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BIO 181 Lab Report Format F20 Header In the upper left corner of the first page: Name, Course &Section, Date, Instructor Introduction The introduction section of a lab report should provide background information on the topic and an overview of what the experiment was about. The introduction section should be one and half to two pages. The introduction must successfully establish the main scientific concepts of the lab, in detail, as if it were being explained to someone for the first time. The introduction should include in-text citations using references from the lecture course and labresource guide. In writing this section, students are encouraged to use resources and literature other than the course lab guides. If using outside resources, make sure to include them in the reference section and cite within the text. The final paragraph should very briefly introduce the experiment (1 – 2 sentences). To open the introduction, jump right into the science, and begin explaining the background information. If writing the first sentence is difficult, try something like: “This laboratory experiment focuses on … ” “This lab is designed to help students learn about, observe, or investigate …” “Diffusion is . . . “ Within the introduction, the following should be included:  The purpose of the experiment. Why is the lab being performed?  A thorough discussion of the concepts that are being investigated in the lab;  An explanation of any new terms or equations (chemical or mathematical); Do not use personal pronouns. Hypothesis – separate section Prior to starting any lab activity, formulate a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a statement that explains the phenomenon that is being investigated (what would happen/because). A hypothesis should be in the form of a statement, not an “if/then” prediction. Predictions should be reworked until it can be restated as a definitive statement. Grades are not determined by the accuracy of hypotheses, but if it is testable as written. It needs to be testable and falsifiable, and it must explain something about nature. In addition, a hypothesis involves experimentation, indepth and comparative observation, as well as collection and analysis of various sources. A hypothesis needs to have a “because” rationale. A hypothesis has explanatory power. Make sure you answer the why question with a “because” phrase.

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Hypotheses can be formatted in the following manner: As the ________ (independent variable) changes (increases/decreases), the _____________ (dependent variable) will also change (increase/decrease) because ____________. Do not use personal pronouns. Methodology Materials and procedures from the lab manual should be summarized in narrative form into concise paragraphs. Do not list numbered steps. Describe what happened in your own words using simple descriptive statements. Make sure to indicate if there were any deviations to the online procedure. Cite to the online lab manual or procedure. Do not use personal pronouns. Example: Three 250 ml beakers were filled with either room temperature, ice cold or hot water. The temperature of the water was taken with a thermometer and recorded. One half an Alka-Seltzer tablet was placed into each beaker. A stop watch was used to record the time it took for the tablets to dissolve. The experiment was repeated twice, and the results averaged. Data Numerical data obtained from your procedure usually is presented as a table. Data encompasses what you recorded when you conducted the experiment. It's just the facts, not any interpretation of what they mean. Graphs and figures must both be labeled with a numbered descriptive title. Label the axes on a graph, being sure to include units of measurement. The independent variable is on the X-axis. The dependent variable (the one you are measuring) is on the Y-axis. Be sure to refer to figures, tables and graphs in the text of your report. The first figure is Figure 1, the second figure is Figure 2, etc. Analysis This section should not just be a restatement of the results but should emphasize interpretation of the data, relating them to existing theory and knowledge. Speculation is appropriate, if it is so identified. Suggestions for the improvement of techniques or experimental design may also be included here. In writing this section, you should explain how the data supports or does not support your original hypothesis. You should also be able to suggest future experiments that might clarify areas of doubt in your results. Do not use personal pronouns. This is where the why questions are answered. Why did the data turn out this way? What influenced the results? How did changing the independent variable effect the dependent variable? Discuss the use of controls. If specific key terms are used, they should be defined it in the introduction. Review questions are provided to lead you through the analysis of the data. If review questions are included, only the answers should be included in the analysis/discussion. Do not just list the review question answers in order. Use the answers as part of the analysis/discussion to explain the results. Your thought process must be clearly demonstrated to the reader.

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Conclusions The conclusion is a summary of the experiment outcomes and the place to demonstrate an understanding of the experiment. Consider including some of the items below: 

A brief one- to two-sentence summary of the experiment. You may use the statement at the end of your introduction.

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The hypothesis restated as supported, or not supported. No explanation or analysis should be included here.

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Summarizing what was learned without using personal pronouns.

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If necessary, error analysis should be included here. Do not list human error as a possible source of error, as it is implicit in every experiment.

References

Areda, D., Boyles, R., Francis, G., & Hite, A. (2016). Laboratory manual for General Biology I. Retrieved 8 October 2016 from http://lc.gcumedia.com/bio181l/laboratory-manual-for-general-biologyi/v1.1/#/chapter/6 Reece, J. B., Urry, L. A., Cain, M. L., Wasserman, S. A., Minorsky, P. V., Jackson, R., & Campbell, N. A. (2011). Campbell Biology. Retrieved 8 October 2016, from https://viewer.gcu.edu/24WWXP

The above should be included and cited in every lab report. Please insert the correct date . . . Follow format below if more references are used. Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (date). Title of book (edition). Publisher city, state abbreviation: Publisher. Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (date). Title of article. Journal Title, Vol.(Issue), pages. Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (date). Title of article. Journal Title, Vol.(Issue), pages. Retrieved from URL

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Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (date). Title. Retrieved from URL Author, A. A. Title [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from URL

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