Independent Learning Project (ILP)
The Independent Learning Project (ILP) is intended to provide UNSW medical students with a period of in-depth study that engenders an approach to medicine that is constantly questioning and self-critical. The ILP aims to promote lifelong learning patterns and skills which will enable them to approach future medical challenges in their careers with a rigor and depth not possible without a detailed knowledge of the formal processes of research, literature appraisal, data collection, analysis and presentation.
By the end of the ILP the students will be expected to achieve the following specific goals:
- An ability and inclination to question the basis of current scientific thinking in relation to medical and public health practice.
- To retrieve literature on a topic and demonstrate a familiarity with the use of medical databases.
- To evaluate current knowledge in a field and to provide a critical appraisal of that body of knowledge.
- To identify a problem in their chosen field and to understand and participate in the process of designing a scientific investigation of the problem.
- To be aware of the ethical issues involved in medical research as applied to their area of study.
- To critically evaluate data including the appropriate use and application of analytical procedures.
Key dates for students commencing ILP in 2012
Most students commence their project on this date. Key dates for this cohort can be found
here.
A very small number of 4th year students commence their project on this date. Key dates for this cohort can be found
here.
Key dates for students commencing ILP in 2012
Important dates in 2011 for students and potential ILP supervisors for 2012 cohort can be found
here.
Structure
Three courses [MFAC4501-3] collectively comprise the Independent Learning Project and must be taken consecutively. After completing Phase 1, all students (unless exempt) will be required to undertake an Independent Learning Project (ILP) equivalent to 3 x 8-week blocks. During the course of the ILP period the students will also complete 12 units of credit in general education courses (post-2008 cohort). In order to complete this requirement, ILP enrolment will be staggered over 4 x 8 week blocks. More information is available
here
Scholarships
Every year, several scholarships are offered for students undertaking ILP in certain areas. Examples of the scholarships currently being offered to ILP students are:
Structure
Three courses [MFAC4501-3] collectively comprise the Independent Learning Project and must be taken consecutively. After completing Phase 1, all students (unless exempt) will be required to undertake an Independent Learning Project (ILP) equivalent to 3 x 8-week blocks. During the course of the ILP period the students will also complete 12 units of credit in general education courses (post-2008 cohort). In order to complete this requirement, ILP enrolment will be staggered over 4 x 8 week blocks. More information is available
here
Location of ILPs
ILP is designed to be undertaken in one of Faculty of Medicine
Schools or a UNSW affiliated research institute or
centre.
Every year, projects offered at different rural clinical schools are available for students to choose. Students interested in doing projects in certain rural clinical school campuses are strongly advised to contact the Head of Campus for more information.
The
Coffs Harbour Rural Clinical School is able to offer Independent Learning Projects at its Campus for either 3
rd or 4
th year students. For more information, please click
here
Every year,
Port Macquarie Rural Clinical School offers ILP project to both 3rd and 4th year students. For more information, please click
here
ILP at Wagga Wagga
Several independent learning projects are available to students at the
Rural Clinical School in Wagga Wagga. Detailed information can be found
here.
ILP at Albury
Several independent learning projects are available to students at the
Rural Clinical School in Albury. Detailed information can be found
here.
External ILPs
External ILPs (outside UNSW) will only be considered where the research area is not covered by existing ILPs. External ILPs must identify an UNSW co-supervisor and an UNSW examiner. Students who wish to do ILP outside UNSW must contact ILP Coordinator for approval.
Overseas ILPs will not be considered.
How projects are generated
Students are encouraged to negotiate an ILP with prospective supervisors. Some projects will also be designed by supervisors and listed on the ILP web page on
eMed for students to view. In both cases the
ILP submission form must be completed by the supervisor.
Faculty of Medicine UNSW affiliated staff members (either academic or conjoint staff member) who are interested in taking up ILP students can advertise this by updating their staff profile at the Faculty website. For more information on this, please contact Khanh Vo ( . )
How projects are allocated
In the last teaching period of their year 1, an information session will be held to provide information to mainly first year students about the nature of phase 2 courses and ILP. In March, approximately half the Second Year cohort of students will be allocated to start Phase 2 with the ILP and half to commence with clinical courses. The following two months after first allocation process, students are encourage to contact potential ILP supervisors and negotiate an ILP.
Students who negotiated an ILP will be allocated to that ILP. Students who do not negotiate an ILP will be allocated according to the Phase 2 allocation system. The same allocation process will be used to allocate fourth year students to clinical courses and ILPs. For further information, please see the
Policy on Allocation to Phase 2 course.
Examples of previously completed project submission form
Examples on completed project submission form from previous year are provided here:
ILP and General Education courses
Students are required to undertake 12 units of credit of general education and/or extra faculty courses prior to the start of Phase 3. It is recommended that they take these courses during their ILP2.
Relation to BSc (Medicine) Honours program [Program code: 3831]
Ideally, students interested in the
BSc (Medicine) Hons should apply for that program rather than commencing ILP. Students enrolled in the BSc (Medicine) Honours program will be exempt from the ILP.
For more information about how to apply for the BSc (Med) Hons program, see
FAQ and the
BSc (Med) Hons website.
Exemptions
Students who complete the BSc (Med) Honours program or who have previously completed a research honours program or higher research degree, or a Masters degree with a significant research component, or who can otherwise demonstrate acceptable evidence of independent study or research at a tertiary level, may be exempt from the ILP requirement. Any student who believes they may be entitled to an exemption from the ILP should contact Dr John Hunt ( . ). Individual applications will be considered by the ILP Committee on a case-by-case basis.
Last updated February 2011