• Create graphs with a graphing program (e.g. Excel, MATLAB). • Numbered (using Arabic numerals) – e.g. Fig. 1. • Include figure caption – a description of what the figure shows. • Figure number and caption centred at the bottom of the figure. • Provide a “key” or “legend” for each graph, including curve fits (this can be included in the figure caption). • Axes clearly labelled, including units – use appropriate ranges, scales and number formats for axes data labels. • The data should fill the graph. • Data appears as symbols, trend lines appear as lines. • You only need a legend if you plot more than one set of data. • Refer to all figures appropriately with their numbers in the text; i.e. “as shown in Figure 1” not “in the diagram below”. • Make sure that all captions stay with the appropriate figure on the same page. • Figures are separate from the text; embedded into the text.

Tables • Numbered (using roman numerals) in sequence – e.g. “Table II”. • Title at top of table – to right of or under table number. Again, the title is actually a caption that describes what the table is displaying. • Results presented with errors (uncertainties) and units. • Literature values (footnoted) may be included for comparison. • Make sure that all captions stay with the appropriate table on the same page. • Refer to all tables appropriately with their numbers in the text; i.e. “Table II shows data on …” not “in the table below”. • Tables are separate from the text.

• Create equations using an equation editor. • Equations should be on a new line, numbered sequentially on right, with the line right justified. The number should be in brackets, e.g. (1). • Identify symbols when they first appear. • Express numbers clearly – e.g. 6 ? 1023, not 6e23 or 6*10^23. • Use appropriate units on all numerical values. • Express numerical values to the appropriate number of significant figures. • Equations form part of the text; that is, the presence of an equation should appear as if it is part of a sentence, even though it is on a separate line and is numbered. If the equation is at the end of a sentence, it should be followed by a full stop; if it is in the middle of a sentence, then a comma may be required.

• Page Size and Margins: Page size should be A4, with margins of 1 inch (2.5 cm) all round. • Font: Font size should be 12 font either Times Roman, Arial, Courier or similar – that is, readable. • Page Numbers: Already at the bottom of the page of the template file. • Section Headings: Be consistent in the labelling of sections, whether you use section numbers and a heading or just a section heading. • Where appropriate, use footnoting within the text. • Spell correctly, and use correct grammatical structure. • Neutral (third) or second person (“we”) – neutral is preferred. • Do not use dot points – write proper sentences (dot points are OK in laboratory notebook, but not in reports). • Paragraphs: There are two conventions for defining a paragraph: (1) Begin paragraphs on the left margin and have a blank line between paragraphs, or (2) indent the first line of a paragraph (0.25 to 0.5 cm) with no blank lines between paragraphs (or a half line between paragraphs). Be consistent in the method you choose.

• Use a word processor – this makes editing and rewriting easy and efficient – it also allows you to submit the report electronically. This also allows you to pass copies of the report between group members so that everyone can contribute to the editing. Your report must be submitted individually as a Microsoft Word formatted file or a PDF file (preferred). • Length: The length of your report should have a maximum of twenty A4 pages, single spaced, including figures (diagrams and graphs). Do not make it too long – use appendices if needed.