Lab Grading Rubric Lab – General Each section of the lab report is assessed individually and for slightly different characteristics. Introduction: To get full points in this section, two main topics need to be addressed: 1. Providing an explanation of the questions that the lab was addressing, including justification (why did we do what we did) 2. Providing information about what was done (in a general sense at least) Methods: To get full points in this section, you need to do two things: 1. You need to provide information about what was done with more detail than in the introduction. For example, describe where and how samples were obtained, how they were processed (DNA extracted? RNA extracted? How? What was done next?). You need to include information on any kits used and citations for things like primers or any analyses that follow those from another paper. 2. You need to do step 1 in a desсrіptive manner (i.e., you do not want to simply rewrite the protocol you used including every volume pipetted). Results: To get full points in this section, you need to do two things: 1. Provide legible and appropriate figures and tables (if there are errors in your figures – such as not including information on where you obtained data if it’s from another manusсrіpt or not labeling axes, that can count against you) 2. In addition to having figures and tables, you need to provide a statement of the results you are presenting that point to the appropriate figure/table. Discussion/Conclusion: To get full points in this section, you need to do two things: 1. Provide a desсrіption of what the results that you show mean in terms of the questions that were laid out as the purpose of the experiment 2. Provide a discussion of your results in the context of other results including addressing potential errors in our experimental design or procedures Figures/Tables: To get full points, you need to do two things: 1. Make sure your presentation choice (tables, graphs or figures) enhances understanding and maximize the communication of data. They need to have strong desсrіptive and appropriate legends and captions. Also be sure the data format is correct. 2. Ensure figures/tables are correctly numbered and referred to in the text. References: Make sure: 1. References are of high quality 2. Are cited in the text and listed (at the end) in a consistent style 3. All citations in the text are referenced and all references are cited in the text. High-quality references are those from the peer-reviewed literature. Low-quality references are blogs, personal or other potentially unstable web sites, and in some but not all instances, “personal communications”. References of medium quality include “grey literature” (e.g., unpublished reports issued by federal or state agencies). Writing style/voice: Make sure your writing: 1. Sounds like a professional researcher. 2. Is clearly written to the audience – a panel of researchers with a similar level of background knowledge in marine molecular ecology. 3. Is clear, concise, and persuasive. Mechanics: Use correct spelling, verb tense, grammar, and punctuation.
