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Biology

Guide to resources for Biology

Source Requirements

You must use current references (2015 - 2019) unless approved by your instructor.  You may include reputable Internet resources in your search.  However, all Internet resources, with no “hard” sources, is not acceptable.  At least one of the references should be from a peer-reviewed scientific journal.  Examples of these would include Science, Nature, Cell, PNAS, Journal of Bacteriology, and others of that nature.  An online version of a journal is acceptable.  Sites such as Wikipedia are not acceptable sources.  For this length of paper, you should have no fewer than 5 resources unless previously approved by your instructor.  It is appropriate to use older resources as historical information, but they should be in addition to those mentioned above.

Selecting a Topic

Gale Virtual Reference Library
GVRL is a collection of encyclopedias and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research. These eBooks are available 24/7 with no checkout. Titles can be browsed, searched and downloaded anytime from any Internet-connected device. The eBooks you can access are digitally reproduced from trusted, authoritative reference works from Gale.

Opposing Viewpoints: Gale in Context
Covers today's hottest social issues, from capital punishment to immigration to marijuana. This cross-curricular research database supports science, social studies, current events, and language arts classes. Includes pro/con viewpoints, reference articles, interactive maps, and infographics that help learners develop critical-thinking skills and draw their own conclusions.

Possible Topics

  • Problems with microbe caused disease outbreaks
  • Use of genetically modified (GM) foods and other agricultural products
  • Genetic response of organisms to chemicals in the environment
  • Resistance of microorganisms to pharmaceuticals
  • Stem cell research, its uses and implications for the future
  • Pharmaceuticals of the future
  • Issues Surrounding Disposal of Wastes (could choose solid or nuclear)
  • Deforestation (could choose in Tropical or in Temperate regions)
  • Sustainable Use of Forests (temperate or tropical)
  • Current Forestry Practices in the U. S.
  • Public Land Management
  • The Problems Facing our National Parks
  • The Importance of and Destruction and/or Restoration of Wetlands
  • Mining Rights in the West
  • Acid Rain
  • Climate Change
  • Endangered Wildlife (general or specific)
  • Wildlife Recovery Programs
  • Nuclear Waste
  • The Food Crisis
  • The State of the Ozone Depletion
  • The Importance of Biodiversity
  • Sustainable Agriculture Practices
  • Slow Food Movement
  • Community Garden Initiative, etc.
  • Soil Erosion
  • Oil Spills/ Oil Pollution
  • Pesticide Contamination in Food
  • The State of the Environment in Tennessee
  • Renewable Energy Resources/Conservation
  • Bioremediation
  • Reintroduction of endangered species into an area (e.g. elk into the Smokey Mountains National Park)
  • Use of public lands and environmentally protected areas for oil exploration (e.g. ANWAR)

You may wish to choose some other topic not specifically listed.  That is acceptable as long as you have it pre-approved by your instructor.