We have developed a new introductory physics/chemistry programme that teaches advanced science
topics and practical laboratory skills to freshmen undergraduate students through the use of
student-led, bona fide research activities. While many recent attempts to improve college-level
physics education have focused on integrating interactive demonstrations and activities into
traditional passive lectures, we have taken the idea of active-learning several steps further.
Working in conjunction with several research faculty at Binghamton University, we have created a
programme that puts undergraduate students on an accelerated path towards working in real research
laboratories performing publishable research. Herein, we describe in detail the programme goals,
structure, and educational content, and report on our promising initial student outcomes.