CHEM - 321: Organic Synthesis Laboratory

Choosing a topic can be one of the most challenging parts of getting started.

• Review your assignment description. Are there any restrictions or guidelines?
  • Are there suggestions or requirements on the types of resources you should use to inform your project?
  • Are there parameters on how long your project should be?
  • When is your assignment due? 
• What are you interested in or passionate about? Is there a connection from another course you'd like to build on?
  • Review course readings, discussions, and other materials
    • What topics, authors, or time periods covered do you find most interesting?
    • What haven't you covered yet in class that you want to learn more about?

A concept map is a visual organization/representation of knowledge. Concept mapping:

• Uses free association
• Aids in developing questions
• Reveals themes and patterns
• Helps identify gaps and connections

Concept mapping at the start of the research process can be particularly useful for helping you understand what you know and what you still need to learn. It can also help to clarify the kinds of research methods, resources, and tools you need to consult to better develop and understand your topic.

When you conduct a literature review, you familiarize yourself with the scholarly literature related to your research topic or question, and present an overview of that literature to your readers. Your literature review demonstrates your awareness of the scholarship on your topic, and allows you to position your research question and your argument in relation to other scholars' work. 

These resources can help you through the literature review process: