Chemistry and Biochemistry

Referencing Overview

When citing references, you must follow a particular style.  Styles guides show how to properly format a paper and cite references.  Practices vary according to the type of source and the format.

As referencing style requirements may vary according to the discipline or even the class you are taking, we suggest that you always ask your professor which style you should be using.

Referencing sources strengthen your writing by:

  • Demonstrating that you have effectively located, read and analyzed relevant sources of information and integrated them in a thoughtful and coherent reflection.
  • Establishing the credibility and authority of your ideas and arguments.

The ACS Style Guide

The ACS (American Chemical Society) citation style is commonly used in chemistry.  The uOttawa Library has the style guide in our collection. 

Part 4.3 "References" is where you will find the information required to properly reference your sources following the ACS citation style.  When in doubt, contact the chemistry and biochemistry librarian for help.

CASSI Abbreviations:

ACS citation style uses journal title abbreviations. 

If you are unable to locate a journal title abbreviation, contact the chemistry and biochemistry librarian.

Citation Management

Citation management allows you to collect, organize, annotate, share and cite books, articles, videos, theses, book chapters, reports, government publications, Web sites as well as many other sources of information easily and effectively.

Citation management tools, also known as citation managers, bibliographic managers or reference managers, also make it simpler to cite references within assignments, research papers, articles and theses, and to create bibliographies using an array of citation styles.

This guide provides information on the following citation managers:

Writing Guides

Find more books on writing in the Library's collection.