Laboratory 4 – LAB470S

Reports
Learning outcomes

 Understand what is required in the long and

short report formats (structure of the report)

 Understand what is required in each sections

of the reports

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Type of reports
 Long report  Short report
 Abstract  Abstract
 Introduction  Introduction
 Theory  Results and Discussion
 Results  References
 Discussion  Appendices
 References
 Appendices  Max 8 pages (1.5 line
spacing)
 10-15 pages (1.5 line
spacing)

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Abstract
 Clear summary of the report, including the following
components: identifies the objective(s) of the experiment,
includes a brief description of experimental methods, major
findings, especially numeric ones and a brief conclusion(s)

 It is best prepared after the rest of the report has been

completed. The abstract tells the reader what to look for in
the lab report

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Example from student report (2021)

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Example from student report (2021)

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Example from student report (2021)

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Example from student report (2021)

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Example from student report (2021)

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Introduction
Introduction is to acquaint the reader with the problem and
outline the purpose and significance of the report as well as
putting the work in context.
 A brief description of the Unit Operation (e.g distillation) to
which the practical belongs, and of which the particular
aspect (e.g. ‘reflux ratio’) which you investigated, in a few
short sentences.
 Discuss why the general area of the unit operation is
important to the chemical engineering industry
 A summary of the relevant theory based on your notes,
textbook, other references given in lectures.
 The objective of the practical
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Example from student report (2021)

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 Example from student report
(2021)

12 Introduction
Theoretical background
 Provides a conceptual background of the unit operation
under investigation.
 Contain all of the equations used in the calculations of
the data points appearing in the figures and tables, with
appropriate citations to the literature sources form which
the equations were taken
 Do not rely only on the practical manual, consult
prescribed textbook(s) and research papers on the topic
under investigation

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 Procedure
 How did you carry out the practical?
 A clear and concise description of your procedures and
observations based on your factual records.

 Contains a complete list of the experimental materials. Steps

taken during the lab are easy to follow in a paragraph form. The
section is organized in a way that the reader understands the
logical flow of the practical. Proper use of third person and past
tense.

 Include PFD OR labelled image of apparatus (NB! Pictures of

equipment sourced from the web must include references)
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Example from student report (2021)

15 Introduction
Example from student report (2021)

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17 Introduction
 Results
 All data collected, calculated results, etc. should be presented,
preferably in tables or graphs if applicable. This is a tabulated form
of your results and you should not be analysing them here.

 Sample calculations of variable(s) provided in a logical manner

using proper units
 Use of significant figures in tables and calculations

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Example from student report (2021)

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Example from student report (2021)

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 Discussion
The outcome of experiment should be quantitatively and qualitatively
discussed in relation to the goals of the experiment as stated in the
introduction.
 briefly summarize the key results of each experiment;
 explain the significance of your findings;
 explain any unusual difficulties or problems, which may have led to
poor results;
 offer suggestions for how the experimental procedure or design
could be improved
 link the discussion with the theory and literature cited
 answer all questions posed in the laboratory manual as part of the
overall discussion-not as a series of questions and answers.
 what are the sources of error and how did they affect your results
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Conclusion

 A very brief conclusion to the experiment based on the

data collected and analyzed.
 You need to summarize your results again. Did you
achieve the goals in this practical?

22 Reports
Example from student reports
(2021)

23 Introduction
Referencing
 Cited papers and books must be acknowledged to clearly
differentiate between published fact and the author’s own
ideas.
 Must includes two or more research articles and reference
textbook(s)
 CPUT makes use of the Harvard method for referencing
purposes. Here follows examples of references from the most
frequently used sources

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY TEXTUAL REFERENCE
(Appears before the Appendices at the end of the (Appears in the text of the report where the
report) material is used)
BOOKS
Books: one author

Chase, J. 1979. Advertising in the modern Chase, 1979:page numbers cited

world. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Books: two authors

Ellis, R. & Peters, J.P. 2000. Writing about Ellis & Peters, 2000:page numbers cited
literature. London: Macmillan.

Books: multiple authors (three or more)

Henderson, R.S., Smith, P.G., Rossiter, I. & Henderson, Smith, Rossiter & King,
King, P.Q. 1987. The tenets of modern philosophy. New 1987:page numbers cited
York: Van Nostrand. Subsequent citations use et al.
Henderson et al., 1987:page numbers
cited

INTERNET

Cape Peninsula University of Technology. n.d. Cape Peninsula University of Technology, n.d.
Intellectual property policy. [No date indicated on document.]
http://www.cput.ac.za/polic/ippolicy.html
[15 November 2004]. [Date indicated in square
brackets is date downloaded.]

New Media Publishing. 2005. New Media Publishing New Media Publishing, 2005.
scoops prime position for 2005.
http://www.newmediapub.co.za [16 November
2005].

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