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Earth Sciences

Find and use relevant resources for Earth Sciences

Search, Select, Evaluate

MultiSearch

MultiSearch is the Library’s search platform that provides access to the majority of Library resources. You can use it to find books, journal and newspaper articles, theses, databases, unit readings, exam papers, and more. Sign in with your OneID for better results. Access MultiSearch;

Research Databases

MultiSearch searches across most of the Library's resources, but it doesn't search everything.

To make sure you are finding all relevant literature, you can also search the subject databases included on each page in this guide. Research databases may be subject specific or cover many different topic areas. The search techniques you use in MultiSearch are usually the same ones you use in the subject databases.

When you are analysing an assignment task or searching on a topic, try using alternative phrases for the same concept. You might find one phrase gives you far more results than the others. Below are some examples to start you thinking;

Lightbulb Use inverted commas to link two words together as a phrase

Subject 

Alternative search terms

Climate change

"global warming" ; "climate crisis" ; "global heating" ; "climate emergency"

Behaviour dispersal ; foraging ; communication ; behavio*r

Insects

insecta

LightbulbTry linking one of your search terms with another concept from your assignment. The 'AND' in the middle is capitalized to link the terms, e.g.

"climate change" AND insects AND behaviour

"global warming" AND insecta

Often, you will be required to find and use peer reviewed journal articles in your units.

Peer review refers to:

  • articles which have been analysed by recognised authorities in the field. The reviewer may request revision or reject the article.

Peer review is important because: 

  • It is a guarantee of quality academic material.

How do you choose peer reviewed material?

  • By checking the 'peer review' box in the filter pane on the left side of the MultiSearch search result screen.

Choosing peer reviewed sources for your assessment is a great start, but there are other things you need to think about when selecting the right material. Learn more about how to evaluate sources;

StudyWISE

StudyWISE logo

Macquarie University's StudyWISE offers resources to solve specific assignment-related questions, or build research, writing and other academic skills.

StudyWISE is produced collaboratively by The Writing Centre and the Library. Access it via iLearn.

Find out more ... Peer review

Peer review refers to:

  • articles which have been scrutinised by recognised authorities in the field
  • articles may be rejected for publication, or asked to revise

Peer review is important because: 

  • It is a guarantee of quality academic material

How do you choose peer reviewed material?

  • By checking the 'peer review' box in the filter pane on the left