Mathematics Subject Guide: Get started with a topic

Find a topic

Identifying a topic for research can be challenging. A careful reading of introductory texts will allow you to find a topic that interests you.

Reference works such as encyclopedias and dictionaries are also great places to start your research. The authoritative background information they provide will help you explore and narrow different topics. 

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 Reference Sources on Math

Reference sources are works like encyclopedias and dictionaries that you can refer to for confirmed facts. They are very useful when you need an introduction to a topic you have not studied before. Here are some useful ones for Mathematics students:

 Research your topic

After conducting some preliminary research, you can formulate a clear, well-structured research question.

Use the resources described in this guide to search for books, articles, reviews, and conference papers.

Work through the sources that you find systematically. Look for both quality and quantity in sources. Can you find enough sources to provide you with a reliable picture of what has been confirmed, and also with what remains uncertain or not-yet-published?

When in doubt, ask a librarian! Below are some recommended books to help you kick-start your research projects!