Mathematics & Statistics: Writing & Citing
Subject Librarian
LaTeX
LaTeX is a typesetting program used to format scientific documents. It has become the de-facto standard for writing academic papers which require mathematical symbols.LaTeX can be downloaded free of charge and is available for Mac, and PC (for Windows & Linux).
LaTeX is recommended (sometimes required) by University of Otago Mathematics and Statistics staff when writing papers, particularly for papers stage 3 and above.
There are several websites that will be useful for those learning LaTex, including:
For other resources recommended for LaTex users go to the Cambridge University Engineering and IT Services page.
The University Library has several books on LaTeX, including (but not limited to):
Advanced LaTeX in academia : applications in research and education by Call Number: ebookISBN: 9783030889562Publication Date: 2021
Latex Beginner's Guide: Create High-Quality and Professional-Looking Texts, Articles, and Books for Business and Science Using Latex by Call Number: ebookISBN: 9781283376594Publication Date: 2011
Thesis Style Files (Tex): The following files can be used as a style basis for University of Otago Mathematics theses.
- MyThesis.texTex file for formatting a thesis
- Otago.bstBibTex file for Otago theses
- otagothesisLaTex file for Otago Thesis format
General citing & referencing
Citing or referencing the ideas and research you use in your essays is a vital part of all academic work because it:
- acknowledges how others' work has influenced your thinking
- provides evidence for your arguments; and
- assists other researchers to locate the sources you use
The University of Otago takes plagiarism seriously. These resources will help you understand what plagiarism is and how to avoid it.
- Academic Integrity and Academic MisconductInformation about academic misconduct, including definitions.
- Plagiarism | University of OtagoInformation about plagiarism and other dishonest practice from the University.
- Where to seek adviceIdentifies a range of support services and resources
A citation or referencing style is a standardised way of acknowledging sources (e.g. articles, books, websites, etc.) that you use in your academic work.
A citation is used in the main part (body) of an essay, article, or book (chapter).
A reference is found in the list of references (or bibliography) at the end of the essay, article, or book (chapter).
Check with your lecturer or supervisor if you are unsure which style to use. You can find information on other Referencing styles commonly used at Otago.
- APA (American Psychological Association)APA is an author-date style, where citations are written in text - in the form of the author's last name and the date that the work was published - in parentheses. Complete references are listed at the end of your document, in alphabetical order.
Publication Manual (OFFICIAL) 7th Edition of the American Psychological Association by Call Number: Science Library Reserve BF76.7 .AG49 2020 (Print only)ISBN: 9781433832161Publication Date: 2020
- Chicago BChicago B is an author-date style that presents brief citations in the text (usually in parentheses) of the author’s last name and date of publication.
- CSE Name-Year Style | Council of Science EditorsThe CSE name-year style uses brief in-text references consisting of the surname of the author or authors and the year of publication of the document. End references are unnumbered and appear in alphabetical order by author and year of publication.
The CSE Manual, Ninth Edition by Call Number: Science Library T11 .S386 202 (Print only)ISBN: 9780226683942Publication Date: 2024
Help with writing
Want to improve your writing skills?
Check out the resources at Student Learning Development, including advice and support with: study skills, writing and language development, and stats and maths.
Their research and thesis writing development page has links to helpful resources, and you can sign up for excellent workshops. You can even book an individual consultation with learning development staff.
- Postgraduate StudentsHEDC's excellent workshops on all stages of research and writing. Individual support is also available.
- Academic Skills DevelopmentFor students at all levels. HEDC workshops to help polish study skills, improve time management, prepare for exams, and gain confidence in oral presentations.
Need further help? Check out:
- Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)Extremely useful site with free resources to support writing, including material for those with English as a second language.
The links below include a sample of the books available in the Library:
- The Scientific ReportOnline tutorial on how write a structured scientific report, e.g. laboratory report, field trip write-up, or original research.
- Scientific Writing = Thinking in WordsAn inspiring e-book on how (and why) to write scientific articles.
How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper, 8th Edition by Call Number: ebookISBN: 9781440842634Publication Date: 2016
Scientific Writing = Thinking in Words by Call Number: ebookISBN: 9780643101579Publication Date: 2012
Writing guidelines for science and applied science student by Call Number: Science Library T11 .WY353 2005 (Print only)ISBN: 9780170124829Publication Date: 2005
A Short Guide to Academic Writing by Call Number: Central Library PE1408 .JN2 (Print only)ISBN: 0761825037Publication Date: 2003
- Thesis InformationNote that this links to the Library's thesis guide
Enjoy Writing Your Science Thesis or Dissertation! by Call Number: Science Library T11.HR39 2014ISBN: 9781783264209Publication Date: 2014
Guides to Maths writing
You can make your mathematics papers more engaging and concise by learning a few easy tips. The links below will help you find out how to maximise the attention of your reader, and how to lay out a paper in a logical and clear style.
The Style Files, by Tony Roberts (University of Southern Queensland). This guide is an excellent general introduction to the main points of mathematical writing.
Writing math research papers : a guide for high school students and instructors by Call Number: ebookISBN: 1623968658Publication Date: 2014
A Primer of Mathematical Writing by Call Number: Storage Books [Request for Retrieval] ; QA42 .KW4ISBN: 0821806351Publication Date: 1996
Handbook of Writing for the Mathematical Sciences by Call Number: Science Library QA42.HM12ISBN: 0898713145Publication Date: 1993
Options for Managing References
Options for Managing References
Tips on choosing and using citation styles (also called referencing styles) plus using systems such as EndNote, Zotero and Mendeley.
- Managing Your References Library GuideInformation about using EndNote, Mendeley or Zotero, and other reference management software.
- Student EndNote Software Request FormGo through the Student Portal to request to install this software for free!