Lab Reports

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Lab Reports

• E. Santi

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Structure of a Lab Report

1. Introduction
2. Theory
3. Experimental
4. Results / Discussion
5. Conclusions
6. References

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1. Introduction

• The introduction is exactly what it says. It is a
  paragraph or series of paragraphs that introduce
  the reader to the subject
• The introduction presents basic background
  material, the history of the problem, or
  introduces most of the major references

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2. Theory (or Background)

• Explains the theory behind the work and is the
  proper place for the mathematics
• Contains the general equations that describe the
  system under study

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3. Experimental

• Explanations for the apparatus, instruments,
  calibrations, etc.
• Expected error and repeatability can be
  introduced

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4. Results / Discussion

• All results of the lab activity are reported here
• This includes simulation and experimental results
• Appropriate tabular and graphical form should be
  used
• All x-axis and y-axis scales should be clearly
  indicated (e.g., current probe measurements
  y-axis scale)

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4. Results / Discussion - Cont

• It is encouraged that you mark the scope captures
  with a pen showing relevant features or noting
  numerical values of significance. It is
  understood that for a formal report you would use
  some kind of CAD program to mark the figures

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4. Results / Discussion - Cont

• All results should be discussed and compared with
  theoretical predictions and simulation results
• Discrepancies should be noted and an attempt to
  explain them should be made
• Are these the results you expect? Why?
• Do you notice discrepancies? What is causing
  these?

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5. Conclusions

• The conclusions should be a specific and factual
  summary of the report
• The conclusions should tie-up loose ends from the
  previous portions of the report such as
  speculation and questions, and analysis of the
  error.

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References and Plagiarism

• Reference the sources you use, especially for the
  theory section
• The theory section should be YOUR description
  showing YOUR understanding
• It is not acceptable to copy verbatim from a
  source, not even as a quote

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Common Pitfalls

• Usually formatting and figure imports are fine
• Frequently the theory section is weak
• Sometimes simulation results are not shown
• Frequently the discussion is very incomplete
• You will get points off for what is missing from
  the report (theory and discussion, simulation
  results)
• If you have doubts, discuss with TAs or instructor