How to write a lab report

Here are some resources that explain how to write a lab report:

• Making sense: a student's guide to research and writing:
  • Vanier library Reference: REF BF 76.7 N67+ 2005.
  • Look at the chapter entitled "Writing a Lab Report."
• Scientific Reports:
  Excellent website from the University of Wisconsin - Madison
• A student handbook for writing in biology :
  Excellent book in the Vanier library (3rd floor) with an excellent chapter entitled "Step-by-step instructions for preparing a laboratory report or scientific paper." (Chapter 4)

Finding references

You are required to cite 3 references for your assignment. Here are suggestions of references you can cite:

1. BIOL 201 Lab manual: available at the bookstore.
2. BIOL 201 Textbook: available on 3 hour reserve at the Vanier Library circulation desk.
3. At the bench : a laboratory navigator: Chapter 15 of this book covers the topic of electrophoresis. This book is available on 3 hour reserve at the Vanier Library circulation desk.

If you would like to look at other sources, here are a few suggestions:

• CLUES catalogue:
  To find other references, do a keyword search for books on the topic of your choice.
  • Example: DNA Electrophoresis
• Encyclopedias and Dictionaries: This is a good place to start to find resources that give background information or definitions.

How to cite your references

You have been asked to cite using the Chicago Style:

• Chicago Manual of Style:
  Here are links to many resources on the Web that show you how to cite using the Chicago style.
  • This Quick Guide is probably a good place to start. Click on the Author-Date tab for examples of how to cite books and articles.