writing in the disciplines

lab report

The lab report, or research report, is essentially one long argument in which biologists present their hypotheses and results and their interpretation of their results (the discussion). The format of the research report reflects the logic of a scientific argument. In many ways the format of the final product is quite prescribed; accordingly, authors may choose to write certain sections before others—not necessarily in the order the sections will appear in the final report. For example, a biologist may choose to write up her methods and materials section before she has completed her analysis of her data.

Just as each professional journal has slightly different requirements for the length and layout of each section of the research report, so too do different instructors. If you are uncertain of how your lab reports should be constructed, consult your lab manual and speak to your TA or instructor.

additional resources

Writing Biology Laboratory Reports, from the University of Richmond, offers detailed explanations and recommendations for the content of each section.

For further details on writing research reports, see also Victoria McMillan's Writing Papers in the Biological Sciences.