Static and Dynamic Malware Analysis

Static and Dynamic Malware Analysis

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GUIDELINES FOR LABORATORY REPORT WRITING
GUIDELINES FOR LABORATORY REPORT WRITING
Layout for a Laboratory Report
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Preface

Static and Dynamic Malware Analysis

Report writing is a generic skill that you will need in your future employment. You have the
opportunity to develop this skill through laboratory report writing in this course. First you must
complete the experiment. It is very important that adequate time is spent reading and
understanding the experiment notes (and references) at the outset. It will be much easier to report
on an experiment that is undertaken with clarity of purpose.
Laboratory Notebook: Students are required to keep a complete, intelligible record of their
practical work. All expectations, observations, results, and other relevant information must be
recorded in a single document (laboratory notebook). Loose sheets of paper are not acceptable
but you can attach screen-shots and preapproved print outs into the notebook. Your laboratory
notebook documentation will be checked during and/or at the end of the semester. You may be
required to append a copy of relevant pages, screen-shots, and printouts from your notebook to a
report at the time of submission.
GUIDELINES FOR LABORATORY REPORT WRITING
Layout for a Laboratory Report

Static and Dynamic Malware Analysis

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Layout for a Laboratory Report
The layout below is a guide for good laboratory reports:
GUIDELINES FOR LABORATORY REPORT WRITING
Layout for a Laboratory Report
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Cover Page
TITLE: ________________________________________________________________
Laboratory Number: _____
Team Number: ___
Team Member Names:
Team Member 1_________________________________
Team Member 2_________________________________
Team Member 3_________________________________
Instructor’s Name: ___Dr. A. Joseph_______________________________
Date(s) of Experiment: ________________
Date of Laboratory Report Submission: _______________
GUIDELINES FOR LABORATORY REPORT WRITING
Layout for a Laboratory Report
Body of Laboratory Report

Static and Dynamic Malware Analysis

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1. Abstract
It should briefly explain what the experiment is about, and give a concise summary of the results
and their significance.
2. Introduction
This contains the background to and aims of the experiment, or set of experiments. The
background to the work needs to be clearly described in the context of existing
knowledge/research on the topic.
3. Theory
This section should include all theoretical relationships that will be used to interpret your results
in later sections.
4. Methods and Materials
Describe the experiment, produce and refer to figures of the experimental layout, programs,
software designs, response to computer commands, etc., as necessary. Each figure and table must
be numbered and they must also have an accompanying caption or title. You must list important
apparatus or equipment used.
GUIDELINES FOR LABORATORY REPORT WRITING
Layout for a Laboratory Report
Body of Laboratory Report

Static and Dynamic Malware Analysis

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5. Results and Uncertainties
This is where you put your data, without any significant analysis. It is not necessary both to
tabulate and to graph data; one or the other is preferred and is sufficient. Let the context
determine. Graphs/tables should be labeled, and the units of measure must always be included
where appropriate.
6. Analysis of Results/Discussion
Analyze, interpret, and discuss each result in some detail. Compare with theoretical expressions
and known values where appropriate. Discrepancies must be adequately addressed, not just
noted, e.g. where there is an unexpected result from the data analyses, is it validated by the
theory?
7. Conclusion
This is not a rehash of the summary, but an overview of the experiment. State what you have
found as well as where further investigation might be needed.
8. Acknowledgements/if applicable
Those who have contributed to the experiment must be acknowledged. Each team member’s
contribution must be clearly stated (e.g., which steps the each team member completed in the
experiment, and/or what sections he/she wrote in report, etc.).
GUIDELINES FOR LABORATORY REPORT WRITING
Layout for a Laboratory Report
Body of Laboratory Report
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Static and Dynamic Malware Analysis

Report Deadlines
Aim to submit your reports on the due date. Late reports may incur a penalty of up to one quarter
of a grade off for being up to one week late. Reports submitted more than one week late may not
be graded. Late penalties may be waived in cases of documented illness or misadventure.
General Notes
(i) The style of report should be concise, formal, and written in the past tense. This is the style
most appropriate in any scientific or technical environment.
(ii) The use of a word processor is required and Microsoft Office Word is preferred.