Ecology: Referencing & Writing

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

A citation or referencing style is a standardised way of referencing research you use in your academic work.

Check with your lecturer or supervisor if you are unsure which style to use:

The University of Otago takes plagiarism seriously.  These resources will help you understand what plagiarism is and how to avoid it.

Tips on choosing and using citation styles (also called referencing styles) plus using systems such as EndNote, Zotero and Mendeley.

Need to improve your writing skills?

Our very own Student Learning Development have excellent resources online and in person to help you improve your writing. You can sign up for excellent workshops. You can even book an individual consultation with a Learning Advisor.

There are some excellent online resources to help you with scientific writing. Here are a few to get you started:

Citation Manuals