WRITING A GOOD

BIOLOGY LAB REPORT

DESIGN
1. Decide what to investigate
Start with the variables! Variables are factors that may affect the outcome of
a) Decide what you want to find out your experiment. They are measurable factors, not
about – this is your dependent pieces of equipment. Do not use the word “Amount”.
variable. It is not specific enough – terms like mass or volume
b) Brainstorm (and list) all the possible are better.
variables that could influence your Independent variable: This is the variable that you
dependent variable. manipulate – you choose the values to investigate.
c) Choose ONE to be your independent
Dependent variable: This is the variable that changes
variable.
in response to changes in the independent variable. It
d) All the others will be your is what you are measuring or trying to find out.
controlled variables.
Controlled variables: These are other factors that
may also affect the dependent variable. They need to
be kept constant in order to ensure a fair test.

2. Write an Aim/Problem/Research Question

To achieve a “2” on Aspect 1 you need to state a focused research question. To do this you
should:
A good format is “To determine how
a) Briefly state what you are trying to find out.
[the independent variable] affects [the
b) Include both the independent and dependent
dependent variable] in [the context of
variables.
your experiment].”
c) Specify the scope of your experiment by stating
the context of your investigation.
e.g. To determine how hair length
a. It is unlikely that your experiment will allow
affects the insulating power of fur in
you to draw a conclusion that applies to all
polar bears (Ursus maritimus).
situations.
b. Therefore you need to state the conditions e.g. To find the effect of daily
under which your experiment is operating dietary intake of fats on the Body
e.g. the species being studied (scientific Mass Index of 14-17 year old males.
name), gender, age group, location etc
Biology Lab Report Guide 1
3. Identify the variables
Make sure you have read the information on variables (textbox in Step 1).
In order to achieve a “2” for Aspect 1 you must:
a) State the independent.
b) State the levels of the independent variable Example for Step 3f.
that will be tested (see step 5a for more
Controlled Method to control the
information).
variable variable
c) State the dependent variable.
Temperature The test tubes in which
d) State how the dependent variable will be at which the reaction occurs will
measured (if it can’t be measured directly). reaction be placed in a water bath
e) List several controlled variables. occurs set to 40C for the
duration of the reaction.
Aspect 2 requires that you explain the method Duration The reaction will be
you will use to control each of the (controlled) (time) of the allowed to proceed for
variables. reaction 300 seconds. This will be
f) Give brief (but specific) explanation of how timed using a stopwatch
you will control (keep at a constant value) (0.1seconds).
each variable. Including this in the variables
section ensures that you have considered each of the controlled variables. However, it
should ultimately appear in the method.
g) If a variable cannot be controlled, state this. Then describe how you will try to minimize any
change and/or how you will monitor the variable. See Appendix 1 for uncertainties to
consider.

4. List the equipment (apparatus and materials) needed

Choosing appropriate equipment will allow you to achieve a “2” for Aspect 2.
Make sure that your equipment list includes all of the following:
a) All of the equipment and materials needed for the experiment (after writing you method
read through it and check of the items used as you go on your equipment list)
b) Numbers of items (e.g. 2 scalpels)
c) Volumes and concentrations of any solutions needed (e.g. 300ml of 0.5M hydrochloric acid)
d) Precision (and range if appropriate) of all measuring instruments. See Appendix 1(e).
e) Sizes of beakers or other items (e.g. 250ml beaker, 10cm length of dialysis tubing)

Number of Values
If you are looking for a
5. Plan and write a method/procedure
correlation, at least 5
Planning a Method
different values are
Aspect 3 of Design assesses your ability to collect sufficient needed (the more the
relevant data. The following considerations are important to better).
ensure that you collect enough data and that the data will help to If you are comparing
answer your Aim- two different
Biology Lab Report Guide situations, 2 values will
2
be sufficient.
 a) What values of the independent variable
should you test? Range of Values
i. How many values should you test? You may need to do some research to help you
Decide how many values will be needed decide.
to show any trend or pattern. Plan for e.g. if testing an enzyme that works in the
an ideal situation – worry about time human body then you would want to test values
around 37C. If you are investigating similar
constraints later.
enzymes in bacteria that live in hot springs it
ii.What is an appropriate range of values?
would be more appropriate to test around 80C.

b) How will you measure your independent and dependent variables?

