Title
|
Each experiment should be given a concise, relevant title.
Use the
titles given in the syllabus for the course. The title of the
experiment,
along with your name and the date should be written at the top of each
page in the notebook that contains data or information related to that
experiment. |
Introduction
|
The introduction is a brief scientific objective or
explanation of
the experiment. Often, a graphical representation of the
experiment
being carried may be used. If the experiment involves the
synthesis
of a compound, this section must include a reagent table (the amounts
of each reagent
being used, their molecular weights and any other pertinent physical
data
on these chemicals (i.e.; densities, boiling points, melting points,
etc.)
in tabular form (i.e., a data table), a reaction scheme and a reaction
mechanism. This
must be done before coming to the lab.
|
Methods/Procedure
|
The methods or procedure is a record of what was done during
the experiment.
This is a description of what was actually done and is not a copy of
the
procedure written in the lab manual. The procedure should be
recorded
as you are conducting the experiment and should include enough
information
that someone else could repeat the experiment using only your notebook
(or references cited in your notebook). The procedure can be
written
in standard text or using a flow chart method. Be sure to include
any deviations from procedures outlined in the lab manual. This must be done during the lab (not
before) and directly in the notebook (not on other paper and then copie
over).
|
Results
|
Yields, spectral data, calculations and any other data
describing the
outcome of the experiment are reported in the results section of the
lab
notebook. Tables or figures are often excellent ways to clearly
and
thoroughly present experimental results. Results must be
recorded during the lab directly in the lab notebook.
Interpretation of the results is reserved for the
discussion
section. |
Discussion
|
Interpretation of the results is recorded in the discussion
section
of the laboratory notebook. The discussion section is the most
important
part of the experimental report since it is in this section that you
demonstrate
your understanding of the experiment. The experimental results
are
discussed in relation to how these results specifically illustrate the
scientific purpose or hypothesis of the experiment. The discussion is
completed after the experiment is completely done and should be done
outside of the lab period.
|
References
|
The reference section of the notebook is a bibliography of
the experiment.
It should include all reference sources used for conducting the
experiment.
Standard bibliographical form should be used when preparing this
section
of the notebook. See laboratory resources for references on a
variety
of topics related to the experiments that will be done during the
semester. |