Experimental laboratory reports in engineering

Most scientific reports use a similar structure designed, often referred to as IMRaD.

Here we'll explain what the IMRaD structure is so you can apply it to your assignments. 

The IMRaD structure has been in use for over 50 years and is a simple and straightforward way of organising either lab reports or research papers in the sciences. It is worth noting that sometimes different terminology is used and, depending on the experiment or purpose of the report, different sections may have more or less emphasis; or other sections are also required, such as: a title page, an abstract, a contents page (you will need to check the precise requirements with your tutors and/or in the assessment brief).

Below is a more detailed template for writing experimental laboratory reports in engineering. At different sections/stages, the writing has different functions, such as describing, explaining and discussing. Keep these in mind when writing each section.

Writing experimental laboratory reports in engineering template

Introduction and background

1. Briefly states the engineering research problem or question being addressed
2. Briefly explains how the experiment addresses the research problem or question
3. Presents the key principles involved
4. a. States the equations used with explanatory comments (see lab sheet)
   OR b. Derives, where appropriate, equations for this experiment, with explanatory comments (see lab sheet)
5. Ensure intro flows and develops logically in an appropriate engineering style

Methods (apparatus and procedure)

1. Clearly labelled diagram (attributed if relevant) (a 2D diagram? are photos allowed?)
2. Description of the apparatus and how it works
3. Experimental procedure described
4. Ensure methods section flows and develops logically in an appropriate engineering style

Results

1. Processed data, tabulated and labelled in this section (raw data is usually in the appendix and cross referenced in the text)
2. Explanation of how the processed results were obtained from raw data
3. Processed results presented in tables and figures
4. Ensure results section flows and develops logically in an appropriate engineering style

Discussion

1. Brief discussion of problems in the experiment, and how they affect the analysed results and conclusions
2. Estimation and quantification of the uncertainties in the raw and analysed results
3. Qualitative and quantitative comparison of the observations with the theory
4. Exploration of any difference between theory and experiment (relation of the discrepancy to the experimental uncertainties and assumptions behind the theory)
5. Discussion of whether the research question or problem has been addressed.
6. Ensure discussion section flows and develops logically in an appropriate engineering style

Conclusions

1. Conclusions: a concise summary of the key outcomes of the experiment
2. The implications of the results in relation to the problem stated in the intro.
3. Future research: Does the experiment need to be run again (because the results are unsatisfactory) or if the results are satisfactory what research should be done next
4. Ensure conclusions section flows and develops logically in an appropriate engineering style

Overall presentation

1. Correct format of equations
2. Correctly formatted references and reference list
3. Accurate spelling/punctuation/grammar
4. Professional layout/format of the report

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