BIOL 498: Biological Seminar
- Choosing A Topic
- Background Information
- Searching for Life Sciences Literature
- Locating An Article
- Preparing A Presentation
Choosing A Topic
Print Periodicals
Subject listing of some of the print titles to which TCNJ subscribes.
Online & Print Publications
Browse extensive subject listings of both electronic and print titles available at TCNJ.
Suggestion for browsing: PLoS Biology is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published by the Public Library of Science. PLoS also publishes specialty journals found at PLoS Journals (e.g., PLoS Genetics).
Subject Specific Encyclopedias
Consult one of the subject lists under "Background Information" below.
Background Information
TCNJ Library Catalog
Check for books, CD-ROMS, etc., on your specific topic or its broader related subject.
Recommended Resources
Searching for Life Sciences Literature
There is no guaranteed way to separate primary from secondary literature other than to examine an abstract or the actual article and make a determination yourself. Included in the descriptions below are some suggestions for finding review articles.
Biological Sciences Database (Cambridge Scientific Abstracts)
Biological Sciences Database is the most comprehensive indexing and abstracting biology database available through this Library. Search strategy to find review articles:
- Select Advanced Search tab
- Select Publication Type, PT= in dropdown menu
- Enter review in adjacent search box
Academic Search Premier (EbscoHost)
ASP is an interdisciplinary database covering many biological and biomedical journals. No sure strategy exists for limiting searches to review articles. Try searching "review" as a keyword.
PubMed
PubMed is the National Library of Medicine's comprehensive database covering not only clinical medicine but also basic biological sciences. Search strategy to find review articles:
- Select Limits tab
- Scroll to Type of Article box
- Check Review
Biological & Agricultural Index Plus (WilsonWeb)
Select Biological & Agricultural Index Plus at top of WilsonWeb screen. Database covers about 300 core biology journals. Search strategy to find review articles:
- Enter review as a search term
General Science Full Text (WilsonWeb)
Select General Science Full Text at top of WilsonWeb screen. Database covers some scholarly general science and biology publications, as well as publications such as Scientific American. If you are trying to find some secondary sources on your topic, this may be a good resource. Do not add "review" to your search strategy.
Locating An Article
TCNJ Journal Holdings
Consult the list of thousands of journals available in a variety of formats, including electronic, print, and microform.
Interlibrary Loan
If the Library does not subscribe or provide electronic access to a journal title containing ar article you are interested in reading, you may request a copy through our Interlibrary Loan service.
Other Libraries
If you are interested in visiting a research library, consult their catalog and also see which hours the specific collection you need is open to visitors before you go. Princeton University has an outstanding biology collection and Rutgers University has both biology and medical sciences collections. Rutgers University Libraries participate in the VALE Reciprocal Borrowing Program.
Preparing A Presentation
Citation Style Guides
Consult this listing of style guides, including the Council of Science Editors' guide, to properly format your citations.
Instructional Technology Services
Located on the Lower Level of the Library, ITS have the hardware, software, and staff to assist you in creating your presentation. Consult their webpage for hours and services available.
Created and Maintained by:
Maureen Gorman mgorman@tcnj.edu
Last updated August 28, 2008
