Professional Science Essentials
Writing a Literature Review - overview
Looking ahead - Literature Review
40 % literature review
5 % for a complete draft in week 10
35 % for final document week 13
5 % for response to draft comments in week
13
Review Article
Write a clear and concise evidenced based
review of your chosen nanotechnology, plastic
pollution or smart devices topic.
What is your topic? Need to decide this asap
Word count 1500 – 2000 words
Write as a series of paragraphs with an
introduction and conclusion.
Review Article - rubric
Refer to the marking rubric to make sure you are
addressing assignment expectations.
Pull out the marking rubric and have a look
The Timeline
Week 6 Research, read, identify your topic.
Week 7-8 Research, read, make notes/compile summaries from a
range of sources.
Week 9 Have finalised the scope of the review, identified the key
ideas/subheadings and have written text for some sections.
Week 10 Submit a full draft on BB (via assignments page)
Week 12 Tutor feedback on draft
Week 13 Submit finalised literature review
Resources to help you
Check out the resources to help you write a
literature review folder located in the
Assignments page on BB
What is a review?
A review of current literature on a particular
topic or issue.
A comparison of different sources of
information and perspectives.
An identification of ‘gaps’ in current
research.
An evidence based/critical evaluation and
synthesis of the literature.
Types of sources
A literature review should contain a mixture
of sources (e.g. scholarly books, reports,
internet resources etc.),
The focus should be on peer reviewed
journal articles.
The 4 “R”s
When searching for sources, keep the 4 “R”s in
mind:
1. Recent – When was it published?
2. Reliable – Who wrote it? Do they use
evidence? Is it biased? Who published it?
3. Readable – Can you understand it?
4. Relevant – Useful for your topic area?
(adapted from ANU, 2012)
Getting started on the literature review
Research
Identify key sources of information
Critically review each article – make notes,
summarise.
1. Identify key sources of information
Look for articles that:
• cover your general topic area and are recent
(the last few years);
• have attempted to grapple with the various
elements of the topic; and
• are of landmark importance in the topic area
Review the strategies previously discussed
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Use Library WorldSearch
Try different sear
ch terms to broaden your scope.
Avoid informal/non-academic web sources.
Read titles and abstracts first.
SKIM read next.
Do not read thoroughly until you have
committed to the text.
2. Critically review each article
a) Write down the article’s main ideas and themes.
b) Critically evaluate the author’s claims, the main
findings, the evidence presented, and how the author
uses other writers’ contributions.
c) How is this source relevant to your topic.
Write down the key points from steps (a), (b), and (c).
3. Identify key ideas
(Davies, 2011, p. 224)
4. Plan & draft the structure of the review
Begin the review by broadly outlining the general
research area/topic, then gradually narrow in on the
specific topic area.
Inverted triangle rule
Then write paragraphs on each of the key themes
identified.
Conclude by summing up key findings.
Introduction
The Introduction introduces the topic area.
It points out the significance and the purpose
of the literature review
 It explains how the literature review will be
structured (i.e. provides signposts so the reader
knows what is coming).
Body
The Body is divided into sub-sections: insert
headings to help structure the review.
 Each sub-section will be a paragraph(s) detailing
a key idea and will be supported and informed by
several sources and not just one article.
 The sub-sections or key ideas need to link back to
the main focus/theme of review as well as link with
each other.
Conclusion
The Conclusion restates the purpose of the
literature review.
It summarises the main themes and “current
thinking” on the topic.
It may also provide a “where to from here”
type statement
An example of a review
Topic:
Application of nanotechnology in the area of
dermatology.
Key areas/ideas
Having read a series of recent articles on this
topic, it is clear that nanotechnology
applications have been applied to sunscreens,
topical medications and diagnostic imaging
and a number of other smaller areas.
Example of a review cont’d
It is also clear that the issue of risk is a persistent
theme that comes up in most articles and so this
needs to be addressed in any review of this
topic.
Example of a review cont’d
Title
Applications of nanotechnology in dermatology
Introduction – needs to include a
 brief background on nanotechnology and
dermatology
 clear statement as to what is included in this review.
