Such projects could focus on underlying science, particular aspects of treatment or the broader context. This builds on the research skills learning achieved by students in SSM 2. On this occasion, students are free to choose their research project from any field relevant to medical education. During the year, students will be required to identify a project and supervisor and to undertake preliminary study. During the major block of the elective at the end of the year students will undertake the research work.
Time is provided in the fifth year to complete the write up of the project and to submit it.
This SSM provides a more formal structure for and a greater expectation of learning from the elective than has previously been the case. It is still expected that many students will take the opportunity to work overseas. The preliminary study time before the elective block will provide students with opportunities for international comparisons of health and health care and will ensure that all students can go on the elective having prepared themselves to make best use of the learning experience. The Year 3 pattern of experience will continue. Year 5 Students will continue to rotate through different clinical areas.