What is an Independent Study Contract? (ISC)
An Independent Study Contract (ISC) allows a Murdoch University student to study a topic or
subject of personal interest which is not otherwise available as a formal unit, and to obtain
credit for this towards his or her course. It differs from formal units in that it relies on
independent study rather than formal classes, and on the initiative of the student to choose
and define the topic. In conjunction with the academic supervisor, the student is required to
structure the content to be studied and the method of assessment. It also differs from Special
Topics, which are initiated by academic staff members.
The essence of an ISC is that the student engages in study independently and meets with a supervisor
periodically. It is a formal contract between the student and the supervisor, specifying the
content to be studied and the means by which it will be assessed.
What are the objectives of ISCs?
Murdoch University has several pedagogical reasons for allowing students to gain credit points
towards a course by the ISC method. These include:
- to help you to develop the skills for self-initiated, self-directed study;
- to enable you to study a particular topic in depth, and
- to provide the opportunity for the study of topics not covered by formal units.
These are in accord with the mission of Murdoch University: 'to extend knowledge, stimulate
learning, and promote understanding, for the benefit of the community'. In particular, Murdoch
seeks to provide flexible methods of delivery to cater for the varied needs and circumstances
of the student population.
Why take an ISC?
Most students who take ISCs find them a challenging and stimulating learning experience. ISCs
offer you a number of advantages over formal units.
These include:
- studying independently in a manner of your own choice, and accepting responsibility for your
own learning;
- pursuing in depth a topic of particular interest;
- studying a topic which is not covered by a Murdoch University unit;
- studying closely on a one-to-one basis with your supervisor;
- gaining experience or skills in conducting research, designing a project and writing reports;
- accessing resources which could not be made available to a whole class;
- accelerating your progress by taking an ISC over the summer break, and
- carrying out technical, research or theoretical work for credit as part of your employment.
What are the special demands of ISCs?
Most students who take ISCs find that they work hard on their ISC and become very involved with
this work. Generally they find ISCs more demanding than formally structured units. It can require
considerable adjustment for a student who is accustomed to formally structured study to suddenly
adapt to the more open-ended, self-motivating study required when taking an ISC.
- ISCs require careful planning and the ability to organise yourself, to set deadlines and
to keep to them. Major challenges can occur when designing a study to fit comfortably into
the period of the contract. It is important that you plan your contract so that it is neither
too broad nor too narrow in scope. When planning your timetable, ensure that the workload is
evenly distributed.
- The ISC method of learning does not suit all students. Some students are better suited to
group learning, or to formally structured units.
- ISCs are expensive of staff time, so students taking ISCs must be capable of independent
work and need only limited supervision.
Who can take an ISC?
ISCs may be taken by any Murdoch students, excluding those in cross institutional enrolments
and not for Course students.
Study Abroad students are only permitted to undertake an ISC if they have identified a potential
project and supervisor before they submit their Study Abroad application form.
Eligibility to take an ISC is determined by your academic record and ability to study independently.
Students who have successfully completed an ISC have proven their ability to study independently,
that is, are capable of self-initiated, self-directed study. Students with no prior experience
of ISCs may have completed a project or parts of a formal unit by independent study which may
be used as proof of an ability to study independently. External students are normally
accustomed to studying without close supervision, but they may not be accustomed to initiating
and planning a topic to study. There is a difference between studying a prepared unit on your
own (individualised study) and planning, developing and studying your own unit (independent study).
How many ISCs can a student take?
There are limitations to the number of contracts you can take. Students are limited to a maximum
of 2 ISCs for a total of 8 points maximum per course.
The number of points you can credit towards your degree is limited in practice by the need to
fulfil specific course requirements, and by the amount of time staff have available for supervision.
It is for these reasons that students are limited to two ISCs during their course.
External Students
External students who can satisfy the requirements of regular contact with the supervisor
may take an ISC on the same basis as internal students. This could entail meeting on campus with
the supervisor every two weeks or so. External students who are unable to come on campus
may also apply to take an ISC, but they must be prepared to make some special arrangements. The
ISC policy stipulates that students taking contracts must work under supervision and consult
regularly with the supervisor. A detailed statement of external supervision arrangements should
be attached to the application form; for example, email contact, letters and possible visits
to the supervisor, telephone calls or diaries, journals to be submitted.
Although locating a supervisor remains the responsibility of the student, the Program Chair
or Divisional Executive Officers can advise external students on the availability of staff for
supervision. External students should start making arrangements for any contract at
least four weeks before the closing date for applications.
Summer / Winter ISCs
You may take an ISC over the summer / winter non-teaching periods. Some of the reasons for taking
a summer ISC may include a desire to continue studying, to accelerate your progress, to make
up credit points, or to make use of the appropriate season for your work on a biological or social
ISC.
However, there are some special features of summer contracts which you should consider before
making a decision.
- Pressure from other summer activities is strong, so before committing yourself to a summer
contract you should think carefully about your plans for the summer.
- Some staff members have other commitments and are not available during the summer break.
- Normally a student is not permitted to take more than one 3 or 4 point contract over the
summer.
- The completion date for summer contracts is the Monday before first semester teaching begins.
Austudy does not allow credit for ISCs taken wholly within the summer break.
- Deadlines for withdrawals or extensions apply to summer ISCs in a manner similar to regular
units. For example, the summer break is usually of 13 weeks' duration and you may withdraw
without penalty only within the first three weeks of the contract.
- Summer ISCs are usually subject to a HECS charge as normal student load. For summer ISCs,
the HECS census date is usually 14 days after the date on which the studies actually commence.
Divisions may charge tuition fees for Summer ISCs in accordance with the University's policy
on fees. For more detailed information on charges please refer to the Student Information booklet.
- Students may take ISCs over the shorter winter break period.
|
