Your name: Your user ID

Title of lab
Your name: Your user ID (e.g. AB12345). Lab group: Your lab group. Tutor: Your tutor’s
name
Lab date: Date you attended the lab. Report date: Date you finished the report.

Abstract (maximum ⅓ page)

The abstract is a summary of your entire report, including motivation, aims, methods used,
main findings, and conclusions. The Abstract is not just a repetition of the Introduction. It
should be a stand-alone document that someone could read to get an overview. You should
write this section last.

1. Introduction (maximum ⅔ page)

The Introduction explains the motivation behind the topic to the reader. This should include
both general (or ‘big picture’) background information, and more detailed information relative
to this experiment. External references can be used if appropriate. The objectives (or aims or
purpose) of the experiment should be clearly stated.

2. Experimental Methods (maximum 1 page)

This section should describe the apparatus that was used, particularly any of its important
features. It should also describe the experimental procedure that was used. It should contain
enough information for another engineer to repeat the experiment. Figures can be used if
they are relevant and useful. Do not simply copy the information provided in the laboratory
handout.

3. Results
Present the measurements and calculated results in this section. Include any equations that
are important in understanding the results. You must include some description of what is
shown, but leave the detailed discussions for the Discussion section. Ensure that all the data
presented is relevant to the experiment and the objectives.

4. Discussion (maximum 1 page)

This is the most important section in your report. The contents of this section vary between
reports, but many include:
● A detailed description of the results and what they mean, including comparison to
other results and/or to theoretical results;
● Analysis of sources of error in the measurements and/or the assumptions used and
how they impacted the final calculated results;
● Suggestions for improvement (e.g. to reduce the errors or to extend the work);
● Application to real situations

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 Your name: Your user ID

Look at the lab-specific folders on Blackboard for more guidance on what to consider for
each of these points for each lab.

5. Conclusion (maximum ¼ page)

In this section you should concisely present the most important findings, which should relate
to your original objectives. You can also summarise what was done and any
recommendations for future work. There should not be any new information in this section.

References
Provide the details of any sources referenced. Use a standard citation format, e.g. the
Harvard referencing system.

Reflective Comments
By spending some time reflecting on your report and how it relates to the required contents,
you can improve your work. Consider how well you think you have satisfied the
requirements, and state what mark you think your report will receive (either as a percentage,
e.g. 65%, or as a grade classification, e.g. 2:1). Which areas of your report do you think are
good, and which areas would you like some more feedback on? This will help us (the
assessors) to give you more feedback that will help you in your next report.