When defining your thesis topic, you can:

1.  Consult your supervisor

2.  Consult subject-specific dictionaries and encyclopedias

Dictionaries define terms and are useful for clarifying terminology. Encyclopedias give an overview of the research area, usually provide a list of references and often indicate the leading researchers in the field. To identify useful dictionaries and encyclopedias, consult the Library Subject Guides.

3.  Check theses databases

To see what theses are already available around your topic, consult the databases listed on the Theses section of your Subject Guide.

4.  Consider related disciplines that may impinge on your topic 

For example, for a topic like 'Tissue damage and radiation dosimetry’, it is necessary to consult both medical and physics information sources.

5.  Locate review articles

Review articles survey the literature on a particular topic, providing an overview of key developments and issues, as well as a useful bibliography. They can also provide critical comment and comparison of research reported.

Finding a review article can save time and effort when doing a literature search.  They are particularly useful in the initial stages of the literature review. Many indexing databases allow you to limit your results to review articles by selecting Refine - Document Type - Reviews.