Independent Learning Project (ILP)

The Independent Learning Project (ILP) is intended to provide UNSW Medicine 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.

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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 courses offered by Faculties other than the Faculty of Medicine (extra-Faculty elective courses). In order to complete both of these requirements, ILP enrolment will be staggered over 4 x 8 week blocks.

Location of ILPs

The majority of ILPs will be undertaken at UNSW, external ILPs 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. Overseas ILPs will not be considered.

Timing

In each year approximately half the Second Year (Phase 1) cohort of students will be allocated to start Phase 2 with the ILP and half to commence with clinical courses. The timing of an ILP will vary according to the year in which a student undertakes an ILP.

Those students undertaking an ILP in Year 3 of the Medicine program will commence their projects mid Session 1 in Teaching Period 2 (May) and submit their final report by the end of Summer Teaching Period (February) the following year. The 24 week ILP enrolment will be staggered, as 8 weeks full time (TP2, Session 1), 16 weeks part-time (TP3 & 4, Session 2) and 8 weeks full time (Summer Session, Year 4). Extra-Faculty elective courses will take place in Session 2 (TP3 & 4).

Those students undertaking an ILP in Year 4 of the Medicine program will commence their projects at the start of Session 1 in Teaching Period 1 (March) and will submit their final report by the end of Teaching Period 4 (November). Extra-Faculty elective courses may be spread over Session 1 and Session 2.

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 for staff and students to view. In both cases the ILP submission form must be completed by the supervisor. Projects for 2007 will be added to the website on an ongoing basis from mid August 2006. When designing an ILP, students and supervisors are advised to review past and present ILPs listed on this web page.

How projects are allocated

In November 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. Prior to Phase 2 allocations, students are encouraged to peruse to the list of ILPs available and to discuss projects with prospective supervisors.

Those students who negotiated an ILP will be allocated to that ILP. Those 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.

Example of completed project submission form

Examples on completed project submission form from previous year are provided here:

ILP, extra-Faculty elective courses and Units of Credit

Extra-Faculty elective courses courses (12 units of credit) are designed to be taken at UNSW at the same time as the Independent Learning Project (24 units of credit) in Phase 2. Students who complete their extra-Faculty elective courses requirements prior to this may find themselves under-enrolled when they enrol in the ILP. Students must maintain a minimum of 18 units of credit in each session to be considered full time and be eligible for concessional travel, Austudy payments and meet international student visa requirements.

Relation to BSc (Medicine) Honours program [MFAC 3831]

Ideally, students interested in the BSc (Medicine) Hons should apply for that program rather than commencing ILP. Enrolling in this program precludes participation in the extra-Faculty elective courses (12 Units of credit), however students must complete the extra-Faculty elective courses as a requirement for the award of their MBBS. Typically, enrolling in the BSc (Medicine) Honours program will delay their graduation by 6 months.

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 the ILP coordinator (ilp@unsw.edu.au). Individual applications will be considered by the ILP Committee on a case-by-case basis.

Important Dates in the ILP Application Process in 2009