When information is quoted, paraphrased, or summarized, the source of that information must be documented. Otherwise, you are guilty of plagiarism. See the Library's Academic Integrity Tutorial.
Citation Management Tools
As of September 2025, the Robertson Library is phasing out use of RefWorks, but it is still available until April 2027.
If you're not yet using a Citation Manager, we recommend Zotero, or ZoteroBib for smaller papers. RefWorks, Zotero, and ZoteroBib all support the Citation Styles listed below.
Citation Styles: Biology
Various standards have been created for citing sources in different disciplines such as CSE (Council of Science Editors, formerly the CBE, Council of Biology Editors), APA (American Psychological Association), and MLA (Modern Language Association). Style, or Publication Manuals, are updated semi-frequently; ensure you're using the latest one for the best available information on how to cite emerging trends.
Your professor may have specified which format you should follow; if not, choose one style to follow, and use that style.
Scientific Style and Format: The CSE Manual for Authors, Editors, and Publishers (8th edition 2014)
This manual from the Council of Science Editors contains scientific publication style and format guidelines for journals, books, and other publications.
Call Number: REFERENCE T11.S386 2014
Scientific Style and Format Citation Quick Guide (8th ed.) - Council of Science Editors
The CSE-Style Citation Quick Guide (9th ed.) - Council of Science Editors
CSE Quick Citation Guide - Penn State University Libraries
Provides examples for the three systems of references for CSE.
Journal Abbreviations:
Bioscience Journal Abbreviations (Berkeley Library, University of California)
CAS Source Index (CASSI) Search Tool
Journals in PubMed & NCBI Databases (U.S. National Library of Medicine Catalog)
ISSN List of Title Word Abbreviations
Writing and Poster Guides
Designing Science Presentations: A Visual Guide to Figures, Papers, Slides, Posters and More (2nd ed.)
by Matt Carter E-Book (UPEI login or on-campus access required)
Creating Effective Poster Presentations
by George Hess, Kathryn Tosney, and Leon Liegel, North Carolina State University.
Posters, Presentations, & Science Writing (Berkeley Library, University of California)
Scientific Writing and Communication: Papers, Proposals and Presentations 2nd ed.
Call Number: STACKS Q223.H63 2014
Short Guide to Writing About Biology (9th ed. 2016) by Jan Pechenik
Call Number: STACKS QH304.P43 2016
Successful Scientific Writing: A Step-By-Step Guide for the Biological and Medical Sciences
Call Number: STACKS R119.M28 2014
Using the Biological Literature: A Practical Guide 2014
by Diane Schnidt E-Book (UPEI login)
Writing in the Biological Sciences: A Comprehensive Resource for Scientific Communication
Call Number: STACKS QH304.H64 2013
Writing for Science and Engineering Papers, Presentations and Reports 2013
by Heather Silyn-Roberts
Writing Scientific Research Articles: Strategy and Steps 2013
by Margaret Cargill & Patrick O'Connor
| Original Creator: Dawn Hooper, B.Sc., M.L.S. | Last Revised By: John Bayhi | Date Last Revised: Sept. 2025 |