SAMPLE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
re: Report for "Name of laboratory study"
Dear Mr./Ms. Instructor
Please find attached the report for the above referenced study. I believe you will find the results favorable.
The report completely outlines the purpose, procedure, and results of this study. If you have any questions I will look forward to your calling me at (xxx) xxx-xxxx.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME
PURPOSE:
The purpose statement should completely identify the purpose of this study. It is not a discussion of the results nor is it an iteration of the procedure. Do not copy the purpose statement word for word from the lab manual. Define the purpose as you understand it; in your own words.
PROCEDURE:
This should be the procedure that you used to accomplish the study. It should include a list of equipment as well as a complete explanation of the methods you used to obtain the objectives set forth in your purpose statement.
DATA:
This should include copies of all filled in data sheets you used to record data during the performance of your study. The data sheets should not be the actual ones you used to record data during the study unless they are neat and professional in appearance. Instead, copy your data to a new data sheet for inclusion in the report.
SAMPLE CALCULATIONS:
Several calculations may need be performed for each recorded line item of data. In this section, demonstrate and explain your calculation procedure. You may need only provide a sample calculation for one such line item.
ANALYSIS:
This section should include the results of your analysis based on all calculations you performed as described in the section on sample calculations. It should make all necessary comparisons as may be required by the purpose of the study. This will usually include comparison of actual results to calculated results with a calculated percentage of error. This section should also include any graphs or other pictorial representations of your actual versus calculated results.
CONCLUSIONS:
This section should be a complete discussion of your conclusions of the study. Certain questions and suggestions are made in the individual laboratory procedures included in this manual to aid in developing your conclusion. A conclusion should not be a simple reiteration of your purpose statement or of your analysis. However, you should state the significance of the study and what you learned. Furthermore, you should discuss the results, good or bad, with reasons why those results were obtained. This is especially critical if the results obtained were not what was expected. In such a case, identify potential sources of error. Your instructor will be able to give you some insight in this area.