a. Can you measure it directly (raw data) or do you need measure other values (raw
data) and use them to calculate values (processed data) for your independent
variable?
b. What measuring instruments will be best to use?
Do you know how to use them? Number of Trials
c. What level of precision is required in your Biological systems, because of
measurements? their complexity and normal
d. What units will you use to record your variability, require replicate
measurements? observations and multiple
samples of material. Remember
c) How may trials or replicates need to be carried out? that a minimum of 5 values is
a. Consider how you are going to process your data needed for calculating means
b. Now go back and double check that you have and standard deviations. Other
statistical tests have other
collected enough of the right types of
requirements e.g. the t-test
measurements. Plan for an ideal situation –
requires at least 10 values. See
worry about time constraints later. Appendix 1(g) for more info on
replicates and sample size.

Write the Procedure

A clear, easy to follow method is necessary to achieve a “2” on Aspects 2 and 3.
Think about method you have seen and what information you like to have! Someone (who has not
done the experiment before) should be able to follow your procedure and obtain similar results.

The following features contribute to writing a good method.

d) The method can be written as instructions like a recipe
e) Do not begin with “Gather all of the materials” … it is kind of a given that you will do this!!
f) Use numbered steps (rather than paragraphs).
g) Use a diagram if possible to show how to set up any equipment. Then you can say “Set up the
equipment as shown in the diagram”. This would save you writing a lot of words.
h) Specify what will be measured (and the units to be used)
i) Include details of how you will measure values

Biology Lab Report Guide 3

DATA COLLECTION AND PROCESSING
RAW DATA refers to the values obtained from the
measuring instruments exactly as they were shown. Once you
to any addition, subtraction, multiplication or division then it
becomes PROCESSED DATA.

1. Record you raw data

The recording of raw data is necessary to address Aspect 1.
If the data you record is not RAW data
Quantitative data – numerical values obtained
you will receive a “0” for this section.
from the measuring instruments (e.g.
Raw data should include quantitative temperature, mass etc) or by other means e.g.
(always!) and qualitative (usually counting
appropriate) data.
Qualitative data – non-numerical observations.
Raw data should be displayed in a table Other observations made during your
(qualitative data may require some other experiment that may have a bearing on the
format, but a table is till usually best). conclusion or help to explain patterns and
In constructing a data table you should trends (or the lack of!). Examples include
changes in colour, texture, size etc
consider the following features:
Any other observed sources of error should also
a) Structure be recorded.
a. When possible, the independent
variable should come first in your columns followed by the dependent variable.
b. Show lines around all rows and columns
c. Make it clear. A good table should be able to be understood out of context (i.e. not
embedded in a lab report describing the experiment)
b) Title
a. Title should be descriptive of the data contained in the table. It should include the
key variables as well as any specific conditions of the experiment
b. Should be numbered consecutively throughout the report with a specific identifying
title.

EXAMPLE
Table 1: The relationship between temperature and water uptake
in a leafy shoot of a geranium (Geranium carolinianum)

c) Headings
a. Columns should be clearly annotated with a heading, units (in heading not body), and
an indication of uncertainty
b. Headings should indicate what the data is in the column below
c. Headings are likely to be the name of a variable

Biology Lab Report Guide 4

 d) Units
a. Units should be included with a heading (not next to each data value in the table)

e) Uncertainties
a. All measurements have uncertainties and you must indicate them in your data tables.
Uncertainties should be associated with all raw data and an attempt should always be
made to quantify uncertainties. In IB Biology the instrument limit of error is usually
taken to be equal to HALF the smallest unit of measurement. Plus or minus () this
value is what you should record as your uncertainty.
b. Remember that only measurements obtained with a measuring instrument have
uncertainties. e.g. Counts do not have an uncertainty
c. Uncertainties should appear with the units in the column heading

For the degrees of precision, the simplest rule is that the degree of precision is plus or minus (±) the smallest
division on the instrument (the least count). This is true for rulers and instruments with digital displays.

The instrument limit of error is usually no greater than the least count and is often a fraction of the least count
value. For example, a burette or a mercury thermometer is often read to half of the least count division. This
would mean that a burette value of 34.1 cm3 becomes 34.10 cm3 (± 0.05 cm3). Note that the volume value is now
cited to one extra decimal place so as to be consistent with the uncertainty.

