Homework andReport Writing
Chapter 2 – pgs. 47-66Freshman Engineering Clinic
Dr. Hong Zhang*Adopted from Freshman Clinic Notes
Homework
Combination of art and science Science
◦ Knowledge of math, chemistry, physics and engineering principles
◦ Correctly apply to solve the problem Art
◦ Judgment, experience, common sense◦ Reduce real-world problem to a form that can be
solved using science principles
Problem Analysis
Recognize and understand problem Accumulate data and verify accuracy Select appropriate theory or principle Make necessary assumptions Solve the problem Verify and check results
Engineering Method
Must solve and present problems in a logical and orderly way
Problem statement Diagram Theory Assumptions Solution steps Identify results and
check accuracy
Problem Presentation
Engineering paper Heading – include name, date, sheet
number Use pencil Write NEATLY Check spelling Clearly separate problems
Standards to Follow
Diagrams should be clear and understandable
Include units on quantities (ex. Force in lb.) See also Freshman Clinic Handbook pgs. 9
and 10 If use computer, make sure the format of
your file is readable without special software.
Standards to Follow (cont.)
Report
Lab reportsTerm reportsProject reportsResearch articles
Type of Reports
Present dataExplain resultsExpress ideasDisseminate knowledgePersuade people
Goal of Reports
Title Page Abstract Introduction Methods and Materials (or Equipment) Experimental Procedure Results and Discussion Conclusion References Appendices
Typical Components
Name of the experiment◦ Good: Effect on memory with caffeine and sleep
deprivation◦ Bad: Lab #1
Full names of lab partners Date and location Submittal information (course name,
number and instructor).
Title Page
Summarize ◦ Purpose of the experiment ◦ Key results◦ Significance ◦ Major conclusions
Sometime includes a brief reference to theory or methodology.
One paragraph of 100-200 words Often written last
Abstract
States the objective and scope Provides background Explain relevance and importance Preview the content The “WHY” part of the paper
Introduction
The scientific principles that applied to the experiment and are relevant to the analysis and interpretation of results.
Include equations used in calculating results.
“Theoretically HOW” Part
Theory
Source (company name and location) of all materials used
Model and manufacturer for all specialized laboratory equipment
Methods of the experiment Procedures of the experiment “Practically HOW” part
Methods, Equipment, Procedure
Present the findings Interprets the significance All results should be explained, analyzed,
and interpreted DO NOT just show the raw data
Results and Discussion
What do the results indicate? What is the significance of the results? How does observed results compare with
expected results? How does your results compare with
existing knowledge? “WHAT” part
Analysis and Interpretation
Is there any error? Was it avoidable? Was it a result of equipment, method or
theory? How to eliminate or reduce it?
Error Analysis
Use graphs, figures, and tables to help explain methods and results
Always explain and analyze in the text Put caption and reference number on each
of graphs and tables No “orphan” graphs and tables
Graphs and Tables
Present tense: Theory and permanent equipment◦ “The purpose of this report is..." ◦ “The acceleration of gravity is…”◦ “The thermometer measures…”
Past tense: Experiment◦ “The objective of the experiment was…”
Verb Tense
Summarize the significance and implications of the findings.
Be consistent with the stated objectives and with the results.
Discuss possible improvements and future works.
Future work should be positive, relevant, constructive, useful, and practical.
Conclusions
Included if information from outside sources is included in the report.
Any material or information taken from another source must be specifically cited (footnoted) in the text
appear at the end of the document in endnote format.
NOT a reading list of books and articles on the subject.
References
Raw data, calculations, graphs, pictures or tables that have not been included in the report itself.
Put each kind of item in a separate appendix. Each Appendix should have a letter
designation (Appendix A, Appendix B, etc.) and a descriptive title. ◦ Title example: "Laboratory Data for Coffee
Concentration as a Function of Grinding Time." Each appendix should be referred to at least
once in the body of the report
Appendices
Top Related