Secrets for Successful Study 2023/2024
Week 4: How to write scientific reports effectively.
Tuesday 18th October 12:00pm (Venue to be announced)
By week 4 and 5, most programmes across the Faculty will start to introduce practical and writing scientific reports based on the results. This session will cover how to write a report effectively (Dr Charlotte Haigh). What details to find in advance such as assessment guidelines and qualitative criteria. It will also cover the Harvard style of referencing.
5 TOP TIPS for writing a scientific report effectively
- Make sure you are familiar with the guidelines for writing the report, including deadlines (both time and date), page/word limit, style expected etc
- Read through the qualitative criteria for assessment of level 1 reports so you have an idea what the marker is looking for. This is a long document, but the criteria are in the appendix at the back
- Make sure you write the report in the correct tense, and spellcheck all the words
- Aim to finish writing it a few days before the deadline to allow for a break and re-read again to identify any errors
- Make sure you reference any material from books or academic journals in the appropriate style: the faculty uses the Harvard style of referencing.
More helpful links
Different writing styles between an essay and report.
How a report should be structured.
WikiHow resources about writing reports and conclusions.
A good checklist to go through before you hand in your report.
Information about plagiarism from the University of Leeds which we will discuss in more detail in the session.