Guidelines for Preparing a Research Report

Research experience for the undergraduate chemistry student is as close to a professional problem-solving activity as anything in the curriculum. It gives the student 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 a good research experience develops intellectual curiosity and is an important stimulus toward a career in science. Ideally, undergraduate research should focus in a well-defined project that stands a reasonable chance of completion in the time available to the student. 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 student-written research report. It is important for the student to realize that science depends on precise transmission of facts and ideas and, to communicate effectively, the research project must be described in writing. Preparation of a comprehensive written research report is an essential part of a valid research experience, and the student should be made 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 to undergraduate students. For this reason, the following information on report writing with a suggested format is provided to be helpful to undergraduate researchers and to faculty advisors