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Background reading is an essential starting point to any research project. The purpose of background reading is to get an overview of your topic, and to begin to become acquainted with the key terms, names and events associated with your topic.
A good place to begin your background reading is to find and read an article in a subject-specific reference book. The Berntsen Library collects reference books in both print and online formats.
Print Reference books
These subject-specific reference books are available at the Berntsen Library. They are worth a trip to the library in order to get a concise, authoritative overview of your science topic as you begin your research.
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Encyclopedia of science, technology, and ethics by Call Number: Northwestern Reference 503 En19ISBN: 0028658310Contains more than 675 articles on topics that relate to every conceivable area of ethics in science and technology--and beyond. -
Science, religion, and society : an encyclopedia of history, culture, and controversy by Call Number: Northwestern Reference 201.65 Sci27ISBN: 0765680645Explores the historical and contemporary controversies between science and religion.
Science E-Reference (online reference books in electronic format)
Search an e-Reference book in order to find a brief, authoritative article on your topic.
You can also search for your topic in Library Search and limit to "Reference Entries" under "Resource Type" to locate online reference articles.
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Oxford Reference Online This link opens in a new windowYou can use Oxford Reference Online to access a vast online library of authoritative information in a variety of subject areas. With resources covering general reference questions, language, bilingual dictionaries, quotations, science and medicine, humanities and social sciences, and business and professional you can use this tool for a wide variety of needs.
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Credo Reference This link opens in a new windowCredo reference delivers full-text entries as well as images, audio files and videos.