Writing a Lab ReportWriting a Lab Report

For fun and a profitable grade

Mechanics• Review lab notebook

• Outline and write a draft

• Design Tables, captions, etc.

• Revise the draft

• Edit, spell / grammar check, and...

• proofread!!

Title PageTitle Page

• Title of ExperimentTitle of Experiment

•Your CognomenYour Cognomen

• Course/Instructor nameCourse/Instructor name

• Date Report WrittenDate Report Written

Sections of a Lab Report

• Abstract– A brief summary of the experiment along with

the results. (e.g. Iron ore sample #999 was determined to contain 56.77 ± 0.34%(w/w) Fe)

In this paper, a novel extraction approach based on the use of a polymeric membrane as the extraction medium is described. For this aim, an original unit which allows the magnetic stirring of the membrane during the extraction process has been designed, optimized, and practically evaluated. Once optimized, a model analytical problem, the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water samples, was selected for practical evaluation of the stir membrane extraction procedure. The method was characterized on the basis of its linearity, precision, and limits of detection. The novel approach was sensitive and precise enough for the detection of the target analytes in the low nanogram per liter range using 25 mL of sample. In fact, limits of detection ranged from 0.8 ng/L (fluoranthene) to 7.6 ng/L (benzo-anthracene) with relative standard deviations lower than 8%.

Stir Membrane Extraction: A Useful Approach for Liquid Sample Pretreatment

Analytical Chemistry

M. C. Alcudia-Le, R. Lucena, S. C Denas and M. Valc CelPublication Date (Web): September 28, 2009 (Article)DOI: 10.1021/ac9016192

• Abstract– A brief summary of the experiment along with

the results. (e.g. Iron ore sample #999 was determined to contain 56.77 ± 0.34%(w/w) Fe)

• Introduction– Why was the experiment run? What was the

purpose?

• Experimental method– Enough detail to permit another to perform the

same experiment– Cite the source of the procedure– Note any and all changes to published procedure

• Results/Calculations• Actual data (with units) arranged in tables• Observations (particularly unexpected ones)• One set of calculations in complete detail

• Discussion• Begin with a statement of results (no yields!)• Analyze results in relation to purpose of

experiment and available knowledge• Ensure inclusion of error analysis:

mean, std dev, CI @ 90% and 99% CL

• References• Full, accurate citations• By superscript number or by author

Tables• Label as: Table 1, Table 2, etc.

• Include a brief self-explanatory title

• Consist of at least 2 columns

• Like objects listed vertically, not horizontally

• Numbers should have decimals vertically in line

• Heading or label with units on each column

• e.g., Mass (g), not just ‘g’ or ‘mass’

Details• Word-processed; 10 or 12 cpi

• Four – eight pages single-sided

• Third person, passive voice (no “I”, “my”, etc.)

• No contractions in a formal report

• ‘Its’ versus ‘it’s’ mL not ml sample vs replicate

• No numerals used to begin a sentence

• PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD, PROOFREAD!!!