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.
Search the library catalog using the link below to find physical and eBooks about your topic.
Use the databases below to find background information about your topic. Think of these databases as virtual encyclopedias which provide broad overviews of subjects. They can help you learn key concepts and terms related to your topic, which will help when you search in subject-specific databases.
Subject-specific reference books are available at Perkins 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. This list represents just a sampling of the many print reference books available in the Library. Search the library's catalog, or browse the Q through T section of the Reference collection to find more science reference books.
Van Nostrand's scientific encyclopedia by 
History of modern science and mathematics by 
The Oxford companion to the history of modern science by 
Encyclopedia of science, technology, and ethics by 
Concise encyclopedia biochemistry and molecular biology by 
Encyclopedia of biodiversity by 
Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia by 
Encyclopedia of Biostatistics by