web publications from government or research organizations. Any web publications should be carefully evaluated. You are also required to view the whole publication, not just the abstract, if using the information in your assignment.

Searching for Information

Use Library search as a starting point to find books and a few journal articles on a topic. For a more specific search for journal articles search the subject specific databases. e.g. MEDLINE.

You can access the databases or Library search, from the Library homepage or link from the subject guides.

Evaluating information sources