The estimated uncertainty takes into account the concepts of least count and instrument limit of error, but also,
where relevant, higher levels of uncertainty as indicated by an instrument manufacturer, or qualitative
considerations such as parallax problems in reading a thermometer scale, reaction time in starting and stopping a
timer, or random fluctuation in an electronic balance read-out. Students should do their best to quantify
these observations into the estimated uncertainty.

f) Precision of data
a. There is no variation in the precision of raw data; the same number of decimal places
(significant figures) should be used.

g) Anomalous results – any results that are particularly different from the others need to be
excluded from any processing.

Further advice on drawing data tables can be found at:

http://www.saburchill.com/IBbiology/sci_invest/006.html

Biology Lab Report Guide 5

2. Process your data
Data processing involves combining and
manipulating raw data to determine the Simply plotting raw data is not considered
value of a physical quantity (adding, processing. If the raw data is already in a
subtracting, squaring, dividing), and form suitable for graphical presentation, it is
taking the average of several not considered processing unless a line of
measurements and transforming the data best fit/trend line is drawn. See section 3d
into a form suitable for the graphical for details on lines of best fit.
representation.

a) Look at Your Aim

ALWAYS CONSIDER YOUR AIM.
The purpose of processing data is to show patterns in the data that help you draw a
conclusion that answers your Aim (not to pad out a lab report!). Aspect 2 requires that any
processing helps in answering the Aim.

b) Choose Your Processing Technique

In Aspect 2 you will be assessed on your ability to choose appropriate processing techniques
(types of calculations) and to carry out those calculations correctly.

Some appropriate options for data processing in biology are:

i. Change in quantities (initial  final)
o This is a very basic processing technique and should Change in quantities be
used in combination with other methods.  Final  Initial
ii. Percentage change in quantities.
o This also allows you to compare quantities that have
different initial and final quantities  Percentage change in
o This often more appropriate than change in quantity as
quantities
it helps to eliminate some of the error. Final  Initial
o For example, since it is almost impossible to obtain  100
Initial
slices of potato that are the same dimensions, same
consistency throughout, and the same mass to the
degree of precision that your instruments allow, it is more appropriate to do a

percentage change in quantity rather than simple change in quantity calculations.

iii. Rate
Final  Initial
o Rate is a measure of how quickly a variable changes Rate 
TimeTaken


Biology Lab Report Guide 6
 iv. Mean and Standard Deviation
o Whenever you have multiple trials in an experiment, it is good practice to calculate
the mean and standard deviation.
o Using the mean as opposed to individual values helps to minimize the error in your
experiment.
o Standard deviation also helps to indicate the spread of your values around the mean.
A smaller standard deviation indicates that the values are clustered closely around
the mean (and therefore possibly more reliable); a larger standard deviation
indicates a wider spread (values are possibly less reliable).

v. t-test
o Deduce the significance of any difference between two sets of data using calculated
values for t and the appropriate tables. Your sample size should be at least 10.
Remember that the t-test shows that two sets of data are significantly different
(possibly due to your independent variable) if the p-value is 0.05
o Always include degrees of freedom in your write-up.
o Usually used with continuous data.
o See your notes for details on how to perform a t-test.

vi. Chi-Squared Analysis

o Used to determine correlation between the observed and expected. Common analysis
used in genetics when analyzing traits for linkage.
o usually used with discrete data (e.g. genotype, colour)

vii. Percentage error

o This is used when comparing your Percentage error
actual measurements to a TheoreticalValue ActualValue
 100
theoretical measurement. TheoreticalValue
Percentage error describes the
accuracy of measurements. You should always use percentage calculations as opposed
to the numerical difference. 
This is because 10 cm error means nothing if you are
measuring the distance between Shanghai and Beijing, but it is a huge error if you
are measuring the length of a piece of paper.

viii.Percentage deviation
o A measure of precision when a theoretical Percentage deviation value
AverageDeviation
is not known. This informs how reproducible  100 your
experiment is. Mean

ix. Correlation Coefficient

o This can tell you the strength of a relationship
 between 2 variables.
o Can be determined in Excel once you have plotted a trend line using the CORREL
formula (see your Statistical Analysis booklet for a more detailed description).
Biology Lab Report Guide 7
 c) Carry out your Calculations
Make sure you go back and double-check your calculations.
See section 3a to make sure that you have presented you work correctly

d) Treatment of Uncertainties
i) The uncertainties associated with the raw data must be taken into account.
ii) It is possible (although not necessary for IB Biology) to calculate numerical
uncertainties for processed data values. If you are adding measured volumes each with
an uncertainty of 0.05, then you should add the uncertainties.
iii) Mean and SD are acceptable ways of showing this in graphs with error bars. The mean
should be the plotted point or height of the bar. For each point an error bar can be
drawn that extends above the point/bar 1 SD and below the point/bar 1 SD. The size of
the error bar is also an indication of the reliability of you data (and therefore any
conclusion you draw from it)
iv) The treatment of uncertainties in graphical analysis (scatter plots) requires the
construction of appropriate best-fit lines.

