If you study chemistry or biology, then you know how annoying college lab reports might be. Needless to say a scientific lab report outline is even more complicated, so you need to know how to create an outline for a lab report to deal with them successfully and often, students are interested in how to write a biology lab report. If you are still in high school and wonder what kind of assignment it is, it is worth saying that this writing features the results of an experiment carried out by you. In this paper, you have to present a hypothesis, the aim of the investigation, the procedure, the results, their analysis, and how they can be used for further research. Let's analyze this simplified lab report outline in greater detail.
An Example of a College Lab Report Outline
If you’ve wondered how to write a lab report, this sample formal lab report outline should answer most of your questions.
VII. Analysis, discussion, and conclusion.
Here, analyze your findings from the theoretical point of view. Explain and interpret them, so the readers can come to conclusions similar to yours. Give your opinion on the matter, but don't forget to back it up with your findings. Describe any difficulties you’ve had and how they could have or could not have been avoided. Give possible improvements to your experiment. Describe how the results can be used in future research.
VIII. References
Include every theoretical piece or other findings you’ve referred to in your report.
IX. Appendices
Any raw data that could not be fitted in the report.
This sample lab report outline should give you a basic understanding of the formal requirements you will have to fulfill when dealing with this type of work.
Ideas for Informal Lab Report Outline
If you are lucky enough and your professor gives you an informal lab report to write, then you don't have to worry about how to format a college lab report! The most pleasant thing about it is you don't have to give a lengthy theoretical background that is related to your experiment.
Right after the title page, give an introduction describing your experiment's purpose and the report at hand. Give explanations of the terms you are going to use. For example, if you study polycarbonates, then simply describe what it is and what their properties are.
Proceed with the hypotheses, though avoid using the first-person narrative at all costs. NEVER say "I assume," Use passive voice instead: "Based on the properties of the material, an assumption was made…"
Describe the equipment and materials you’ve used in your experiment. Remember that all data should have its purpose, don't mention things for the sake of mentioning them.
Detailed, step-by-step procedure description. Remember that anyone should be able to repeat your experiment using your lab report only.
Present your findings logically. Back up everything you claim with charts, graphs, calculations, etc. If you have a list of lab questions, give answers to them in this section.
Analysis and Discussion. Analyze what you think might’ve gone wrong and how it could have been avoided. Discuss the findings. Dwell on every step of your experiment, say what you observed, what conclusions you’ve made, etc. Restate the hypotheses and give your opinion on whether your experiment was successful or not.
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Hopefully, the above lab report outline answered the questions you might have had. As you see, this task is not that frightening if you know what you are doing. Always remember that you can account for help if you do not seem to handle the task on your own. Stop worrying about the question, "Can I pay someone to write my lab report"!
