Lab write out help sheet A B Criteria Title page Is there a title page?

? Abstract Is the abstract concise (around 200 words)? Does it state the purpose of the experiment? Does it state the methods and procedures followed? Does it report the principal findings and conclusions? Contents Are all sections of the report listed? Are there page numbers for each section? Symbols Is there a list of symbols (notation) used in the report? Introduction Does the introduction state the broader context of the experiment? Does it state the aim and objectives of the experiment? Does it give an outline of the report? Background Theory Is there a description of the principles underlying the experiment? Is there reference to published materials? Are theoretical derivations clearly shown and annotated? Apparatus Is there a brief description and diagram of the apparatus? Are diagrams neat and clearly labelled? Does the description of the apparatus refer to the diagram? Experimental Procedure Is the experimental procedure clearly and concisely described? Are any problems/difficulties mentioned? Results Raw results o Are raw results presented before any calculations/manipulations? o Are they clearly tabulated and labelled? Analysed results Excellent > Needs work 4 3 2 1 Tutor comments

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Are analysed results clearly tabulated?

o Are any graphs clearly labelled, numbered and titled?

Discussion Is there a brief description of any problems encountered in the experiment? Is there a realistic estimate of any errors in the experimental results? Are the results discussed and compared with published data/theory Is there an evaluation of how well the aims of the experiment have been met? I Conclusions Is there a concise summary of the important conclusions reached in the discussion? Are practical and theoretical implications of the results mentioned? J References Are all sources referred to in the report listed in the references? Are all references accurate and complete? K Style and Presentation Is the grammar (spelling, punctuation, sentence structure) acceptable? Is it written in a formal academic style? Is the overall presentation acceptable (neat, sections titled etc.)?

What these ratings mean

Most of you will not get a rating of 4 in all areas of assessment. This does not necessarily mean there is a problem; for instance, a rating of 3 simply means that that particular area requires continuing development. If your rating is 1 or 2 in a particular area, then that particular aspect of your report needs improving and you might discuss this with one of the course organisers. A rating of N/A means that criterion area is not assessable.