Further information on processing techniques (when and how to use them) can be found at:
 http://www.saburchill.com/IBbiology/stats/stats_hp.html
 http://moodle.wab.edu/mod/resource/view.php?id=3273

3. Present your processed data

You are expected to decide upon a suitable presentation format without teacher assistance.
Your ability to show how you processed the data, choose the correct presentation method and
construct graphs etc will determine your level of achievement for Aspect 3.
Important things to consider:-

a) Present data so that stages to final results can be followed

This will often mean showing your working for each type of calculation done (not for every
single calculation done!). Each worked example should include the following:
i) Heading describing the calculation
ii) Formula
iii) Identification of which set of data is being used in that example
iv) Fully worked example
v) If Excel or a graphing calculator was used to generate values (i.e. you didn’t have to plug
numbers into an equation) it is OK to simply state this. In the case of Excel you should
state the formula used.
vi) Flowcharts may also be appropriate here

b) Significant Figures
i) Inclusion of metric/SI units is expected for final derived quantities, which should be
expressed to the correct number of significant figures. Your processed data should not
have more significant figures (or decimal places) that the raw data you collected

Biology Lab Report Guide 8

 ii) All processed data should be to the same number of significant figures

c) Treatment of Uncertainties
The uncertainties associated with the raw data must be taken into account.
i. It is possible (although not necessary for IB Biology) to calculate numerical
uncertainties for processed data values. If you are adding measured volumes each with
an uncertainty of 0.05, then you should add the uncertainties.
ii. Mean and SD are acceptable ways of showing this in graphs with error bars. The mean
should be the plotted point or height of the bar. For each point an error bar can be
drawn that extends above the point/bar 1 SD and below the point/bar 1 SD. The size of
the error bar is also an indication of the reliability of you data (and therefore any
conclusion you draw from it)
iii. The treatment of uncertainties in graphical analysis (scatter plots) requires the
construction of appropriate best-fit lines.

Biology Lab Report Guide 9

 d) Presentation formats
A few general options are listed below; however, understand that you are not limited to
these options as there are many processing options specific to certain labs such as
electrophoresis gel analysis, and logarithmic graphs:
i. Spreadsheets and tables showing data calculations such as mean, SD, percentage change
etc.
ii. Line graphs and scatter-plots showing continuous data points (e.g. time, concentration,
age, heart rate, height etc.) with line of best fit
iii. Bar graphs showing discrete data (categories) e.g. species, phenotype, sex, ethnicity
iv. Pie charts showing percentages out of 100%
v. Biological diagrams to illustrate changes in appearance (should be used in combination
with other methods)

Diagrams and Tables

vi. There should be clear, unambiguous headings for diagrams and tables or graphs similar
to the heading used for tables in your data collection.
vii. Diagrams will be labelled as figures. Figures should be numbered for reference and be
placed below the figure it references.

Graphs
viii.Think about why you are drawing your graph …. It should be a visual representation of
the data hat allows you to answer the Aim. Therefore it should look like

Dependent
variable/ units

Independent variable/ units

ix. Graphs can be drawn by hand or using graphing software such as Excel (as long as you
have had to make the decisions on the format, axes, scale etc). However, an inability to
manipulate the program to show the necessary elements is not an excuse for failing to
include them!
x. Graphs must have the following:
Title. The same expectations apply as for table (see section on Recording Raw Data). Graphs will be
labelled as figures. Figures should be numbered for reference and be placed below the figure it
references.
Appropriate scales; if you are measuring temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees, your graph
should not begin and end at 0 and 100 respectively. Your units must be appropriate as well. If you
Biology Lab Report Guide 10
are measuring in mm, you shouldn’t have meters marked on your graph. Think of a graph like a
microscope; you want to see as much detail as possible.
Labeled axes with units; axes should be labeled similarly to your table headings.
Accurately plotted data points should be clearly shown
A suitable best-fit line, trend line or curve is drawn (for a line graph or scatter plot)
DO NOT CONNECT THE DOTS

A one-sentence explanation as to what the particular processing method shows would not hurt.
In some cases it would be a good idea to include a concluding statement about the results, though
you should deal with its significance in your lab in your conclusion.

