The laboratory experiments are a required part of the APSC 2213 course. The labs are ideally done in groups of two (marks will be deducted if the group is larger than two without specific approval) and one lab report is submitted per group. Failure to carry out the laboratory work (without prior approval) will result in a mark of zero for that particular lab. Before coming to the lab, the student is expected to do the the pre-lab section which includes "expected" calculations. It is strongly advised that all experimental calculations be conducted in the lab prior to departure. Lab reports are due 1 week after the lab has taken place. Failure to submit a lab results in a lab mark of zero for that lab. Finally, the duplication of lab reports will result in a mark of zero for both reports, regardless of the circumstance.
The lab report (one submission per lab group) is evaluated out of 10 marks. The format and the approximate value of each component is as follows:
Title page (1/2): University name, course name, lab title, date of experiment, date of submission, names and IDs of the students in the group.
Introduction (1/2): Definition of the problem, goal or aim. Be concise and complete.
Pre-lab (2): Each lab has a Pre-lab part where specific things are asked for. It is most important that you complete this work before the lab. (When this work is not done, you won't know if your experimental results are reasonable and you could run out of time.)
NOTE: The above portions must be brought to the lab. Two points will be lost if this work is not initialed by the lab instructor.
Results (2): Simply put down the data you obtain in a legible, easy to understand form. i.e. properly labeled table or graph.
Discussion & Interpretation, Analysis and Explanation(3): In other words, how did your predictions from the pre-lab work compare to your results. If they don't, why. Answer any specific questions.
Conclusions (2): Did you achieve what you set out to do? Does the theory hold true?
Bonus points can be given for extra work done and points can also be deducted in special circumstances.
Final note: Poor general appearance of the report may result in the loss of up to 3 points.