Healthcare and biomedical sciences
This subject guide is designed for individuals looking for information relating to healthcare or biomedical sciences or those looking to develop their information and academic literacies in these areas.
The healthcare and biomedical collection can be found via Library Search. Print books are available on Level 5 of the University Library or in the high demand section.
As well as the University Library, the James Ireland Memorial Library serves the Dental School.
College Librarian: Paul Cannon
Identifying appropriate information sources
For new students:
- Healthcare and Biomedical Sciences databases
- For new students: Identifying the right source of information for the right purpose
Depending on your information requirements, you may have to look beyond the University of Glasgow Library:
- Library Hub Discover provides access to the collections of many UK national, academic and specialist libraries
You may also need to engage with grey literature, information that has not formally been published or undergone a peer review process.
Examples of grey literature include:
- Dissertations
- Theses
- Clinical guidelines or reports published by professional bodies
Academic writing and critical appraisal
Moodle
- Academic writing classes are designed to help students produce high-quality scientific writing and understand referencing
- Critical analysis series introduces students to critiquing research
Guides
Finding relevant information
Textbooks and monographs
- Reading lists provide an initial starting point for research
- Library Search is the primary method of finding information
Journal articles
Bibliographic databases provide access to quality assessed information. Prior to searching for journal articles you should consider:
- Formulating a research question and structuring a literature search
- before developing a literature search strategy
- Video guides to key databases
The key resources for healthcare and biomedical sciences subjects are (in alphabetical order):
- CINAHL
- Embase
- MEDLINE (or PubMed)
- Or see all databases for Healthcare and biomedical sciences.
Depending on the research topic databases such as BIOSIS Previews (molecular biology and pharmacology) and PsycINFO (psychology) may be the starting point of the research.
Finding fulltext articles and books
If you cannot find what you are looking for:
Evidence summaries and further healthcare information
- NHS Scotland Knowledge Network provides access to additional information sources and evidence summaries
- Guidance and training on these resources is available, including practice searches for healthcare students, Advanced Nurse Practitioners, and GP trainees
Managing Information
Processing information
- Academic development classes that focus on the most effective ways to revise and take exams, and how to use feedback to continually improve your academic performance
Managing information
EndNote can be used to manage and cite information.
- Training on EndNote
- Support for EndNote is provided by the IT Helpdesk.
- EndNote also provide their own online training
Keeping up-to-date
Keeping up-to-date with information is a difficult task. There are various methods, tools and apps that make it easier:
Plagiarism and copyright
Attribution and avoiding plagiarism
- Academic writing classes designed to help students understand referencing and incorporate sources into your written assessments
Copyright and IRP issues
Copyright is intended to protect the authors and creators of original material.
Further information can be found at Copyrightuser.
Presenting and communicating knowledge
Science communication classes introduces good presentation and poster design, and speaking to an audience about your work.
Systematic reviews
Additional resources to ensure that protocols and systematic reviews meet the required methodological standards:
Managing your online identity and digital footprint
Help control your digital identity by promoting a positive identity online and preventing or limiting negative online identity.
Information in the workplace
Information is a key component in aiding transition to and from professional practice, whether that be on placement or upon graduation.
Professional bodies often provide access to academic and trade journals. If you are practicing in NHSScotland you are eligible to register with the Knowledge Network.
Upon graduation, tools such as PubMed and the Knowledge Network provide access to quality information sources, whilst the Knowledge Network and NHS Libraries can also connect you to information behind paywalls.
Open access research papers:
Need help?
Please book an appointment if you require further assistance.