MC Library Research Guides: BIOL 210: Develop a Topic

Find Background Information

Background information helps you learn about aspects of a topic that might interest you.

The best way to complete your background research is with reference sources like subject encyclopedias, handbooks and dictionaries. They provide basic information and broad overviews of a wide variety of topics.

Search:

Encyclopedia of Microbiology
Explores all aspects of microbiology from mycology (the study of fungi) to the simplest biological entities of all, viruses and prions.
World of Microbiology and Immunology
An encyclopedic guide to concepts, theories, discoveries and pioneers in the fields of microbiology and immunology. With alphabetical entries.

Nursing Reference Center Plus This link opens in a new window
Provides evidence-based information for point of care, continuing education, nursing research, and more.
AccessScience This link opens in a new window
Includes research updates to trends and developments in science and technology, biographies of scientists, late breaking news, links to evaluated web sites, images and learning resources and study guides by topic.
Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Online reference library with a wide selection of reference books. Search or browse by subject.
Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window
A selected collection of encyclopedias and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research. For information on how to use e-books on Gale, please see this helpful video.

Research Skills & Tips:

Develop a Topic

To choose a research topic, begin with general background information. This will help you explore topics of interest, develop research questions and search terms, and decide where to look for sources.