This article describes problem-based labs and analytical and computational project work we have been running at the University of St Andrews in an introductory physics course since 2008/2009. We have found the choice of topics, scaffolding of the process, timing in the year and facilitator guidance decisive for the success of these activities. Instructors can email the corresponding author to obtain the problem texts and instructor resources for all the activities described here. (Contains 1 figure.)