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How to write a lab report Dr. Maha Al- Sulaimani

How to write a lab report Dr. Maha Al- Sulaimani. Ability to write lab reports is a necessary skill in science. They need to learn to report results obtained in an experiment. Writing of a lab report is the first step towards writing a manuscript. Lab Report Format. Title Abstract

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How to write a lab report Dr. Maha Al- Sulaimani

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  1. How to write a lab reportDr. Maha Al-Sulaimani

  2. Ability to write lab reports is a necessary skill in science. • They need to learn to report results obtained in an experiment. • Writing of a lab report is the first step towards writing a manuscript.

  3. Lab Report Format • Title • Abstract • Introduction • Methods • Results Data & Observations (typed from lab notebook) 6. Calculations (if any) 7. Discussion (including error analysis) 8. Conclusion 9. Reference

  4. Overview Word limit: 2000 (not including title or references)

  5. Title • Straightforward and informative (not more than 15 words) • Enough to explain your study without going into too much detail • Examples: • Too little detail: Hematological Findings in β-thalassemia • Too much detail: Hematological Findings in β-thalassemia Major Patients, β-thalassemia Minor Patients and inHbSβ0- thalassemia Major Patients. • Just right: Hematological Findings in Different Phenotypes of β-thalassemia

  6. Abstract • Must have: • Explanation of research area • Aims • Main results and interpretations • Implications of your results for science and/or society • 100-150 words 12+ marks: clear and succinct (150 words at most) summary of the aims, methods, results and conclusions of the study. Includes all the necessary information, and is well written.

  7. Abstract • Is placed before the ”real” report • One paragraph • Past tense • No references,abbreviations or figures • Maximum 250 words

  8. Introduction • Quick explanation of research area • Summary of relevant past research (and perhaps its flaws) • Purpose of study • Brief description of methods • Hypotheses (qualitative, quantitative) • 650-700 words 20+ marks: clearly written, well structured, with evidence of relevant extra reading, flows well. Identifies the main aims, and ends with a clear outline of the study's hypotheses. Also has something novel in it, compared to the handouts that were supplied, and includes the rationale for performing the study.

  9. Methods • Sub-sections: • Participants: Who? • Materials: What? • Design: How? • Procedure: How? • 250-300 words • Change from future tense to past tense20+ marks: contains all of the relevant information about the methods used; clearly and systematically described in such a way that a naive reader could replicate the study from this description. Correctly describes the formal design of the study.

  10. Results • What are the main findings? • Note: If you give numbers in tables, there is no need to repeat them in text. If you present information in a figure, give exact numbers in text as well • 250-300 words15+ marks: logical and clear presentation of relevant descriptive and inferential statistical results. Clear, well-labelled figures and tables, with a clear accompanying written description of what they show, in the context of the study.

  11. Data Chart / Graph • Organize your observations and measurements in a clear chart or graph

  12. Table 1: Hematological Findings in β-thalassemia Major Patients.

  13. Figure 10: Distribution of Hb A, F and A2 in Patients. (I), ii), iii) Hb A, F and A2 levels in β-thalassemia major group. iv) Hb A2 in β-thalassemia minor group.

  14. Discussion • Summary of purpose and results • Comparison with previous research • Possible faults • Wider implications (back up your assertions) • Future directions • Conclusions • 500-550 words

  15. Conclusion • Were the aims achieved or not? And briefly summarise the key findings • Comment on how closely your measurements agree • Summarise the main reasons for any discrepancies.

  16. References • Remember to use Harvard style (names and dates) and not Vancouverstyle (numbering)

  17. Appendix • Attach any materials you used here • A copy of your questionnaire • Your results (in handout form) • By-hand calculations

  18. Tenses, tone and terminology • Write in past tense (except in ‘future directions’) • Back up your assertions • Refer to people you tested as ‘participants’ not ‘subjects’

  19. Making it look neat Double-space Colours: Stick to greyscale Put a title on each section Number your pages Check your spelling and grammar Check your references (they are worth six marks)

  20. Ordering • Papers are laid out in this order: • Abstract • Introduction • Methods • Results • Discussion • References • But it’s easier to write them in this order: • Methods • Results • Introduction/Discussion • Abstract • (References)

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