Assignment Planner: Lab Report

Lab Report

Start date: November 21, 2024
Due date:

URL for this plan:
https://lib-app01-x-prd.ufv.ca/planner/index.php?type=lab

This is most useful for lab reports which are based on IMRAD (introduction, methods, results and discussion). Each discipline, course, and instructor may require a different format and style for the lab report. Be sure to tailor these general steps to your specific assignment and talk to your instructor if you have questions.

Before lab:
- Read over lab assignment (from University of Guelph) in advance.
- Define your objectives, prediction, or hypothesis.
- Summarize your expected outcomes.
- If needed, do brief literature search to understand context around experiment.
During lab: Take detailed notes on procedures and results and note any differences in procedures or expected outcomes. Record enough detail to allow someone else to repeat experiment based on your notes.
As you write your report be aware of the style of scientific writing in your discipline (from Carleton University).
- Write in complete sentences.
- Try to stay away from using 'I'.
- Use past tense.
- Use an active, not passive, voice (pdf from University of Minnesota).
- Pay attention to grammar (from University of Minnesota).

Percentage of time on this step: 20%

Briefly explain overall procedures. List materials and equipment used.
Explain in detail the steps in the experiment; include sub-headings, if needed. Be specific enough that another student could replicate the experiment.
Do not include results.
Include lab notes, if required.

Percentage of time on this step: 15%

Analyze data collected or observed.
Report major results with no interpretation.
Create data tables, graphs, or charts to clearly display results include labels, units and descriptions.
Use subheadings.
Do not make up or modify data if results are different than you expected. Fabricating or falsifying data is considered Academic Misconduct and can result in penalties.
Explain possible causes of unexpected results.

Percentage of time on this step: 15%

Review the literature to find relevant material and theories to provide context and rationale.
- Contact the libraries for more help finding relevant materials.
As you write your introduction, focus on information that provides background to or directly relates to your data and conclusions.
Describe background and context for experiment.
- Give background on materials (e.g., organisms, chemicals) used.
- Explain the theory behind the techniques.
Include citations to any sources you use.
- Use Mendeley, Zotero and other tools to create bibliography (from Simon Fraser University).
Get online or in-person writing support from UFV's Academic Success Centre.

Percentage of time on this step: 5%

Refer to your hypothesis, outcomes, or predictions as you discuss conclusions.
Support each conclusion with evidence from your experiment. Describe your rationale for your conclusions and any patterns or relationship your results demonstrate.
Compare results to the expected results and to those found in the literature (include citations).
Discuss the limitations of your experiment:
- What can't you conclude?
- What other interpretations may be correct?
- What were the limits of the methods you used?
Discuss how your results fit into a broader context such as practical applications or other situations, species, or systems.

Percentage of time on this step: 15%

An abstract (from George Mason University) is generally 100-200 words and summarizes the whole lab report in a concise and descriptive manner. (Note: your professor may or may not require this -- ask if you're not sure.)
Your title (pdf from University of Minnesota) should be descriptive and engaging.
Edit and proofread (from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) your report.
Get online or in-person writing support from UFV's Academic Success Centre.

Percentage of time on this step: 20%

Double check the formatting requirements, including title page and page numbering.
Read report for spelling and grammar errors.
Create list of sources using correct citation style. Ask your professor if you are unsure which style manual to use.
- Use Mendeley, Zotero and other tools (from Simon Fraser University) to make this task easier.
- Check your citations for accuracy and formatting.
Get online or in-person writing support from UFV's Academic Success Centre.

Percentage of time on this step: 10%