PRACTICAL PROJECT
PROJECT REPORT
Written report
The report is basically a large version of a normal report, with some extra sections. The size of the
report should reflect the fact that you have spent the equivalent of around 10 normal practical
sessions doing the project work.
The required sections are:

Executive summary – a summary of what you did and what you found [½ page]
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Table of Contents – listing each section and the start page number
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Introduction – essentially summarises what information you had before you started your
practical work, i.e. what you found about other people’s work in the topic area; explain what is
important about the analyte(s) [1-2 pages]

Procedure – the final version of the method(s) you used, written step-by-step with enough
detail for someone else to repeat your work
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Results – transcribed into neat tables (raw data to be attached in appendix)
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Calculations – start with a table of summarising what positive results you got; do not include
full calculations for replicates; show with one fully detailed calculation of each type (including
the recovery check) that you know what you are doing, and simply give the final answers for
the other replicates

Discussion – what you had to do to get things to work (or not work); why things didn’t work;
how your results compared to any known values; what you would do differently or additionally
if you had more time [minimum 2 pages]

References – see your Sci. Info Skills notes about the correct way to reference your work; this is
not just a list of books in the library or websites: each reference must be linked to the
introduction and discussion section

Appendix – your time/reagent/equipment use logs; raw data; daily record sheets
The suggested page lengths provided for some sections should not be treated as maximum lengths
(except the Exec. Summary). If you need to write more, do so, but don’t waffle.
There is a simple way to distinguish between what belongs in the Introduction and Discussion. You
should treat the Introduction as though you wrote it before you began the practical work, so nothing
that relates to your results should go in it. The Discussion is where your work belongs, but you can
still use other people’s work there also.
It is compulsory to write your report on computer. The Appendix does not need to be converted to
digital form – you may submit the report in hardcopy or electronically.
The report is to be handed in after you make your presentation to the class.
It will be assessed on the following:
 content – what you actually write, including the calculations and especially the Discussion
 organisation – how well it meets the above requirements
 presentation – marks will be deducted for poor, inappropriate or inconsistent formatting
Powerpoint presentation
This MUST be submitted to Adam by NOON on the day before the presentation session. If you do
not meet this deadline, you will not be allowed to present your report, and hence will not be able to
pass the subject (no exceptions).
It will be loaded onto the computer (with data projector) in the room where the presentations are
held.
There will be some samples of good and bad presentations provided on the subject webpage which
should be considered along with the following things to avoid:

irrelevant graphics

distracting backgrounds/transitions/animations/sounds
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the full procedure

raw data

small text

exotic, illegible fonts
It is recommended that a projected slide show employs a light background (dark text).
Make sure you test your PPt before submitting it. It can be emailed or brought on USB drive.
Verbal presentation
The last session in Term 4 will be set aside for your presentations.
Date: November 26 starting at 9.30 am in E2.8 (be there by 9.20 am)
You should aim at 10-15 minutes. While this sounds a lot, it isn’t really. It should cover everything in
the written report, but in an abbreviated way.
The order of presentation will be determined by a random drawing of numbers. Anyone arriving late
will go last (the worst position).
Do:
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try to speak to the class, rather than just read
outline what methods were used
explain the importance of the analyte(s)
show a table and/or graph of the results (not data) that were obtained
calibration graphs are OK to demonstrate linearity (or lack of), but are not essential
explain what went wrong and right and why
Don’t:

read your written report – prepare a separate speech version

overwhelm with detail (especially data and procedural)