Example
A Chi-squared analysis was done to determine if the differences between the
observed data and the expected data are significant. The p-value was between .05
and .025 at 3 degrees of freedom, showing that the differences were significant.

Further information on graphing can be found at:

http://www.saburchill.com/IBbiology/graphs/001.html

Biology Lab Report Guide 11

CONCUSION AND EVALUATION
Accuracy = how close a measurement is to the correct value
1. Wr
Precision = exactness of a measurement as represented by the number of decimal places to ite
which it is expressed
a
Reliability = consistency in measurements (i.e. if measurements taken over consecutive trials
are all very similar then there is consistency and they are said t be reliable). This can be
shown by the standard deviation.

Conclusion
Your conclusion is what is assessed for Aspect 1. This section should be one or more
paragraphs in which you draw conclusions from your results, and reflect on whether or not
they are reliable/trustworthy.
To achieve at the highest level for this aspect you should make sure that:
a) Conclusions are truthful and based on the data. Don’t try and twist your results to fit a
hypothesis or expected outcome.
b) The conclusion is clearly related to the Aim.
c) The conclusion provides a thorough description of any trends or patterns

Bad example
The results show that the concentration of sugar affects the rate of respiration. As the
sugar concentration increased so did the rate of respiration.

GOOD example
We can conclude that there is a positive, linear relationship between the concentration of
sugar and the rate of respiration. The correlation coefficient of 0.9 indicates that it is a
strong relationship.

d) Use your results to justify your conclusion

The trend line in Figure 1 shows
(explain how your results support your that there is a positive, linear
conclusion). See example to the right  relationship between the
e) Try to explain your results, observations, concentration of sugar and the rate
trends, and patterns revealed by the data of respiration. The correlation using
Biology theory. This may come from coefficient of 0.9 indicates that it
i. your own knowledge from class is a strong relationship.
ii. literature research – e.g. textbook,
journal articles etc

Biology Lab Report Guide 12

 f) Express your confidence in your results
i. When measuring an already known and accepted a) value of a physical quantity, or
b) a trend/relationship between two variables you should compare your
experimental value with a textbook/literature value.
ii. If you are comparing an experimental value using percentage error can be useful
to determine how close they were
iii. Standard deviations and error bars can also indicate your confidence in your
results. E.g. Large S.D.’s / error bars suggest great variability in your data,
making it less reliable.
g) All literature used to write you lab report should be fully referenced by using MLA
formatting to produce:
i. Bibliography- Help on how to produce a bibliography can be found at
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/07/
ii. In-text referencing- advice on the correct format can be found at
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/02/

2. Discuss weaknesses in your investigation

Aspects 2 and 3 require you to evaluate the
procedure. Aspect 2 deals with weaknesses Good format for Evaluation
in the procedure and their impact on the Weakness Significance Improvement
results. This is where you comment on the
design, method of the investigation, and the
quality of the data. A good format for the
Evaluation is shown to the right. 
In order to achieve a 2 on Aspect 2 you
should:
a) List specific weaknesses in the design of the procedure. You could look at
i. Processes
ii. Techniques
iii. Choice of equipment e.g. type of equipment, its precision, its accuracy
iv. Number of trials
v. Other possible sources of error that were not addressed

b) List specific weaknesses in carrying out the procedure. You could look at
i. Use of equipment
ii. Management of time
iii. Human errors
iv. Other possible sources of error that were not addressed

Biology Lab Report Guide 13

 c) For each weakness discuss its significance. This includes:
i. How the weakness affected your results e.g. values too high/low, data values less
reliable (large uncertainty/error/S.D. would indicate this), measurements less
accurate or precise, trend/pattern incorrect or unclear etc
ii. By how much your results were affected
i. e.g. if a weakness was significant it would have had a large effect on your
results
ii. if uncertainties are smaller than those expected due to natural variability
(background noise) in the biological system then they are unlikely to be
significant
d) Ensure that you have addressed the quality of your data (e.g. precision and accuracy of
measurements)

Acceptable Example:
“Because the simple calorimeter we used was made from a tin can, some heat was lost to the
surroundings—metals conduct heat well. Therefore, the value we obtained for the heat gained by
the water in the calorimeter was lower than it should have been. The heat lost from the tin can
would not have been a lot in the time taken for the experiment so this probably did not have a
significant impact on the results”
Unacceptable Examples:
"The test tubes weren’t clean.”  careless or poor performance does not make for a valid
weakness
“Human error.”  a specific description of the type of human error would be required

