Expectations for lab reports

(Dr. Baileys classes)

Title Page:
The Title page is a separate cover sheet that helps the grader/instructor identify the
following:
Lab Title
Course number (with section number)
Date(s) at which experiment was performed
Students name
Instructors name
Abstract:
For the lab course, abstracts will be required for every report. The requirements are the
same regardless as to whether you are doing a short report, or a full report. Your abstract
for these types of labs should be a short, to-the-point executive summary of what was
done and what was found. As a researcher, many times one would have to go through
hundreds of papers a week; the abstract is usually the determining factor as to whether or
not time will be spent reading the entire article. It is in many ways the most important
part of the lab report, as it either sells itself to the reader, or deters them. An abstract for a
report such as this addresses the following questions in no more than 5 or 7 sentences:
What you looked at
The purpose of you looking at it
How you looked at it (what method used)
What you found (results with statistics; state your results with error limits. Dont
forget your unknown numbers if they apply)
Introduction:
Reemphasize the goal/purpose of this experiment
Discuss the theory behind the goal(s) of this experiment
Talk about chemical and mathematical methods (you will find that the pre-lab
questions often get summarized here), and the theory behind the experiment. This is
also where you discuss the meanings and derivations of graphical and mathematical
methods.
Experimental Section/Data:
Describe the procedure/methods of operation and analysis (short and concise);
there is no need for restating of the lab manual. Remember to state whether or not
the procedure was altered (i.e. Did you change the amount of analyte aliquots
used? Did you improve the experiment? Did you add steps?). Do Not State The
Methods in a List Format; Use Paragraph Form.
Be sure to state the reagents used, lot numbers, instrument models, and unknown
numbers.
Tables
Each table should have a title located above the table; keep in mind that
tables use roman numerals and are identified as Table I as opposed to the
table below/above

Tables should contain grid-lines; this makes it not only more professional, but
easier to follow by the reader
Label the columns with proper units; you should not repeat the units for every
cell for each column
You should organize your tables such that they fit on one page.
Your tables should include statistical analysis for what you are determining.
**EXAMPLE TABLE**

Table I. Determination of Ca2+ Concentration by Titration with 3.28mol/L EDTA

Trial
Start Point (mL)
1
9.20
2
17.90
3
0.00
Mean
Std.Dev
Rsd.Std.

End point (mL) Volume Delivered (mL)

17.90
8.70
27.00
9.10
8.90
8.90
x.xx
x.xx
x.xx

Ca2+ Conc. (mol/L)

0.571
0.597
0.584
x.xx
x.xx
x.xx

Figures
Each figure should have a title located below the figure; keep in mind that
figures follow the Arabic numbering and are identified as Figure 1 as
opposed to the figure below/above
Figures of graphs should have proper titles and labels for each axis
Label each axis with proper units
Remember that you are not recording gray space; your graphs should be neat,
and understandable to the reader
**EXAMPLE FIGURE**
14

12

10

pH

0
0

10

15

20

25

30

35

Volume (mL)

Fig. 1 pH vs. Titrant Volume for Unknown Acid using 0.0999 M/L NaOH (Trial 1)

Calculations

Using Equation Editor, show the formula or equation that is to be used

Walk the reader through the equations; discuss how and why you are calculating
whatever it is
Use brackets [] to denote your equation number; identify equations as
Equation X as opposed to the equation above/below
Show at least one example of the calculation with substitution of numbers and
units; do not just state the equation and the answer directly after
When dealing with multiple trials, one example calculation is sufficient; put
results for all trials in a table
You should organize your equations such that they flow in a manner that makes
sense; dont forget to explain what you are calculating and why
Dont forget about significant digits
**EXAMPLE CALCULATION**

Sd

(di d )

Sd

(0.1021M / L 0.1035M / L)

n 1

... (0.1047 M / L 0.1035M / L) 2

3 1

[1]

0.0013mol / L
Discussion of Results:
Talk about the interpretation of your results
Did the results match up with the initial theory as stated in the introduction?
Account for your error; where did they come from? Was the error systematic or
random? Could this error have been reduced or removed?
Conclusion:
Based off of your results, was this method successful in determining what you
wanted to determine?
Is there anything you would have changed with regards to the experimentation
given unlimited time?
Questions:
Questions should be answered at the end of the report (if any exist). Despite this
fact, feel free to include them in your discussion as well; they are there to assist in
the elaboration of what you are trying to discuss. Use the questions as a tool and
to your advantage.
Be sure to number your responses in list format, and use complete sentences. You
need not restate the question, as long as the reader can understand what questions
you are trying to answer.

Lastly, as a general comment:

Make sure you state what you need to state in a very clear and concise manner.
Reports should be detailed enough such that anyone can follow your methods, and
obtain similar results regardless as to whether or not they are correct.
With this said, it is not necessary to fluff up the report with an additional 50
pages of unneeded text.
Your report should flow well, with properly formatted tables, figures, and
equations (Points may be taken off for the lack of proper formatting).
Note: Formal reports follow the same structure as the short reports. What
differentiates the two is that formal reports have larger, more in-depth introductions,
discussions and conclusions.
Good Luck!
Written by Dr. Alla Bailey and G. Jeremy Leong