Referencing

Hi everyone, I’m currently in my first year studying Chemistry, and I was wondering how we’re supposed to do our referencing. I’m also a bit unsure about whether we’re meant to use Google Scholar for our references or if there’s a specific website or source we should be getting our information from. Could someone please clarify this for me? things.

Reply 1

Manchester Met - Student Rep

Official Rep

16

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi everyone, I’m currently in my first year studying Chemistry, and I was wondering how we’re supposed to do our referencing. I’m also a bit unsure about whether we’re meant to use Google Scholar for our references or if there’s a specific website or source we should be getting our information from. Could someone please clarify this for me? things.

Hey,
That's a great question. Referencing is one of the common questions students ask about in the first year of uni. Don't worry, once you get the hang of it, it becomes much easier!
1. Finding Your Referencing Style
First, find out exactly which referencing style your Chemistry department requires.

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Action: Check your module handbook or the course outline for your core modules. Look for sections on "Assessment Guidelines" or "Referencing."

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The Best Check: If you can't find it, the quickest way to confirm the style is to email your lecturer. They will tell you what style you need to use.

2. Where to Find Reliable Sources

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Your Library Portal is Gold: The absolute best place is always your University Library's databases and portal. Use the library search function to find full-text scientific papers.

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Check Your Reading Lists: Usually, your lecturers provide specific reading lists for each module or topic. These lists are an excellent starting point because you know those sources are relevant and reliable.

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Google Scholar is a Backup: You can definitely use Google Scholar as a search engine, and it’s not bad! However, treat it as a backup or a way to quickly find related articles once you've exhausted your core library databases. If I ever needed extra sources beyond the core readings, I'd use Scholar to fill in the gaps.

Once you know the required referencing style, check your university's library website; they almost always have a clear guide on how to format your citations! Good luck! 😊
Rachel
(Third Year)
Undergraduate Multimedia Journalism

Reply 2

Kingston Zhi En

Official Rep

10

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi everyone, I’m currently in my first year studying Chemistry, and I was wondering how we’re supposed to do our referencing. I’m also a bit unsure about whether we’re meant to use Google Scholar for our references or if there’s a specific website or source we should be getting our information from. Could someone please clarify this for me? things.

Hiya,

You can check your module project briefs, email your lecturer or check with your peers or seniors regarding the referencing style and how to format your references 🙂

Zhi En
(Kingston Student Rep.)

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 3

ARUStudents

Official Rep

14

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi everyone, I’m currently in my first year studying Chemistry, and I was wondering how we’re supposed to do our referencing. I’m also a bit unsure about whether we’re meant to use Google Scholar for our references or if there’s a specific website or source we should be getting our information from. Could someone please clarify this for me? things.

Hi,

Good question. Referencing can be a bit confusing at first, however once you nail it, it will definitely take less time/effort!

For Chemistry (and most science subjects), you’ll usually be expected to use the Harvard referencing style, or sometimes the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) style, depending on your department’s/university’s guidelines. I’d recommend checking your course handbook or the module guide, as it should specify which one to use. If not, try and ask your professors.

When it comes to finding references, Google Scholar is definitely a good starting point for academic papers, but make sure the sources you cite can be trusted and are peer-reviewed (e.g journals or textbooks). If your university provides access to databases like ScienceDirect, those are even better options.

If you’ve got any more questions, drop them down below! Best of luck! :smile:

Sabina

Reply 4

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

18

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi everyone, I’m currently in my first year studying Chemistry, and I was wondering how we’re supposed to do our referencing. I’m also a bit unsure about whether we’re meant to use Google Scholar for our references or if there’s a specific website or source we should be getting our information from. Could someone please clarify this for me? things.

Hi,

Don’t worry, referencing can be confusing at first. Usually, your course will have a preferred referencing style, like Harvard or Vancouver, so it’s best to check your module pages and ask your course tutors.

For sources, check your reading lists, Google Scholar, and your university library’s online resources. I also find the website Cite Them Right really helpful for guidance on how to reference correctly. You may be able to sign in through your institution to get full access.

Hope this helps,

Tayba
Student Rep

Referencing

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