Return to Macrolab Directory
Methods Report Format
In this course, you will be required to write two different kinds of reports. Don't worry, it actually ends up being less work for you. In addition to the Lab Report which you will write at the end of each module, you will write a Methods Report for each of the methods you perform (i.e. NMR, DSC). This methods report serves multiple purposes. First, it helps you understand the method by making you think about what the method is for, and what the data means. Second, it helps you keep all of your data organized so you can find it when you write your lab report. Third, it helps us (the instructors) determine if you fully understand the method so we can help you if you are unsure. Finally, it serves you as a way to make sure you know what you are doing before you write something totally wrong in your lab report and make an terrible grade. Now that you know why you will write a methods report, I'll tell you how to write this report.
The methods report will consist of four parts:
- Why the skill, or method, is important
This should be one paragraph describing what the method does, and why it is important to the lab module as a whole.
- How the data was aquired
The way you performed the method
- Hard data
All the data you aquire using this method, as well as any calculations you performed to transform the hard data into useable data.
- What the data means
Your data may be a bunch of numbers, or a squiggly line. What does this data tell you about your polymer? If the data is unexpected, what went wrong, and how could you fix it?
See, that's not so bad. Just a few paragraphs on what you did, how you did it, what you found, and why it is important. It also makes writing the lab report less of a chore later. I recommend that you have a floppy disk just for this class to keep all your reports on so that you always know where your methods reports are when it comes time to wriet the Lab Report.
I'll bet you are wondering how many points each of these sections is worth towards your grade. Well, now you can find out by checking the Grading Policy.