Guidelines for Lab Reports

Learning how to effectively report experimental results is extremely important in all of the sciences. Although the customary format may vary between discipline, a scientific report should be clear, concise,  and well organized and should make effective use of tables and graphs. Also, in keeping with the need for objectivity in scientific experimentation, scientific reports should be written in an impersonal, matter of fact style.

General Guidelines

• The report should be thorough, well written, and well organized. 
• Reports should be word-processed  and double-spaced.
• Do not ignore the need for subscripts and superscripts in chemical formulas. These are easily available in all modern word processors.
• If it is not feasible for you to word-process your lab reports then neatly hand-written (in ink) reports will be accepted but this will cost you a penalty of 5 points.
• Bonus points will be awarded to reports that use molecule drawing software to present professional-looking rather than hand-drawn reaction graphics.

Title Page

• Give the number and title of the experiment, your name, course number and section, and the date submitted on this page.

Results and Discussion Section - In this section you should present the results of the experiment in a concise and efficient manner. 

Results Tables. 

• Present all of the results of the experiment in table form. 
• Each table should be numbered and titled. 
• Try to keep the results table(s) limited to a single page. One large table that presents all of the results is preferable to several smaller ones.
• Make sure to give units where required. (A well-organized table gives the units in the column headings rather than repeatedly throughout the table.)
• Make sure  to observe the significant figures convention. 
• Always include the absolute and percent yields of any products obtained.
• Always include the experimental vs literature values for any physical constants measured. 
• The results tables should also include a summary (i.e., a peak listing) of any spectroscopic data (NMR, IR, MS) obtained. Literature data for the spectra should also be presented if available.

Discussion

• Immediately after the results table(s) you should discuss the results briefly in a non-interpretative way. Point out the most important take-home points from the table(s) and/or any trends you would like to draw attention to.

Answers to Assigned Questions

• Make sure to explain all answers completely - even if the question does not ask for an explanation. 
• Answer using complete sentences - one or two word answers will not suffice. 
• Pay attention to spelling and grammar when answering the questions.
• Above all, make sure your answer is correct. Do not just take a stab at it! If uncertain, do some Internet and/or Library research or ask the instructor if you are on the right track.

Conclusions Section - In this section you should interpret the results of the experiment and state the conclusions to be reached. 

• Start with a discussion of theory (give the mechanism of the reaction and equations for any expected side reactions).
• Then discuss how the results of the experiment support the theory. 

       For preparative experiments (Expts 4-9)  the following points should be addressed.

• Actual yield of product versus the theoretical yield (percent yields) and list some possible reasons for loss of yield.
• Evidence for the structure of the product from NMR, IR and/or chemical tests.
• Purity of the product as indicated by mp, bp, NMR,  etc. 
• Provide explanations for unanticipated results
• Feel free to make suggestions as to how the experiment could have been better designed or carried out.

References

• Give a complete list of the references you used to prepare the report. Sources of all literature values and/or spectra need especially be provided.

Supplemental Information and Materials:

Attachments

• Calculations sheet. Include a sheet showing  all calculations, especially theoretical and % yield calculations. Do not include trivial calculations such as subtraction of tare weights. The calculations sheet can be hand written.
• Printouts of all spectra obtained. Make sure the spectra are completely labeled (name, date section number, expt number and title). All peaks should be labeled. 

Products - Do not throw away the products from your reactions! They must be submitted for grading and proper disposal by the instructor.

• Solid products should be placed in completely labeled (compound name and structure, your name, expt #, course # and section) small 2"x2" zip-lock baggies and attached to the front of the report.
• Liquid products should be placed in completely labeled (compound name and structure, your name, expt #, course # and section) screw-top vial and turned into the TA during the lab period.
• Do not bring products to Dr. Nalli's office!

Team Contribution Forms (TCFs)

• These are handed in individually and collected separately from the reports. Do not assemble your group's TCFs and staple to the report.