A project-based course, where groups of 2–4 students engage in synthetic organic or bioanalytical chemistry research. Students are introduced to experimental problems encountered in the synthesis, isolation, purification, characterization, and identification of potentially therapeutic organic compounds. Students also learn to design and create ion-selective electrode systems to detect medical biomarkers and environmental toxins. Throughout the research process, students gain technical proficiency and develop an understanding of both the theory and practice of organic synthesis, spectroscopy, and bioanalytical analysis. Students complete problem sets in spectroscopy and use electronic notebooks to keep track of their research findings, which they present in group meetings and write up for publication. As students learn to communicate technically with other scientists and peers, they also learn to communicate about the broader applications of their research to nonscientific audiences through science advocacy.