Lecture (5)

Laboratory Report
Prepared by:

Dr. Mohamed Helmy

Objectives
The principal objective of a laboratory report is to summarize purpose and result
of an experiment.

When a pre-laboratory report requested, prepare a written document prior to

conducting the laboratory experiment. Laboratory report include the following
in order listed

1- cover page
2- supplies and equipment required for the experiment
3- start up procedure
4- operating procedure
5- shutdown/clean up procedure
6- emergency shutdown procedure
7- general safety hazards and required precautions
8- Theoretical analysis and sample calculation
9- blank data sheets to record experimental results
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Prepare a transmittal letter and organize the laboratory report content into front
matter, report text and appendix using the following guidelines.

Front matter
Front matter includes the title page, executive summary, nomenclature,
acronyms and initialism and measurement abbreviations.

Title page
include on the title page the lab title, course name, completion date, the author
names, don’t use abbreviations, acronyms or jargon in the title, the title page is
counted as page (I) but it is not numbered.

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Executive summary
The executive summary is written after the work is complete in past tense. The
executive summary is counted as page (II) but not numbered. It conveys the key
elements of the lab experiment in concise language and include:-

1- background
2- why and how the experiment or test was performed
3- the materials and method used to accomplish the tasks
4- important results, including the extent of agreement between experimental
results and theoretical predictions and experimental errors and their estimated
effect on the results.
5- what was discovered, achieved or concluded
6- relevant recommendations.
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Nomenclature
List and define all symbols used in the report in alphabetic order uppercase then
lowercase, followed by Arabic and then Greek.

Acronyms and initialism

List and define acronyms and initialism used in the report

Measurement abbreviations
Summarize measurement abbreviations used in the document including the
appendix, by listing the term, followed by a comma and the abbreviation.
Examples include
 Degree Celsius, C
 Minute(s), min
 Inch, in
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Report text
The lab report text include the background, experimental equipment and
procedures, theoretical analysis, results, discussion, conclusions and
recommendations and references sections. Number the report text pages with
Arabic numerals in the bottom center of each page (1, 2, 3, …..). Restrict
handwritten information, such as sample calculations, to appendix. Provide
context below each heading for subordinate subheadings.

* Background
Provide known information to orient the reader

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* Experimental equipment and procedure
- If the experimental equipment and procedure are not established, include
details of the techniques used. Provide enough detail to allow someone
familiar with general area of investigation to reproduce the experiments
from the report information.
- Specify the equipment used, giving credit to manufacturer. Provide
photographs taken during the experiment or schematic representation of
equipment or simulation program. Include detailed views of unusual or
important components and relevant dimensions. Both photographs and
schematics must have adequate contrast to be legible when printed in black
and white.
- Summarize procedures used (not specific steps). Discuss the type of data
collected and method used for data collection, reduction and management.
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* Theoretical Analysis
Analytically support each experiment by providing mathematical equations used
to predict system behavior. And number relevant equations.

The analysis proceed from the general (and well known) basic relationships and
evolves to the specific formulae used in the data interpretation.

* Results
Clearly present the experimental results in condensed, logical manner, using
tables or graphs. Point out data trends (expound in the discussion section); and
identify concluding observation. Tables and/or graphs containing quality
assurance/quality control data are required.

Provide raw data and sample calculations in an appendix. Use short statement
to present the results without discussion. Provide an explanation when needed
to prevent incorrect interpretations of results.
* Discussion
Follow a logical progression. Begin with a very brief statement of results and
then proceed with a discussion of these result. Focus the discussion on the
interpretation of results, note what is as expected and what is unexpected.
Comment the future investigation if appropriate.

Include the following, not necessarily in this order:-

1- assessment of reliability of data and/or calculated results

2- comparison of experimental data to theoretical predictions and the result of
similar investigations.
3- observed difference and rational explanation for these differences.
4- error analyses, noting measurement accuracy and estimated uncertainties.
5- unusual and/or unexpected observation.
* Conclusions and Recommendations
The conclusions must follow logically and directly from the results and
discussion sections and must not include any new information, make sure the
conclusions are supported by data or analysis. Direct the reader by stating: the
following conclusion are listed in order of priority and are supported by the
result of this study. Then list each conclusion in one or more concise and highly
specific sentences, using numbers to differentiate each separate conclusion.

Remember that engineers, managers and executives are looking for concise
statement that clearly tell them what the result and discussion have formulated.
They are not interested at that point about further investigation or explanation.
Provide recommendations based on the results and conclusions. Caution the
reader about any assumptions and limitations and identify issues that remain
unresolved. This section is an opportunity to look to the future and imply that
reader has accepted the authors opinions.

* References
Include all references, including establish technical specification and protocols.
* Appendices
Include materials such as raw data, sample, intermediate or lengthy calculations,
long derivatives or detailed information not pertinent to the understanding of
lab report in the appendices.

Identify all appendix materials within the body of the report. When using
multiple appendices, label them with capital letters (A, B, …..) and place them in
order referenced in the report. Provide a descriptive name for each appendix
page with the corresponding capital letter followed by Arabic numerals in the
bottom center of each page (A1, A2,…..B1,B2).
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