In a brief format you will provide your laboratory report as an abstract.  The abstract will be limited to 350 words maximum.  You must succinctly summarize the information you would normally present in a paper in a compact abstract format.  Your abstract should go through numerous drafts before being submitted!  You may include 1 or 2 concise figures/graphs that are referenced in the abstract text.

Guidelines copied from:  http://outreach.science.tamu.edu/tjas/2005/abstract_guidelines.htm 

Abstract Guidelines  Please read carefully before preparing your abstract!  An abstract is a concise summary of the research. It is not merely a general description of what the research is about. It should be assumed that the reader is knowledgeable in the broad category of the topic, but not necessarily an expert in the specialty of the project. Scientists and engineers inform others of their research results by writing journal articles and by giving "papers" at meetings. Abstracts are prepared to serve either or both of the following purposes:

• To enable a reader to decide whether this topic is of sufficient interest to warrant taking the time to read the entire paper or to go hear the presentation.
• To acquaint a reader with recent research results without the need to read the entire article or hear the paper.

The following elements should be included in a proper abstract:

1. The title should be brief and descriptive. The statement of the problem tells the reader what specific questions are addressed in the study. The variables and limitations are identified. The intent and objectives of the research effort are made explicit in this statement. The purpose states the usefulness of the study. It answers the question why the project was undertaken. The hypothesis is an educated guess that shows the relationship between a set of observed facts and a theory. The hypothesis limits the scope of the investigation and unifies the research design. The procedure provides a brief summary of what was done.
2. The conclusions provide a concise statement of the outcomes of the investigation. They should be written in non-technical language and be related directly to the hypothesis. The conclusions should identify unsolved aspects of the original problem or any new problems identified.

There is no "standard" or required arrangement for the parts of an abstract; its statements may be in whatever sequence enables the most information to be conveyed in the fewest words. Its sequence can be, and frequently is, totally different from that of the paper. A good abstract usually must be drafted and redrafted — eliminating, adding, rearranging the words.

Helpful Hints

1. State results, conclusions, or findings in a clear, concise fashion. However, make sure that you describe your project adequately. You have a whole page - make sure you use it. (In this course you have a 350 word limit)
   
2. Assume that the reader has a good general technical vocabulary but try to avoid use of highly-specialized words or abbreviations. Remember that he/she may not be an expert in the specialty of the paper.  (You can assume I am familiar with the standard technical terms- assume you are writing this abstract for an audience composed of biochemists)
   
3. Use past tense and third person in describing completed research, present tense when stating existing facts and what is in the paper.
4. Incorrect spelling and poor sentence structure will discourage interest in your project. (And get you a failing grade!)
5. If reference to procedure is essential, try to restrict it to identification of method or type of process employed.
6. Financial sponsorship mentioned in the paper is concisely credited in the abstract: "Research supported by ......".
   Note: This is different from science fair rules.  (Not applicable in this course)
7. Use Abstract Guidelines to confirm that all parts of your abstract are present.

A good abstract is written to summarize the research paper. The abstract should accurately convey the essential nature of the research conducted and the most significant conclusions reached. A further purpose of the abstract is to attract the interest and curiosity of the non-specialist reader and thus encourage exchange, discussion and elaboration between various authors and between authors and readers.

Please utilize current ACS journals as models for the type of report submitted.  General notes on ACS writing style

No handwritten laboratory reports will be accepted!