A non-traditional teaching method that can operate as a vehicle for engaging students is group-based competitive exercises. These exercises combine cooperative learning with a competitive environment and may be employed to promote subject- and problem-based learning. Survey responses of college-level organic chemistry and biochemistry students indicate that adding the cooperative group dimension to the competition appears to mitigate some of the previously reported negative impacts of competition. Further, a significant percentage indicated these exercises increased interactions and promoted learning. Potential pitfalls of this teaching methodology are also discussed. (Contains 1 table.)