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Biological Sciences: Research support

Botany, Cellular Biology, Ecology, Entomology, Environmental Biology, Grassland and Rangeland Science, Marine Biology and Zoology.

Research methodology books in print and online

Print sources

Basic bioscience laboratory techniques : a pocket guide (Life Sciences library: X 570.78 BON)

Online sources

1. The Laboratory rabbit, guinea pig, hamster and other rodents (book)

2. Advances in Experimental Biology (book)

Existing theses are an excellent source of theory and application of research methods, research design etc.

 

Endnote

UKZN has a license to the Endnote software. This programme is loaded in all lans and can also be downloaded from the UKZN software library onto private laptops and computers. Endnote allows you to create your own library of references as well as create a bibliography in a range of styles. Whilst writing a Word document it is possible to create the intext references and at the same time create the bibliography. Endnote X7 is the latest version. There are tutorials and useful 'frequently asked questions' on the Endnote site: www.endnote.com

Research cycle

Identify the research area
What kind of research are you doing and what is the research question/s and / or hypothesis that you wish to answer?
 
 
Design the research study
There are various broad types of research which may be qualitative or quantitative and each requires a particular methodology.

  Undertake a preliminary literature review and draw up a research proposal for your supervisor. Complete ethical clearance.

Carry out research
Know your library collection in both print and electronic, know the tools for searching for information and understand how to evaluate resources. Situate your research within current research. Collect your evidence to answer your research question. Click on the Books, Journals, Databases and Theses tabs above for more information on sources of information and tools. A very useful  brief guide to aspects of the literature review and types of reviews etc has been put together by Chimene Tucker of the Unviersity of S California.
 
Analyse research results
What does your research / data collection tell you and in relation to your research question?
 
Publish research results
In what format / style must your thesis be written; ensure your referencing is correct and you have avoided plagiarism (click on the Referencing tab above)
 

UKZN Library basic guide to EndNote X7

UKZN Research Office

National Research Foundation

NRF

Academy of Science in South Africa

Writing a literature review

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