CHEM 1103/1104 Laboratory Report Guidelines

After each laboratory experiment, you will write up your results in the form of a brief (2 pages, typed, single spaced) laboratory report. It is expected to be written in proper English with correct spelling. Reports are due at the beginning of the next lab period  following completion of the experiment. There are many styles for writing technical papers and laboratory reports. A outline for a typical general chemistry report is given below, although your instructor may make modifications. Follow your instructor's directions - your instructor will be grading the reports!

  1. The title of the experiment, the date, your name, the name of your partner (if any), and the name of your instructor.
  2. A brief statement of the objective of the experiment.
  3. A brief paragraph outlining the experimental procedure. Be sure to describe the procedure that was actually used. DO NOT simply copy or directly paraphrase the lab manual.
  4. Experimental Data and Observations. These should be neatly and orderly tabulated. Use short headings to show different types of data. The units of numerical data must always be shown. Include sample calculations as an appendix. Sample calculations do not count toward the two page limit.
  5. Results. Present a brief summary of the measurements and results that you obtained from your own work. Numerical results must be neatly tabulated and units shown.
  6. Discussion. Explain and interpret your results. Compare your results to a literature value. If these are different, try to explain why. Do your results agree with accepted theories from the textbook? If not, explain why. Use questions that are raised in the laboratory manual to guide your discussion. Discussion should be approximately 2 solid paragraphs.
  7. Conclusions. In 1-2 sentences, state the main point of the experiment - what is the answer?
  8. Advance study assignment. Look up and complete the advance study assignment for the next experiment. Attach this to your report. This does not count toward the two pages for the report.

REPORT GRADING

Items 1-3 10%

Item 4 20%

Item 5 20%

Items 6-7 30%

Item 8 20%

Note that any of the above my be modified by your teaching assistant. Remember that it is your TA who will read and grade your reports.

Lab reports are due at the beginning of your lab period immediately following the experiment being reported.