SECTION #

Sample Lab Name

Lab #
Lab Partner #1 Lab Partner #2 (if necessary) Submission Date

Abstract Unless otherwise stated, an abstract will always be included with your lab report submission. The abstract should leave your reader confident that they know the essential information of the report. This should include a 1-2 sentence description of the experiment and a summary of the results.

Objective The objective section will always be included in every lab report. This section summarizes what skills or experiences the student should gain by completing the lab. The general areas of competency needed to complete the lab should be mentioned. For example, Lab #1 teaches the student basic competency in LabVIEW. This section does not include theoretical concepts or equations but, rather, the learning objectives of each lab.

Introduction Every lab report should also include an introduction. In a proper introduction, any background information that is necessary for the reader to understand the technical aspects of the procedure and results sections should be included here. This would include (but is not limited to) theoretical concepts and equations. In addition, the motivation should be covered in this section. While the Objective answers what the student should gain from the lab, the Introduction includes a motivation which describes why the topic is of importance to the greater society.

Procedure Every lab report should also include a procedure. The procedure section should give the reader the ability to follow (and replicate) how the data was acquired.

Results and Discussion The results section presents the deliverables from the lab in an efficient manner and provides critical analysis. A discussion of results is not a mere restatement of the data presented. It should include some meaningful deduction derived from the interpretation of data and critical thinking. Raw data and direct answers to discussion questions should not be included in this section in favor of its inclusion in the Appendix. Data is presented in a processed for in properly formatted plots and/or tables. The answers to discussion questions should be alluded to as they contribute to adding critical analysis. The grader will automatically deduct all of the points for this section if any plot, table, and/or figure is not included in the lab report that was specifically asked for in the lab description. Additional plots, tables, and/or figures can be included with your lab report if they add content.

Conclusion/References This section should adequately wrap up the lab report. If needed, a references section also should be included. A reference is a source used for additional information or figures included in your lab report. This would include a textbook or website but not the lab manual. It is ok to leave the references section off of the report if no outside information is included; however, if information is not properly sited, the report will be penalized.

Appendix/Questions An appendix should include any additional information that the author believes would benefit the reader in the understanding of what was discussed in the lab report. This includes raw data, computer programs, and the direct answers to discussion questions. Both the question and answer should be included for clarity. If both the question and answer are not included, the answer provided will not be considered in the assessment of the report. Questions will be graded in this section for correctness and completeness.

**Text Formatting Reports text is expected to be written in Calibri 11 point font. Reports should be fully justified. Title pages should be properly formatted with Abstract at the bottom of the title page. The names of all contributing lab members should also be included for group reports with section number at the top of the title page. Pages should also be numbered.

**Figure Formatting Report figures/tables are expected to be properly formatted with the title of a figure below the figure and the title of a table above the table. In addition, tables and figures should have descriptive titles that allow them to stand alone within the body of the report.

**Report Submission Reports should be turned in on time at the beginning of the students lab period. Late reports will not be graded unless permission is granted by the instructor.