3. Describe improvements for each identified weakness

This section deals with Aspect 3. Suggestions for improvements should be based on the
weaknesses and limitations identified in Aspect 2.
For each improvement ensure that:
a) Modifications are specific (numerical if possible). “Next time we should work more
carefully” is not acceptable.
b) Modifications are realistic – they can be achieved within the constraints of the
timetable, school setting and budget.
Biology Lab Report Guide 14
 c) Improvements are not overly simplistic or superficial – you need to demonstrate that you
are a science student at a Diploma level!

Biology Lab Report Guide 15

Appendix 1
Terms and concepts in error analysis (adapted from IBO’s Online Curriculum Centre)

(a) Random variation or normal variation

i) In biological investigations, errors can be caused by
a. changes in the material used, or
b. by changes in the conditions under which the experiment is carried out.
c. e.g. the osmotic potential of potato tissue will vary between different potatoes. Different parts
of the same potato will also show variations, but they will probably show a normal variation that is
less than that from samples taken from different potatoes.
ii) Random errors can, therefore, be kept to a minimum by careful selection of material and by careful
control of variables.
a. e.g. you could use a water bath to reduce the random fluctuations in ambient temperature.

(b) Human errors (mistakes)

i) Human errors can occur when tools, instruments or protocols are used or read incorrectly.
a. e.g. A temperature reading from a thermometer in a liquid should be taken after stirring the
liquid and with the bulb of the thermometer still in the liquid.
b. e.g. Thermometers (and other instruments) should be read with the eye level with the liquid in
the thermometer (reading needle) to prevent parallax error.
ii) Human errors can be systematic, because the experimenter does not know how to use the apparatus
properly, or
iii) They can be random, because the power of concentration of the experimenter is fading. To help
overcome this:
a. Automated measuring, using a data logger system, can be used
b. Alternatively, the experimenter can take a break occasionally.

(c) The act of measuring

i) When a measurement is taken, this can affect the environment of the experiment.
a. E.g. when a cold thermometer is put into a test tube with only a small volume of warm water in it,
the water will be cooled by the presence of the thermometer, or
b. E.g. when the behaviour of animals is being recorded, the presence of the experimenter may
influence the animals’ behaviour.

(d) Systematic errors

a) Systematic errors can be reduced if equipment is regularly checked or calibrated to ensure that it is
functioning correctly.
a. e.g. a thermometer should be placed in an electronic water bath to check that the thermostat of
the water bath is correctly adjusted.
b. e.g. a blank should be used to calibrate a colorimeter to compensate for the drift of the
instrument.

(e) Degrees of precision and uncertainty in data

i) You must choose an appropriate instrument for measuring such things as length, volume, pH and light
intensity. You don’t need to justify every piece of equipment (in a normal science lab the most
appropriate instrument may not be available).
Biology Lab Report Guide 16
 ii) For the degrees of precision, the simplest rule is that the degree of precision is plus or minus (±) the
smallest division on the instrument (the least count). This is true for rulers and instruments with
digital displays.
iii) The instrument limit of error is usually no greater than the least count and is often a fraction of the
least count value.
a. e.g. a burette or a mercury thermometer is often read to half of the least count division. This
would mean that a burette value of 34.1 cm3 becomes 34.10 cm3 (± 0.05 cm3). Note that the
volume value is now cited to one extra decimal place so as to be consistent with the uncertainty.

(g) Replicates and samples

i) Biological systems, because of their complexity and normal variability, require replicate observations
and multiple samples of material. As a rule,
a. the lower limit is five measurements, or a sample size of five.
b. Very small samples run from 5 to 20,
c. small samples run from 20 to 30, and
d. big samples run from 30 upwards.
ii) Obviously, this will vary within the limits of the time available for an investigation. It is also possible
to use class data to generate sufficient replicates to permit adequate processing of the data.
However, you must have been personally involved in the data collecting process, and your own set of
raw data should be presented and clearly identified.
iii) Where sufficient replicates have been carried out, then the calculation of the standard deviation of
the mean is expected. Another statistic, the standard error of the mean to derive confidence limits,
may also be calculated. The standard error is not expected, but it would be an acceptable alternative
to the standard deviation.

Biology Lab Report Guide 17