ME 335

Lab Y: Title of Lab

By: Your Name
Lab Meeting Day (ex. Monday), Lab Meeting Time (ex. 10 AM), Section Number (ex.
Section 5)
Group Members: MemberA, MemberB,
Lab Date: Month, Day, Year (ex. September 3, 2014)

Abstract
The Abstract is a concise summary of the report but is should not be written as an introduction.
The abstract must include a brief description of key results. It is intended for the casual reader or
the person who does not have time to read the whole report. The abstract should not exceed one
page in length, single spaced.

It is easier to write the abstract after you have finished the rest of

the report. Generally, the abstract should not contain equations, special symbols or references.
I.

Introduction

The Introduction gives background as to the reason for the study.

Background includes the

physical laws and principles governing the experiment. Usually, figures should not appear in the
introduction. However, if a figure serves to support the introduction, use it. This section ends
with one sentence that describes the objectives of the study.
II.

Methods and Materials

The section should describe the experimental apparatus setup and procedures. A schematic
diagram is required and the diagram should identify the equipment and instrumentation. In some
cases where complete documentation is required, a list of equipment should be included, but
placed in the appendix. Include a brief narrative description related to important aspects of the
procedure, including specific parameters used such as the relevant equipment specifications,
settings, etc. Remember that you should provide enough detail so that another person can
reproduce the experiments. Figure 1 is an example.

Figure 1. Experimental apparatus

III.

Assumptions

The section is a general discussion of applicable theory is acceptable, usually without supporting
diagrams. Specific applications of theory are often supported by appropriate diagrams. Provide
equations in the context of a narrative. It is also useful to have the assumptions in a list format.
IV.

Results

This section gives the summary of the results and the findings of the lab, usually in a tabular
form. There usually is some supporting text for the results. Be sure to include relevant units.
Table 1 is an example of placing data into your report.
Table 1. Thermocouple data.
Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3
T/C
(C)
(C)
(C)
T1
25.3
25.3
24.5
T2
25.4
25.3
24.6
T3
25.3
25.4
24.7
T4
25.4
25.7
24.8
T5
24.8
25.2
24.4
T6
25.6
25.2
24.6
T7
25.3
25.2
24.1
T8
25.6
25.3
24.5
If possible, estimate the experimental error as explained in the appendix to this document. The
error is best indicated as error bars on graphs. For specific labs, you will be requested to
estimate the experimental error: points will be taken off if this is not done.
V.

Analysis and Discussion

This section describes the analysis and discusses any trends or findings. The analysis and
discussion should include trends (as shown in figures, tables and/or graphs), compare
experiments with theory, and discuss the significance of the findings.

Any anomalies or

discrepancies are to be explained here. In specific labs, you will also be asked to estimate the
experimental error (see appendix 1 below).
VI.

Conclusion

Briefly summarize the objective of the laboratory experiment and the principal findings. Also
summarize any discrepancy between expected results and observations. Characterize error
sources qualitatively. Provide a thoughtful conclusion inferred from the experiment in one or two
sentences.
References
(This section can be single-spaced with a single line between references.)
[1] Munson, B. R., Young, D. F. and Okiishi, T. H., Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics, Fifth
edition, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2006.
[2] P. J. Lee, P. J. Hung, V. M. Rao, and L. P. Lee, "Nanoliter scale microbioreactor array for
quantitative cell biology," Biotechnology and Bioengineering, vol. 94, pp. 5-14, 2006..
Detailed Sample Calculations
(Please provide handwritten calculations at the end of your lab report. Excel sheet printout will
NOT be accepted or graded)