Biochemistry Lab Report

Biochemistry Lab Report Grading Rubric (100 pts)
Reports that receive scores of 85-100% show accuracy of data reporting, coherency of thought, understanding of material, comprehension of key concepts, accurate statements of experimental design and hypothesis, application and synthesis of data and background information, insights, deductive reasoning, as well as proper levels of detail.
Report Sections
Points
Cover Page
Informative title, name of student, date, lab partners and section/instructor name
-5 points deduction if missing; -1 point deduction for each missing/incomplete item

Introduction (20 pts)
(8) Provides relevant background information based on the lab manual and from at least one reference published from a peer-reviewed journal.
(5) Clearly discusses both the effect of pH and temperature on the rate of enzymatic reactions.
(5) Clearly states what Labs 3 and 4 set out to do (purpose/objective) and why (rationale) for the experiment, including the variables and experimental hypothesis.
(2) States predictions for the outcomes based on the experimental design.
Methods (15 pts)
Presents important procedural steps concisely in paragraph form using past tense.
Includes sufficient information for a 204 classmate to both understand and repeat the experiment.
Describes experimental setup and variables explicitly, not with generic terms.
Describes controls and relevant aspects of data collection
Describes data analysis procedure/method used
Cites the lab manual and/or any other sources used for the procedures.
Results (15 pts for written + 20 pts for figures)
Paragraphs begin with topic sentences and flow logically
Trends are stated in clear narrative format.
References to tables and figures in the text.

All figures and tables have descriptive captions.

Raw data is not included (This refers to the use of data that should be analyzed &/or organized before it is presented.)
Written 15 points Total
Statement about the trends, and exceptions to the trends, in the data.
Reports observations as well as both qualitative and quantitative trends in clear narrative format, referencing the figures in which these results are summarized, compared and contrasted.
Presents each experimental result in a separate paragraph. Section headings are optional.
Begins each paragraph with a topic sentence stating the major findings.

Figures 20 points Total
____/8 pts graph + _____/2 pts caption: Lab 3 Activity 3B: baseline experiment scatterplot showing section’s data of average [thiocholine] vs. time based on section’s standard curve with standard deviation error bars and figure caption
____/8 pts graph + _____/2 pts caption: Lab 4 Activity 1: pH and temperature bar graph using pH and temperature data from all 5 sections’ (one time slot) showing rate of reaction vs. different pH’s and temperatures including baseline and experimental groups (no error bars on any condition with fewer than 3 data points; must use standard deviation error bars on baseline data) and figure caption
Deduct points for mislabeled and improperly formatted graphs (0.5 for each error in Knisley format which includes units, axes titles, missing markers, etc.).
Figures should stand alone with descriptive captions
If student presents raw data (absorbances), they should lose 50% credit

Discussion (25 pts)
(15) Critically interprets the key findings with explanations and reasoning. Discusses meaning and/or significance of findings. Clearly discusses the implications of pH and temperature on the rate of thiocholine production that was observed in the data.
(10) Presents design flaws and bias such as lack of controls, methodological deficiencies, data collection bias, areas for improvement, etc.
Literature Cited (5 pts)
Includes reference to the lab manual and at least one reference published from a peer-reviewed journal.
Cites all sources used: articles, books, & manuals in introduction, methods, and discussion.
References written in Knisely Name-Year format per BIO204 Course Resources Packet.

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