Lab Notebook Policy Professor Richard Davis ChE 3211 Lab I

Introduction  The Research/Project/Lab notebook is an important tool for organizing and preserving: Data Ideas Procedures and Observations  Computer files are easily lost or altered  Notebooks are tangible records Priority in patent proceedings Documentary evidence of good practice in cases of research integrity, product or professional liability, institutional memory  Required to use in every ChE 3211/4211 Chemical Engineering lab I & II sessions

Notebook Media Requirement  Permanently bound (See example) Do not tear pages out of the notebook.  Machine printed page numbers  Identify the notebook with your name and affiliation (e.g., Course Number)  Use permanent ink, not pencil  Line through errors. Do not obliterate entries.  Leave no large blank gaps (“Z-out” unused blocks)  Permanently paste exhibits (graphs, printouts, etc.). Initial over edge of exhibit.

Daily Record of General Information  Each day in the lab Date Room T Atmospheric P Apparatus configuration  Settings  Instrumentation  Other observations and notes Computer files, name, size, location and date

Recording Specific Data  All data (small sets)  Include units of measurement  For large data sets, record sample data – reference file of complete data set (e.g., Excel file)  Permanently paste condensed version of large data sets or graphs into the notebook.  Initial and date each page  Signature of witness needed for patents

Summary Number all pagesDate all entries Use ink for all entriesZ-out any large areas left blank Maintain a continuous and contiguous record Record all pertinent information, data, and observations Identify all important experimental equipment Record all general data for every experiment Record at least a sample of detailed data Permanently paste exhibits (graphs, computer lists, etc.)

The End  The notebook is an important professional tool  Start today using your notebook Take notes, develop your plan and design equations in your notebook – bring it with you to your pre-lab design review.  Develop good practice now! It will save you time, headaches, and embarrassment in the future!