EE171L Winter 2004 How to prepare a lab report
By taking 171L you have all ready demonstrated that you know how to
write good lab reports, in your other classes. Continuing to develop your
lab skills will help you as you progress to other classes and into the
engineering industry. Developing good lab skills are essential if you want
to succeed! This handout will remind you how to prepare a successful lab
report for any experiment you are likely to take on.
Lab write ups should consist of the following sections:
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Abstract:
- A concise statement describing the experiment and the results. This is usually
not more than 3 sentences. Since the abstract is a summary of what you have
done, its a good idea to write this last.
-
Introduction:
-
Several paragraphs that explain the motivation of the experiment. Usually
in this statement you state what you intent to accomplish as well as the
expected results of the experiment.
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Materials and Methods:
-
Describe what equipment, and components you used to attempt the experiment.
Also, how you conducted the experiment.
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Results and Analysis:
-
This is the main body of the report. Graphs, tables, schematics, diagrams
should all be included and explained. Results of any calculations should
be explained and shown. State the results of the experiment, include any
problems encountered.
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Conclusion:
-
Explain how the experiment went, and whether you were able to achieve the
expected results stated in the introduction. Share any knowledge you have
gained along the way.
Sticking to this format will guarantee successful write ups every time!
You should implement this (or some) structure for the experiments in this
class.
For more information on the subject please read:
-
Toronto
-
Wisconson
Please also read the following document which describes how to generate
proper block diagrams and wiring diagrams:
Petersen's
Handout