Expectations for Lab Reports The expectations and required format of lab reports are those of a scientific manuscript and are the same as you were trained to use in your prerequisite laboratory courses (eg. see the writing training materials from 301L , especially the Integrated Writing Guide). Additional tips and advice are given at the end of this section. Turning in of lab reports All reports must be turned in as one single pdf file on Gradescope/Canvas. You must select the appropriate pages for each section of your report during the submission process - if you do not, you may loose points for the misplaced section. Through the Gradescope software (linked on Canvas), your report will be graded by a group of TA's. When TA's grade your report, they will not see your name (except on the title page) - this is to reduce any possible biases during point allotment. Grading of Lab Reports The general expectations for a scientific manuscript and those found in the rubrics will be the criteria used for grading your lab report, although additional lab-module-specific criteria will be given in each lab module's "Treatment of data" section. Use lab-specific "treatment of data", as well as the expectations above, as a guide in crafting your report. Writing of each section must be B-quality or better to receive points Each section of the lab report will be graded as follows: You will receive all points for a given section if it is B-quality (ie >80%) or better. If it is less than B-quality, you will receive zero points for that section. This B-or-nothing grading system also comes with some grace: You will be allowed one report "re-do" after receiving feedback from your instructors. The revised report can be submitted until 11:59 pm on the last day of classes (LDOC). You will also be allowed one late lab report (as late as is necessary to do it well, until the last day of classes). USE YOUR TIME WELL The way we grade reports in this course is meant to incentivize you to write a "good" but not "perfect" report. You are writing to demonstrate thinking and understanding. The most important aspect is that you present the data and your analysis clearly and concisely. This can usually be done in 4 or 5 pages. Be sure to write clearly, include the major points, and present data well. You can save yourself a lot of time by creating good plots of data during lab time with the help of your TA's, discussing the data while in lab, and writing about it as soon as possible during or after the lab period. Late Policy Each laboratory report is due one week after the relevant module(s) is(are) complete. The standard late hand-in penalty is 10 points (10%) per day ! For example, late up to 24 hours = 10% deduction; late up to 48 hours = 20% deduction, etc. The maximum late penalty is 50%. Grading Rubrics All grading in this course is accomplished using rubrics so that all students are held to the same standards. The rubrics are developed by the instructional team and using feedback from students. All grading rubrics* are shared in effort to provide transparency. Generic point rubric for Lab Reports Component Received/Max Title/ Author /5 Introduction /15 Experimental Methods /10 Results /20 Discussion /20 Conclusion (as part of discussion) /5 References /10 Writing Quality /15 Total /100 Specific Rubrics for Each Report (Duke students click here to access rubrics) * *If the link is not working, please try to clear your cache/history and/or use a different browser. The specific rubrics for this course are created by the teaching assistants (past and present) in consultation with the course director and using feedback from students. The rubrics are a guideline used by the TA's when grading assignments; rubrics are not meant to be a comprehensive checklist of what a student should include in a report. General knowledge about how to craft a scientific manuscript (what goes in each section, how each component of a manuscript should be formatted) is prerequisite knowledge for this course (From CHEM301L or CHEM311L). The rubrics are provided to students in the spirit of transparency, but should be used with a comprehensive preparation from previous courses and with consideration of the learning objectives for each module. If you have not completed a previous course that included scientific writing, you may find supporting materials at the link that follows. The most recent versions of all rubrics and writing guides are here (Duke students click here) *. *If the link is not working, please try to clear your cache/history and/or use a different browser. Lab Performance A portion of the total available points for this course are allotted to your performance in lab. This includes an expectation for preparation before the lab period, arriving on time, using time effectively, performing the tasks well, contributing to the culture of safety, and helping to maintain a clean and safe environment. For each module, the general rubric for performance is below. General rubric for Lab performance Performance in lab The student performs the experiment safely and efficiently, operates as a good lab citizen, and helps to maintain a clean and safe lab space. The pre-lab assignment was completed accurately and on time. (10) The student was prepared for lab, arrived on time, left the lab on time. (2-3) The student used all of lab time effectively to complete the experiment and data analysis. (2-3) All glassware was cleaned, labels were removed, and put away in the appropriate storage areas. The lab space was cleaned by wiping all surfaces. (2-3) All solutions were labeled appropriately during working times, and disposed of in the appropriate waste container at the end. (2-3) The student wore appropriate clothing to lab and wore appropriate PPE (gloves and safety eye protection) during the entire lab period without reminder. (2-3) Point deductions and other penalties for tardiness and repeated issues Issue Typical deduction Tardy by between 7 - 15 minutes - 5 points to score or is not allowed not participate Tardy by 16 - 20 minutes - 10 points to score or is not allowed not participate Tardy by more than 20 minutes - 15 points and is not allowed to participate Failure to wear safety eyewear in lab - 5 points for each occur ance after first warning Failure to dress appropriately to lab and must borrow clothing from instructors - 10 points from ELN for each occurrence, or not allowed to participate Displaying symptoms of illness and failing to wear a face mask during meetings - 5 points for each occurrence