The Freshman Research Immersion (FRI) program at Binghamton University has introduced advanced biomedical chemistry concepts to freshman as part of a sequence of three semester course-based undergraduate research experiences. This year was the pilot year for the biomedical chemistry stream which provided a unique community for freshman students to improve professional skills, and to be exposed to and develop a level of expertise in advanced laboratory techniques, by executing authentic research. In the first semester, the freshman participate in a research methods course. One of the objectives is for students to work as a team to prepare a scientific poster addressing a biomedical-relevant problem. In the second semester, the technical skill set is developed; it spans from chemistry to molecular and cell biology as achieved through conducting research as a class. Additionally, the stream works with the chemistry department faculty to focus research on protein chemistry and aims to understand the role and requirement of specific modifications involved in cellular oxidative stress and glutamate transporters. As well, the students are exposed to scientific writing as they develop a novel, yet closely related, research proposal that they will investigate in the third semester. In this “flipped” course the student comprehension is assessed regularly through verbal responses, quizzes, presentations, data organization, and written analysis. By the end of the three semesters, the students will have walked in as a freshman and walked out a researcher. As an educator for this unique program, it is important to keep an active learning environment focused on teamwork, student-centered learning, and clear goal setting.

Freshman and authentic research, teaching biomedical chemistry through a sequence of course-based research experiences

253rd National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.