LAB REPORTS 

Lab reports should be word-processed or written neatly in ink and are due no later than the next session after completion of the experiment [or after the spreadsheet followup session for those experiments where this is indicated].  Proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation are essential. The following format should be used for those experiments where a formal writeup is required : 

Title
Your Name and the Date

Abstract   A brief statement of what was actually done. NOT the same as the purpose of the experiment.   Concisely inform the reader of the nature of the experiment and your salient findings in about 30 to 80 words [two to four sentences]. Strive for the middle ground between vague generalities and excessive specificity. Although this section comes at the beginning of the report, it should be the last portion actually written.

 “The proper ways to prepare for, conduct, record, and write up laboratory experiments were explained to students. It was observed during the subsequent lab session after this explanation that only 11% of the students complied with these instructions. Those who did not experienced substantial reductions in grades.” 

Introduction   Two to four paragraphs stating the basic theoretical background involved, including any chemical and/or mathematical equations necessary for the educated reader to understand the principles involved. The last paragraph should be a sentence or two explaining the purpose of the experiment.

Procedure   (Cite a reference, e.g.  “Refer to CHEM 1B lab manual, pp 55-57”.) It is NOT necessary to rewrite the entire procedure from the lab manual, but any deviations from that procedure as published should be noted. 

Results:  A paragraph or so summarizing the essentials of your data, with reference to the next sections.

Data    (preferably in tabular form if possible)  Cite literature reference values where appropriate. Not every item as shown below will necessarily be applicable. The Excel spreadsheets and resulting graphs may serve to fulfill the requirements of this section. 

Calculations     e.g., how % yield was computed.   The Excel spreadsheets and resulting graphs may serve to fulfill the requirements of this section. 

Discussion   Show the reader the relationship of the results obtained to those expected in light of the theory, including whether the basic premise of the experiment was satisfied. List reasonable sources of error and their contribution to any deviations from the expected outcome. A final paragraph summing the overall results and discussion is desirable.

       “The yield was kind of sucky because  the idiot at the next bench lent me a flask that was wet.”  <NOT recommended!>

                "The infrared spectrum confirmed the presence of the C=O stretch at 1695 cm^-1 and the C-O stretch at 1050 cm^-1, and a monosubstituted benzene ring was indicated by the strong peaks at 680 and 750 cm^-1. Both aliphatic and aromatic C-H peaks were evident. These observations are all consistent with what would be expected from the proposed structure."  <much better>

References  [where appropriate] A list of texts, articles, web URLs, etc. used as sources of information in performing the experiment and/or writing the report.

© Ronald W. Rinehart, 2003