Resource Guides: Biomedical & Health Informatics Research Guide: Research Starters

Quick Links

Background Information

Dictionary of Information Science and Technology
Includes terms and definitions in the fields of information science and technology.
Genetics Home Reference
National Library of Medicine's web site for consumer information about genetic conditions and the genes or chromosomes related to those conditions.

Research Starters

We all use Wikipedia, but if you want something authoritative and reliable, Britannica® Academic is a great option. Like all encyclopedias, this source is a good way to find background information on a topic.

Encyclopedia Britannica - Academic This link opens in a new window
If the search widget above isn't working, you can click here to access Britannica Academic.

CQ Researcher is a great source for information about current events and controversies. However, it also has some useful historical information, usually about political events (ex. U.S.-Iran relations). We recommend this source when you're having difficulty coming up with a topic. It's also a good tool if you already have an idea, but aren't sure what direction to take.

CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window
If the search widget above isn't working, you can click here to access CQ Researcher.

Opposing Viewpoints is a great source for information about current events, especially controversial ones. They provide a wide variety of sources on each topic - everything from opinion essays to scholarly articles. We recommend this source when you're having difficulty coming up with a topic. It's also a good tool if you already have an idea, but aren't sure what direction to take.

Opposing Viewpoints In Context (Gale) This link opens in a new window
- This link opens in a new window
If the search widget above isn't working, you can click here to access Opposing Viewpoints.

This source is very similar to Opposing Viewpoints in Context - it's a good place to look for information on controversial issues.

Points of View Reference Center This link opens in a new window
If the search widget above isn't working, you can click here to access Points of View Reference Center.

Plan Your Research

Not sure how long it will take you to complete an assignment? Want to make sure that you're not stuck at the last minute?

The Assignment Calculator can help you plan your work. Don't forget to email yourself the schedule, or print it - both options are at the bottom of the page.