Format for writing a lab report

This a guide to writing a lab report for BIO250.

It is preferred that student use word processor for writing their reports, nevertheless, a
hand written report is also acceptable. Individual report is recommended. However,
students may produce a group report. Students must produce a clear, precise and
relevant results and discussion solely based on the lab session. Do not copy any
material or data from textbook or the internet.
The format of reports is as follows:
FRONT PAGE: Students must include; Name and Matrics No:
Title of lab session:
Date:
THE CONTENTS INCLUDE:
1. Objective(s)
This should be a one or two statement of the purpose of the experiment, e.g.
distinguish various types of specialized cells in eukaryotes.

to

2. Introduction
This should a concise, well-written paragraph describing the concepts underlying the lab
and techniques used during each session. The purpose of this section is to show that
the students understand what the lab is about.
3. General Procedure/Materials and Methods
This should be a summary of the procedures in the lab. Do not go into too much detail
and never restate the procedure statements given in the laboratory manual.
4. Results and Discussion
This should include observational results, data, figures drawings, graphs and tables.
Students are advised to present their results according to sections depicted in the
laboratory manuals. In this section you should catalogue everything you see such as the
accuracy of measurements, mistakes that you may have made, raw data as you collect,
and anything that you observe while conducting the experiment.
Students should re-organise the data into neat, legible tables, graphs, figures and
drawings with complete labels that are well ordered and easy to read. Be sure that each
result has a title, unit of measurement, magnification power, brief texts or calculation
method.
5. Discussion/Conclusion
In this section students should refer to the purpose and introduction of the lab topics.
Discuss whether the experiment supports the assertions made earlier. You will use
information in the Observation and Data/Calculations sections to determine if the
experiment was a success or failure. Discuss why the data doesnt support the theory
and where errors may have entered. Thus, observation is critical to this section of the
lab. If the results are poor the students will need to be able to discuss where error came

into the procedure. The Discussion section is the most important part of the lab. Do not
discuss on the theoretical aspects alone but combine both facts and findings.
6. References
This section should include list of references such as textbooks, journals and internet
materials the students use as the reference materials; e.g. histology atlas, etc.
Submission and Grading of Lab Reports
Date of submission: Students are given a week to prepare the report and expected to
submit it one day prior to the subsequent lab session.
Grading: Marks will be given as below. However, your instructor may use his/her
discretion for the distribution of marks for the reports.
Report Component

Description

Mark

Title

Short and precise

0.5

Objective(s)

Short and precise

1.0

Introduction

Including hypotheses, background

Information

1.5

Materials and Methods

Past-tense, passive voice

2.0

Results

Labeled drawings, tables and graphs

with titles

Discussion and
Conclusions

Evaluation of hypotheses and purpose

of experiments

Overall presentation

References, grammar, creativity and

use own words and not restate sentences
from manual

Total mark

2.0
2.0
1.0

10