Research experience is as close to a professional problem-solving activity as anything in the curriculum. It provides exposure to research
methodology and an opportunity to work closely with a faculty advisor. It usually requires the use of advanced concepts, a variety of
experimental techniques, and state-of-the-art instrumentation. Ideally, undergraduate research should focus on a well-deflned project that
stands a reasonable chance of completion in the time available. A literature survey alone is not a satisfactory research project. Neither is
repetition of established procedures.
Research is genuine exploration of the unknown that leads to new knowledge which often warrants publication. But whether or not the
results of a research project are publishable, the project should be communicated in the form of a research report written by the student. It is
important to realize that science depends on precise transmission of facts and ideas. Preparation of a comprehensive written research report
is an essential part of a valid research experience, and the student should be aware of this requirement at the outset of the project. Interim
reports may also be required, usually at the termination of the quarter or semester. Sufficient time should be allowed for satisfactory
completion of reports, taking into account that initial drafts should be critiqued by the faculty advisor and corrected by the student at each
stage.
Guidelines on how to prepare a professional-style research report are not routinely available. For this reason, the following information on
report writing and format is provided to be helpful to undergraduate researchers and to faculty advisors.
Organization of the Research Report
Title and Title Page
Abstract
Introduction
Experimental Details or Theoretical Analysis
Results
Discussion
Conclusions and Summary
References
Preparing the Manuscript
Two Useful Texts
This book describes among other things the reasons for notekeeping, organizing and writing the notebook with examples, and provides
photographs from laboratory notebooks of famous scientists.
This volume is an invaluable writer's handbook in the field of chemistry. It contains a wealth of data on preparing any type of scientific
report and is useful for both students and professional chemists. Every research laboratory should have a copy, and it should be as accessible
as the Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. It gives pointers on the organization of a scientific paper, correct grammar and style, and
accepted formats in citing chemical names, chemical symbols, units, and references. There are useful suggestions on constructing tables,
preparing illustrations, using different type faces and type sizes, and giving oral presentations. In addition, there is a brief overview of the
chemical literature, the way in which it is organized and how information is disseminated and retrieved. A list of other excellent guides to
technical writing is also provided. See also The Basics of Technical Communicating. Cain, B E.; ACS Professional Reference Book
American Chemical Society: Washington DC. 1988.
Guidelines for preparing a research report
