The three courses [MFAC 4501, MFAC 4502, MFAC 4503] 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 (UoC) in courses offered by Faculties other than the Faculty of Medicine to meet General Education Requirements. In order to complete both of these requirements, the 24 week ILP enrolment will be staggered over 4 x 8-week blocks, ie: over 32 weeks.

Objectives: To enhance students' abilities for independent learning, critical analysis and research. During the course of their ILP the students will be expected to achieve the following specific goals:
(1) An ability and inclination to question the basis of current scientific thinking in relation to medical and public health practice.
(2) To retrieve literature on a topic and demonstrate a familiarity with the use of medical databases.
(3) To evaluate current knowledge in a field and to provide a critical appraisal of that body of knowledge.
(4) To identify a problem in their chosen field and to understand and participate in the process of designing a scientific investigation of the problem.
(5) To be aware of the ethical issues involved in medical research and be able to write an ethics proposal for their proposed study.
(6) To critically evaluate data including the appropriate use and interpretation of statistics.
(7) To communicate findings and interpretations in their chosen field, both orally and in writing with experts, peers, the media and general public.
(8) To appreciate the implications of research findings in health decision making and medical practice.

The ILP will offer scope for in-depth study in a variety of possible settings and fields of study. Some examples include laboratory-based work in the biomedical sciences, audits of clinical practice, projects dealing with cross-cultural issues, as well as projects dealing with medical law or ethics and health economics.

Although there is considerable flexibility in the choice of topic, all projects must involve;
(1) identification of an issue and related questions relevant to the field or environment where learning will occur;
(2) a review and critical analysis of literature or practice relevant to the issue;
(3) articulation of an approach to address the issue, including consideration of ethical issues;
(4) a period of research or scholarship in which the issue is explored or investigated; and
(5) evaluation, communication and presentation of the results of in-depth study.

During MFAC 4501 and MFAC 4502, a series of lectures, tutorials and workshops will be delivered to introduce students to research methodology in both quantitative and qualitative research projects, to develop skills in statistical analyses and scientific writing.

Assessment will include the components of progressive assessment (on completion of each of the first two 8-week modules i.e. MFAC 4501 and 4502) and a report submitted at the conclusion of the project (i.e. on completion of MFAC 4503). In addition, the supervisor will grade the student's overall performance (at the completion of MFAC 4503)