Inverted triangle rule
Example review- Introduction
Nanotechnology is a relatively new branch of science
exploiting the unique properties of nanoscale molecules
whose size is 100 nm or less (Band, 2009). The prefix of
nanotechnology derives from “nanos” the Greek word
for dwarf and came about when scientists started to
discover interesting properties of very small molecules
different from the parent compounds on the
macroscale (Maher & Doe, 2010; Gillan, Molloy, & Reidy,
2012). …… etc etc etc..........An example of the start of an opening paragraph that is
broad and provides background on nanotechnology.
This opening paragraph on nanotechnology
might be followed up by a background
paragraph on skin structure/dermatology and
the large consumer market for products.
Then the introduction would become more
focused so as to detail what this specific review
is about.
Example review– ending the introduction
Nanodermatology represents one of the leading beneficiaries
of nanotechnology and is demonstrated by the growing
financial investments and exponential number of registered
patents with regard to dermatology, particularly cosmetology
(Band, 2009). On the other hand, this frenetic run for
developing new products and advanced applications
generates concern about efficacy and safety.
Nanotechnology applications have been realised in
sunscreens, cosmetics topical medications and diagnostic
imaging for maintenance of skin health (Doran, 2011; Maher &
Doe, 2010). This review will discuss the current applications of
nanotechnology in dermatology. The potential risks of these
applications will also be addressed.
Note the ending which clearly outlines the scope of the review
The body
The body of the review might be broken into
sections with titles like
Cosmetics
Sunscreens
Topical medications
Diagnostic imaging
Limitations and risk
Example review– a section of the body
Risk
Nanotechnology has been embraced by the cosmetic and
consumer skin care industries, however, safety concerns about
the use of nanoparticles persist. Smaller particles occupy less
volume, but have a higher surface area per unit mass (Kane,
2012). Lee and Kalsoom (2012) reported dramatic increases in
the availability of surface groups for biological interaction with
decrease in particle size which could lead to the development
of a whole new class of allergens and unanticipated particleparticle interactions. From this point of view, the toxic potential
of nanosubstances and nanomaterials is exponentially
proportional to a decrease in particle size.
Example review cont’d
Small particles can penetrate the skin, particularly damaged skin.
Particles 7000 nm in size and smaller can penetrate skin that is
damaged (Maher & Doe, 2012). In a study by Olsen & Koh (2009),
skin permeability was shown to increase for some skin conditions
including dermatitis, acne and psoriasis. The same study found
that shaving or injuries such as sunburns, cuts and scrapes can
also increase cutaneous permeability. Furthermore, skin care
products containing nanoparticles are often formulated with
penetration enhancers (Kane, 2012; Doran, 2011).
Finally, nanoparticles have the potential to damage DNA and cell
membranes...............etc
- logical progression and linking of ideas
Example review - Conclusion
In this review, current applications of nanotechnology in
dermatology have been described. ......... ............. .....
New directions in monitoring and diagnosing of skin
diseases show great potential ...........................
.........................However, particle reactivity and toxicity
seem to be exponentially proportional to a decrease in
particle size and it is difficult to predict the hazards
associated with nanomaterials
- no new information and no references
Acknowledgement
“Our example” is adapted from
Saraceno, R., Chiricozzi, A., Gabellini, M. & Chimenti, S.
Emerging applications of nanomedicine in dermatology.
(2013). Skin Research and Technology, 19, 13-19. doi:
10.1111/j.1600-0846.2011.00601.x
Some further tips and reminders
1. Write in paragraphs
As for your summary, you need to write in
strong, academic paragraphs.
However, unlike your summary, you need to
integrate evidence from several sources.
2. paraphrase and integrate ideas
Paraphrase
Saraceno, Chiricozzi, Gabellini, and Chimenti (2013)
stated nanotechnology is ……………………..
(Note use of reporting verbs: stated, argued,
claimed, suggested ……)
Or
Nanotechnology is …………………………………..
