Scientific documents

Laboratory report

Conventional features of a laboratory report

 Title
• Introduction and background
• Methods and materials
• Observations and results
• Discussion and conclusions

(a)Title
Practicals are usually given titles, e.g. An experiment to investigate the
properties of magnet.
-The title gives a rough idea of the contents of the presentation.

(b) Introduction
-Outlines what the work is about
-Sometimes makes reference to previous studies, describing related and
published work
-Identifies gaps in existing literature
-acts as a signpost of the presentation
( c ) Experimental procedure/ Methods and materials
-Provides details of experiment design, materials and procedure. It is not
a narrative description
-Should be clear and logically organised
-From the account given, the reader should be able to carry out the
same/similar procedures and techniques
-Simply explains what the experimenter did and the order in which they
did it
-Depending on the investigation, it should include: description of
apparatus used, experimental conditions, e.g. ph, together with details of
chemicals and reagents, recipes of making them, etc.
-If the experiment involves animals and living plants, provide details
about age, sex, fresh or preserved and methods of preparation.
-If the practical involves measuring and recording, supply details of
sampling techniques
-Also focuses on laboratory conditions e.g. temperature, humidity,
lighting, air quality, pressure
-Equipment, including details such as modified, innovative features,
models

(d) Results

(d) Discussion and Conclusions

-This is not a mere repetition of the findings, but description of what
they show and what can be derived from them.
-However, specific results can be referred to in order to support certain
points.
-Looks at what happened and offers interpretations
-suggests practical or theoretical implications
-point out experimental limitations
-notes must relate to the key questions.
Do the results support? How strongly?
-Synthesise, make connections
-The conclusion demonstrates how the results relate to the initial
objectives.
- Do they agree or disagree?

(e) Discussion
- Compare your work with that of other scientists.
-Relate how the results of the investigation agree/disagree with
published findings.
- If they are, provide explanations.
- If possible, demonstrate how your work may be important for
industrial application.
-How the insights may be of practical utility within the field