Biology

This guide is designed to help students learn how to use K-State Libraries' many resources for studying and learning biology.

Library Research Guide

Jason Coleman

He, Him, His

Email Me

Contact:

Academic Services Librarian
216 Hale Library
Email: coleman@k-state.edu

I am also available for off-campus or Zoom appointments. Contact me for meeting options. Make an appointment

Subjects: Biology, Civil Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Engineering, Geology, Government & Law, Industrial & Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Library Science, Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering, News & Current Events, Statistical Sciences

Got Questions? Get Answers

Contact your biology librarian, Jason Coleman, for assistance via email, phone, Zoom, or Skype.

If Jason is not available you may also email the Hale Library Science Team at ksul-science@ksu.edu

For quick assistance, use the box below to chat with a librarian during Library Help hours.

Welcome!

Welcome to the Libraries' Biology guide! This guide is designed to connect you with library and campus resources for studying and learning biology. If these guides do not have the information you are looking for, don't hesitate to Ask A Librarian for help any time during the Libraries' service hours or chat with a librarian.

Research Process

Research can be challenging, non-linear, monotonous, frustrating, and rewarding. Breaking parts of the process into smaller pieces
makes it manageable. Below are some steps you might experience as you begin a research project. If you get stuck at any time in this process, Ask A Librarian or make an appointment with your librarian.

First steps in the research process

Choose a topic
Develop a research question
Find resources on your topic
Save your sources

Research notes and reflection

This process takes days, weeks, or months. It is helpful to take notes as you go to track your thinking. Reminders to yourself will save time.

Ask yourself: What am I thinking about as I develop my research question(s)? What types of information do I need to answer this question? Where am I searching and what search terms am I using to find resources? What is interesting to me and my research about this specific article?

Research Process Worksheet
This 2-page worksheet has sections to help you choose a topic, brainstorm search strategies, find resources on your topic, and modify your search.
Research Template
Suggested format for taking notes while you're searching.
Searching Reflection Questions
Additional questions for reflecting on your search process. These questions are training for more efficient searching.
Evaluating Sources Rhetorically/Analyzing Rhetorical Use of Sources: The BEAM Model
Two-sided handout. One side offers questions to ask to determine relevance of sources. Opposite side outlines four main ways sources can be used.

From Indiana University Bloomington Library,
Source URL:
https://libraries.indiana.edu/file/evaluating-sources-rhetorically-pdf

Kirmser Undergraduate Research Award
Undergraduates doing research for a class at K-State can apply for this award. The reflective questions on this page are for preparing the essay but they are useful for your research too.