UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO

CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT

GUIDELINES ON LABORATORY REPORT ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY II

PARTS OF THE FORMAL LABORATORY REPORT RATING

Abstract 15%
Introduction 15%
Experimental Method 10%
Results and Discussion 40%
Conclusion 15%
References 5%
Appendices
Total 100%

Abstract
Contains:
Brief Background- Define important concepts, concepts or laws being examined;
Objectives- What were you attempting to do in the particular experiment?
Method Used- What methods did you apply to complete the investigation? What is the
instrument used? This should be a summary and not a detailed procedure.
Summary of Results- In general, what happened in the experiment? Give a summary of
the observations and results of calculations that are significant to your experiment.
Significance of findings- What important concepts or theories are reinforced by the
results. What errors were committed and how did it influence the experiment.

Introduction
-short discussion on the general nature/background of the experiment
-describe the instrumental method employed
Inclusion:
Nature/background of instrument/ method (include important concepts/reactions)
States the advantages of the instrument/method used
Justifies the importance of the instrument/method
Synopsis of the activity
Properly state the specific objectives of the activity

Experimental Method
-use past tense and passive voice
-organization of the procedure/experiment should be in your own design (schematic diagram)
-if needed to be supported by words, construct it using paragraphs
Contains:
Materials Used
Sample Preparation
Solutions Used
Instrument (model) and parameters measured
Method of obtaining data

ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY II
Solitrino, NJ
Results and Discussion
-demonstration knowledge of the experiment
-interpretation of the results
 Short organized listing of results in table (label accordingly)
 Graphs or any other methods of data treatment
-explanation of the results of the unknown determinations is included along with reasonable
estimate of errors and its source
-do not include raw data (these should be reflected as part of Appendices), unless discussion
using the raw data is very important

Conclusion
-Brief conclusion on the experiment based on the acquired and processed data
-Give suggestions for improving the experiment
-Do not repeat discussion points or any irrelevant material
-Should include the answer on the main objective and statement of the methods used and a
closing sentence that conclude the outcome of the experiment

References
-Separate page
-ACS format
-Cite references in the text using superscript numbers
-Properly list the references in numerical order as cited in the text

Appendices
-include raw data and calculations involved
-other attachments such as photocopied/scanned print-out from the instrument