Table of Contents
Scientists write reports to elaborate on the significance and findings of laboratory experiments. Writing lab reports aid scientists in conveying the real sense of a scientific study, connecting theories and practical work, and allowing a targeted group of audience to get benefits from a particular work. Communicating lab experiments via lab reports is important as it allows the targeted audience to consider strengths and weaknesses of a conducted experiment while designing future experiments. Unfortunately, due to lack of practice, report writing is often a daunting task to the flock and requires a long preparatory phase to prepare for writing it. Moreover, knowing the essentials of writing a biology lab report is necessary for formulating an exemplary report. Thereby, the sole purpose of this discussion is to overview all essentials of writing a biology lab report so that the young scientist will never get confused.
This article also contains an additional tip to secure extraordinary grades in biology report writing. Let the discussion begins:
A Biology Lab Report: A brief introduction
The biology lab reports are short and concise formal documents that scientists must have to write after completing laboratory experiments. It must contain protocol, material and methods, and findings along with the significance of an experiment so other scientists can contribute to other aspects of similar experiments. The essentials of writing a biology lab report include seven structural and functional elements, each having its own importance in fulfilling the purpose of writing it. The following is a brief description of these essentials:
Title:
The title aims to label a biology report; thus, it must depict the unique feature of laboratory experiments. For example, if in an experiment the scientist uses Gel Electrophoresis to study DNA in sheep’s blood or ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) for knowing the concentration of protein in blood serum then the title of biology report must hint for such experimental techniques. Simply, the title of a biology report must be short (maximum 20 words), concise, accurate, descriptive (in a sense to exactly reflect the nature of experiments), and straightforward.
Abstract or Executive summary:
The abstract or executive summary is a short and quick preview of the content of a report. It must clearly state the reason for conducting an experiment and the procedure that seem most appropriate to solve a scientific mystery through experiments. One or two sentences stating the findings and future scope of a biological experiment are more than enough to be added to the abstract and executive summary of an article.
Introduction:
It is the right place to talk openly about details, background, significance, and rationale of conducting an experiment. To write a winning report, the introduction of a report must start by explaining why conducting an experiment is necessary and what kind of improvements it can bring to the life of the targeted groups. Information from past studies, such as routes followed by other biological scientists to solve a biological problem, can also become a part of the introduction of a report.
Methods and Material:
The easiest part of a lab report is to list down the material required and steps necessary to get the reported results. Especially when someone follows in someone else’s footsteps. It aids the first-hand scientist in providing experimental details so the authenticity, reliability, and validity cannot be challenged. On the other hand, it guides other scientists to map their own way by getting guidance with this section. Thus, the minor details of the apparatus, chemicals, and techniques mentioned in the material and methods section of a report are worth noting. For example, if someone used a centrifuge at any part of the experiment, then the section must also include the model, type, and duration of use. Additionally, It is necessary to add all details in the form of past tense.
Results:
Experiments are used quantitative designs for solving in-vivo and in vitro scientific problems. In these experiments usually, the data is written by using direct observations or taking into consideration the reading on the screens of the automated apparatus. Thus, results as one of the essentials of writing a biology lab report must include data in tabular, graphical and any other comprehensive way along with a written summary of the information presented in charts, graphs, and other illustrations. Moreover, details related to these are part of the next section- the discussion section of a biology report.
Discussion or conclusion:
Discussion includes all details that results section fails to present. It explains why the research community should consider findings reliable. It allows biological researchers to state the significance of current findings in the light of numerous already published researches.
Literature cited or bibliography:
Unfortunately, many of the new scientists do not know the significance of references as one of the essentials of writing a biology report. References are of utmost importance as it aims to ensure continuity among future and past research, credit original authors, and allow the researcher to remain honest throughout the process. Besides the importance, it is necessary to add a list of references at the end of the biology report.
An additional tip to secure excellent grades in biology reports:
Starting an academic writing task by following expert guidelines has a remarkable positive effect on final grades. These experts can be tutors, seniors who have passed the session and field experts serving excellent academic writing services working at Lab report writing service UK. Even you can ask for help, services, or templates to master the report writing skills for securing excellent grades.
Final thoughts:
All in all, biology report writing is important to facilitate the biology experts to keep their eyes on the newest research trends and protocols. Academically, drafting a biology report like experts is not rocket science. Rather, the writer must know some essentials of writing a biology lab report to succeed; after knowing what and how aspects of accomplishing different parts of a report, students can write an impressive report even in one go.
