Research as an introductory course: Engaging first-year students in authentic chemistry research through the freshman research initiative program

This chapter details the establishment of a research group in synthetic organic chemistry comprised mainly of first-year college students who receive degree-relevant course credit for their experience. The three-semester sequence trains the researchers in basic laboratory techniques and essential skills required to effectively propose and implement a research project. This laboratory was developed using the scaffolding of the Freshman Research Initiative, a program designed to engage students in research from the start of their college career at The University of Texas at Austin. The instructional methods developed by this research group are detailed, along with a program overview. © 2013 American Chemical Society.