Humboldt State University ® Department of Chemistry

Richard A. Paselk

Biochemistrystyle Laboratory Reports: Complete Article

To:	HSU BioAnalysis Laboratory Staff
From:	R. Paselk, Director, HSU BioAnalysis Laboratory
Re:	Nutmeg analysis

We have been requested to analyze the oil from a new variety of nutmeg, recently discovered in the Brazilian rain forest. There is some concern that this species may not be acceptable as a substitute for the nutmeg now commercially available. On the other hand, if this nutmeg proves to be identical, the tree and its seeds will prove a major economic benefit to the native Indians of this region of forest. Because of the potential for commercial sale and public interest, we have also been asked to publish our results in the refereed international literature. I have chosen the journal Biochemistry as our target for publication. Thus you should write-up your results in standard Biochemistry style, with full documentation, introduction etc. The seeds we will be working with are from Myristica ioniensis.

Grading

1	Report is organized into appropriate sections	[ ______/5% ]
2	Abstract: briefly summarizes report	[ ______/5% ]
3	Introduction: contains background (why is problem interesting what has been done before, etc.) & statement of hypothesis	[ ______/10 % ]
4	Materials and Methods: describe in adequate detail for the informed reader to understand and evaluate the quality of your work without having to go to the literature. This description, along with cited references, should allow the reader to repeat the work. Any special chemicals or equipment should be listed, i.e. HPLC solvents, biochemicals etc., chromatographic media, special ized apparatus and glassware etc.	[ ______/10 % ]
5	Results: present your findings in brief written statements and tabular and/or graphical form as appropriate.	[ ______/10 % ]
6	Tables & Figures are well done and appropriate to data	[ ______/10 % ]
7	Tables & Figures have appropriate labels, legends etc.	[ ______/10 % ]
8	Discussion: relates your results to initial hypothesis, and what is known/accepted from other sources. Discussion of errors, problems etc. may be appropriate here. Your conclusions are stated here.	[ ______/10 % ]
9	Literature: sources cited properly	[ ______/10 % ]
10	Report is written in appropriate style, grammar and spelling are correct	[ ______/10 % ]
11	General wonderfulness	[ ______/10 % ]

Laboratory

C431 Home

Laboratory Schedule

Last modified 23 December 2001

© R. Paselk