Embedding Scientific Training in Course-Based Research for Undergraduates—An Example of a Lab Bundle for Clean Energy Research

Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) is popular as students can get diverse research experience over the summer. However, course-based research for undergraduates is rare but provides more than just research experience. In such courses, scientific training is usually embedded in individual practical labs for different training purposes, but these discrete contents make it hard for students to utilize their accumulated knowledge in their further research. To resolve this issue, a bundle of successive and interconnected labs enclosed with scientific training based on the study of perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) will be presented as an example. Determination of photoluminescence quantum yield is first set for the practice of basic lab skills such as transfer, measurement, and dilution. Supersaturation synthesis of CsPbBr₃ PQDs is adopted followingly due to its simplicity. Microwave synthesis of CsPbBr₃ PQDs is used as a transition before the students move to the more complicated hot-injection method. These successive labs are enclosed with scientific research principles such as methods screening, interpretation of method in literature into a practical procedure, impact from the ambient environment, viable controls, and united data analysis. Additionally, these labs are carried out in different teaching modes, including peer-mentor leading, instructor facilitating, and fully independent, which could occur when students start research in a new lab. Eventually, the students not only have sufficient hands-on experience but also can understand the principles of experimental designs and processes. This successive and interconnected lab bundle demonstrates a way to embed the scientific training in the course-based research, which achieves the goals of accumulating research experience, practicing lab skills, and understanding the scientific principles simultaneously at the initial research stage for undergraduates.