Lab Reports

Reports are to be organized according to the format enclosed. Reports, data, tables and graphs are to be typed or computer generated. Lab reports are to be turned in by 4:30 p.m. on the due date (see Outline Table). They are to be placed in the labeled box in Food Science and Human Nutrition Building, Room 359. Late reports will lose 2 pts for each day submitted after the deadline. Reports will not be accepted beyond 7 days late and thus will result in a 0 (zero). The reports will follow the “Format for Writing Laboratory Reports” outlined later.

Students will write two types of reports.

  1. Most of the reports are Partial Group Reports. The group will submit one Title Page with signatures, Introduction, Procedure, and Results section. However, each member of the group will have to write their own Discussion and Conclusion, and Reference section. Your name must appear on the Title Page and as a header on your Discussion and Conclusion, and Reference sections. Attach your individual sections to the other part of the report. Partial Group Reports will be graded the same for those sections which are common; the difference in grade will be the Discussion and Conclusion, and Reference sections. All members of the group will be responsible for the content of common sections and submission.
  2. Some labs will be combined to form one large report (i.e., Combined Group Reports). The title page should include the names and signatures of “all group participants”. Everyone will receive the same grade for the report. However, since it combines 2 weeks of labs, the report will be longer and worth twice the point value. Only one report is necessary for the 2 weeks of labs. All members of the group will be responsible for the content and submission. Some labs will be turned in as a Group Report; only one report needs to be submitted for the entire group.

NOTE: It is to your advantage to review for accuracy all reports before they are submitted. Do not complain later if your partners did not do a good job. Signatures are required for all reports. Your signature verifies that you helped in writing and reading the lab report being submitted.

  • Format for Writing Laboratory Reports

    • I. Title of Lab; Performance date
      II. Names of the lab group members with signatures

      2 Points

      III. Introduction which includes Purpose and Objective

      3 Points

      IV. Procedures
      Cite laboratory book as a reference
      Changes (list any changes from lab handout)

      3 Points

      V. Results
      Tabulate results; show sample calculations; graph data (data will be in Microsoft Excel).
      Do statistical analysis where possible.

      8 Points

      VI. Discussion & Conclusions
      Discuss your results and what their implications are for each experiment. Conclusion should be statement of what you found but not a summary,  It should also have its own Heading and be a short paragraph.

      Note: To get 10 out of 10 you will need to go to the library and look up additional information on the subject and incorporate the information into your discussion.  Be sure to cite the information and reference it.  Appropriate library information includes books (excluding text, reference books, etc.), journal articles, etc., not internet sources from websites.  Journal search engines, such as Google Scholar or Science Direct are acceptable to find resources but they should be referenced as a journal article, book, etc. below.

      10 Points

      VII. References

      References and Citations will follow the Journal of Food Science Style (Links below). Citations are required in the text that reflect the idea of someone elses point of view. There should be a reference for every citation used in your report. Remember that the laboratory manual and handouts are not your original work and should be cited and referenced.

      LINKS: JFS Citation/References section (from JFS Style Guide) and JFS Style Guide

       

      Total

      4 Points

       

       

       

       

       

       

      ________
      30 Points

      For Combined Group Reports, grading of sections will be as follows: Title and Names/Signatures (2 pts), Introduction (6 pts), Procedures (6 pts), Results (16 pts), Discussion/Conclusions (24 pts), and References (6 pts). Total value 60 pts.

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