(Saraceno, Chiricozzi, Gabellini, & Chimenti, 2013)
If you use this source again in the review, then you would put
(Saraceno et al., 2013)
Review What is Paraphrasing ?
Paraphrasing involves reading a passage and
rewriting the information it contains (someone else’s
ideas) into your owns words and style. It must be intext referenced.
A common error when paraphrasing
The most common mistake that students make is to
change only a few words in the original sentence or
paragraph and think that is OK, if they reference the
source.
An adequately paraphrased piece of writing should
be in your own writing style but contain the original
author's idea or information, with referencing to
indicate the source of the information.
Paraphrasing Steps
Steps to successful paraphrasing:
1. Closely read and reread the entire passage
you wish to use until you understand its full
meaning.
2. Express the core idea to yourself, your
computer …..
3. Read the passage again, noting the key words.
Paraphrasing steps
4. Look away, and using only the key words, write
your paraphrase.
5. Check your paraphrase against the original. The
meaning should be the same, but the style and
structure should be different.
6. Use an in-text reference at the end of your
paraphrase.
Don’t forget …
To use Turnitin to review your paraphrasing and
make sure you are not plagiarising
3. Flow/cohesion is important
Use transitional phrases/word to ensure that your
discussion flows in your paragraph and between
your paragraphs.
There must be a “thread” to your whole review, not
just a string of statements
Use transitional words and phrases
They help narrate your thinking process to your
reader. They let your audience know how you
are using your source material, and often
signal that analysis and interpretation is on the
way.
Examples of transitional words/phrases
Activity
add an idea:
Word/Phrase
also
furthermore
in addition
add an unexpected continuation:
however
nevertheless
still
show relationship:
in contrast
in comparison
on the other hand
likewise
however
also/and
instead of
as well as
rather
similarly
show the consequence/give result: as a result, consequently, therefore
Thus, for these reasons,
to have an effect on/to affect
Examples of transitional words/phrases
give an example:
for instance, for example
to illustrate this principle consider
show the 1st idea is false and
the 2nd idea is true:
on the contrary, rather
instead
give another possibility:
alternatively , on the other hand
otherwise, although, despite
add an explanation:
in other words
that is, this means
in particular/(more) specifically
show order of importance:
first, second, third
more/most important
more/most significant
above all
4. Use Academic writing style
Key features of academic writing
systematically organised & well-structured;
logically argued;
informed (supported with evidence from research);
referenced accurately & consistently;
presented according to academic standards;
formal/professional in tone;
focused;
precise (as exact as possible).
Review Academic Writing Style
Check out the What is Academic Writing Style?
PowerPoint Presentation in the Resources to help you
write your literature review folder which you will find
in the Assignments page on BB.
Includes 9 tips to help you improve your writing
style!
Remember
week 10 - Full draft of Review
 Introduction
 Remember the inverted triangle format
 Body
 Key ideas organised into a series of paragraphs
 Use headings to give structure
 Conclusion
 List of references
 not included in word count
Submitted via Turnitin on the
Assignments page of BB
For week 13 – final literature review
Draft returned by tutor with feedback in Week
12.
You should submit a one page summary of how
you changed your draft in response to the
comments you got. More on this in later weeks.
The submitted final review will be given a grade
only.
References
Australian National University. (2012). Is your information scholarly?
Retrieved from the Australian National University Website:
http://libguides.anu.edu.au/content.php?pid=268316&sid=2226891
Davies, M. (2011). Study skills for international postgraduates. London,
UK: Palgrave Macmillan.
Gillett, A. (2012). “Features of academic writing.” Retrieved from the
Using English for Academic Purposes: A Guide for Students in Higher
Education Website: http://www.uefap.com/writing/feature/intro.htm
Lawrence, T. (2012). Literature review. Perth, Australia: Edith Cowan
University FCHS Academic Skills Centre.
MacDonald, B. & Seel, J. (n.d.). “Research using the internet.” Retrieved
from the University of Toronto Website:
http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/reading-andresearching/research-using-internet