LibGuides: Science: Find Sources

Start in OneSearch

OneSearch Video Tutorial

Watch this video to learn how to search OneSearch more effectively.

Dig Deeper with Specialized Databases

Library databases each contain and search different resources and are more focused than OneSearch. Use these databases to find sources for your assignments. Not sure which one to use? Ask a librarian and we'll be happy to help you choose the right one!

Science Database
Science database that offers full text access to sources covering applied and general sciences.
PubMed
Health and Life Sciences database of biomedical journals, maintained by the National Library of Medicine.
Full-text: Occasionally
Peer-reviewed: Mostly
ScienceDirect
Sciences database providing full-text access to academic journals in the health, life, social and behavioral sciences.
PubChem
Sciences database of key chemical information at the National Institutes of Health.

Not finding what you need? Check out the complete list of Science databases.

Science of Everyday Life

Consumer Health Complete
Consumer Health database that includes health encyclopedias, drug information, news, magazines, and evidence based reports aimed at healthcare decision-making.
GreenFILE
Environmental collection of peer-reviewed journals and popular magazines covering issues related to environmental science, climatology, climate change, and more.
Opposing Viewpoints in Context
General purpose collection of articles detailing different viewpoints on controversial topics.

Keywords and Search Terms in Science

The words you use to search make a difference when searching in library databases. Use these tips to help you find sources more quickly:

Don't search for an entire research question -- pick the main keywords and search for those.
Alternatively, don't search for a single concept (i.e., bacteria) -- this is too big. Narrow it by adding words for other aspects of your topic.
Try synonyms or related words -- every time you change your search terms, you'll find different sources.
You might need to use common names and scientific names -- either one may get you different sources.

For example:

phagocytosis AND infections
Agrobacterium rhizogenes AND transgenic hairy roots
microbiota OR microbiome
echinacea OR coneflower

Mix and match different combinations of keywords to get different results when searching.

Watch this video for more help on brainstorming keywords: