Writing reports
Results from laboratory work are often communicated through reports. The exact form may differ depending on whether it is a scientific article, lab report, or protocol. It depends on who the information is intended for and what is being reported.
The purpose of the study should be unambiguous, and the report should be organised in a structured and clear manner. The text should be detailed enough so that you can read it from start to finish and understand what was done, how you did it, what the results were, and what the results mean.
Last but not least, it should be possible to repeat your investigations based on your description. A complete description on how to write reports and scientific texts can be found in the PUFF guide to written and oral communication. Here is a template for what a laboratory report can look like:
Lab report template
Cover page
Title of the laboratory session, name of the laboratory technician, group, date, course, etc.
Background/Purpose
Please describe the theoretical background for the laboratory session. The purpose of the experiment should be located at the end of the background.
Materials and methods/Execution (“How?”)
There are different traditions in different branches of the natural sciences for the distribution of content among Materials and methods and Results. Some methods are described at the same time as the results. Ask your supervisor what applies in your particular academic paper.
This is where you can describe any chemical reagents and solvents or biological material. Feel free to use tables for this. Describe the apparatus and equipment, preferably with schematic diagrams. Descriptions of methods can include formulas for all solutions and media, volumes, times, temperatures, etc.
In Materials and methods you should also describe how you processed your data and the calculations and statistical analyses used.
Risk analysis and aspects of sustainable development
Risk assessment is an important part of systematic working environment management, which each workplace is responsible for conducting. When planning work, conduct a risk analysis. The purpose is to avoid harm to people and the environment.
Risk analysis should be documented in writing on a special form and summarised in your report. Reflect at the same time on how the laboratory session relates to sustainable development. Are there any social, ecological or economic consequences of sustainable development, and how can they be minimised?
Results/Execution (“What?”)
In the results section, describe what you did (if that is not apparent in the method section) and what the results were (write in past tense). This is not a matter of producing a laboratory guide.
Describe the experiments you conducted in a logical way so that it becomes a story with a beginning and an end. This means that you (in brief) need to relate what you did, and sometimes why, before describing the results. Sometimes it can be useful to make a diagram showing the methodology of the experiment. Normally you will have calculations, figures and tables to present.
Keep in mind that it should be possible to repeat your experiments based on your description of materials and methods and under results.
Discussion and conclusion (“What does it mean?”)
Discuss what the results mean and what conclusions can be drawn in relation to the reliability of the results, the precision of the methods, expectations, theories and literature data. How well does the experiment correspond to the purpose of the laboratory session?
If the results for a certain reason did not turn out as you expected, you can indicate the source of the error. Do not list generally applicable or “insignificant” sources of error, but rather focus on what you really believe may have affected your results.
References
List any literature, articles or other sources that are the basis for the laboratory session’s theory, materials and methods or that are relevant for interpreting the results (in the discussion section). Do not forget to cite references in the above text.