BIOLOGY 152: Introductory Biology (Fall 2025) : Finding Articles
Choosing the Right Article Database
The resources listed on this page are a starting point for exploring the scientific literature. Remember, you don't have to choose one of these databases. You can also explore the following pages to locate the right database for finding articles for your Independent Project.
Multidisciplinary Databases
Databases that have strong, multidisciplinary coverage of many subjects in and beyond the Biosciences are useful starting points for just about any research question.
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Biological AbstractsCovers all aspects of biology, including bacteriology, cell biology, genetics, microbiology, pathology, physiology, toxicology, virology, and zoology.
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PubMed/MedlineFocuses on biomedical and health research. Also covers life sciences, behavioral sciences, chemical sciences, and bioengineering.
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Web of ScienceHighly selective database covering the sciences broadly. Covers only journals it deems to be “high impact” and may miss good quality research published in less prestigious journals. Web of Science makes a good complement to Scopus.
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ScopusLarge, multidisciplinary database that covers science, technology, and medicine. Scopus makes a good complement to Web of Science, as it is less strict about what to include and covers more journals.
Subject-focused Databases
Databases with focused coverage of a particular discipline can help you explore your topic thoroughly. These often include filters, subject terms, and other features that are designed for researchers in that field, which may help you find relevant articles more quickly. Below are examples of databases focusing on a range of subjects that may be relevant for your IP.
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Agricultural & Environmental ScienceCovers agriculture and environmental sciences research. Includes sources from many disciplines, including research on pollution, biotechnology, climate, chemistry, cell and microbiology, and ecology.
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APA PsycINFOCovers the field of psychology, behavioral science and mental health.
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CABI: CAB AbstractsCovers plants and animals including animal and crop production, breeding, environmental impacts, nutrition, and veterinary science. Includes materials from over 100 countries and in 50 languages.
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CINAHL Plus with Full Text (Nursing and Allied Health Literature)Covers health sciences, including alternative, complementary, and traditional medicine like supplements, acupuncture, and herbalism.
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FSTA: Food Science & TechnologyCovers research in food science, food technology, and nutrition.
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SPORTDiscusMulti-disciplinary database on sports-related topics, including research about sports medicine, kinesiology, and exercise physiology. Not all sources are peer reviewed. SPORTDiscus makes a good complement to PubMed for medical questions about athletes.
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Wildlife and Ecology Studies WorldwideCovers research on wild mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Includes sources on individual species, habitat types, wildlife behavior, ecotourism, and zoology.
Finding Full Text
Many of the databases on this page only contain information about articles. You'll often have to go to another site to get the full text and actually read those articles.
To find the full text:
- Look for a full text link on the database page.
- If there is no full text link, click on the red Find It at UW button to see if we have full text access:
- If it is not available through Find It, there will be a link to request a copy. A librarian will find the article and send it to you for free!
Off-Campus Access
Start with the library website (or use the links on this guide) to access databases, articles, and other library resources from off campus. You'll be prompted to enter your NetID when it is needed.
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Remote Access BookmarkletAccess library-licensed content with a click, skipping the library website.
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Troubleshooting Off-Campus AccessFind solutions to common problems.
Get Research Help
Librarians are here to help! We can help you find and evaluate articles to support your research project.
AskSEL@library.wisc.edu
Email the science & engineering librarian team for help finding, evaluating, and citing sources for your IP.
Schedule a consultation (via Zoom)
Schedule a 30-minute appointment with a science & engineering librarian for one-on-one help.
Ask a Librarian Chat
Chat with a librarian to get research help in real time. Questions may be referred to a subject expert.