The Integrated Life Science (ILS)
Learning Community at The
University of Maryland
Dr. Boots Quimby
Associate Director
S
Birth of ILS
BIO
2010
Scientific Foundations
for Future Physicians
Vision and
Change
1) Discrete subjects  integrated sciences
2) Memorizing “required” knowledge  mastering
competencies
3) Passive lectures  active engagement, group learning,
inquiry-based learning, etc.
4) Overall goal - “how to think like scientists”
ILS Mission
S To inspire, educate and launch
the careers of talented honors
students in all aspects of the life
sciences
Four Aspects to the program
S Academic
S Research
S Community
S Service
Academics
S Fours academic courses taken over two years
S Organismal Biology
S Genes and Genomics
S Mathematical Modeling or Cell Biology
S Research and Applications in Life Science
Todd Cooke
Raymond St. Leger
Jonathan Simon
Boots
Research
S Required to complete 240 hours of life science
mentored research
S 60% of students complete the research
requirement the summer after their freshman
year
Community
S Live together on a single dormitory floor
S First year is required
S Second year is optional
S Staff offices are in the dormitory
S ILS Provides a variety of academic and social activities
Service
S Service Learning Course
S Students complete 12 hours of service with set
service partners
S Focuses on 3 areas related to the life sciences
S Social determinants of health
S STEM education
S Sustainability
ILS Students
S Majors
S 70% Biological Sciences
S 15% Bioengineering
S 10% Biochemistry
S 5% other
S Career goals
S 80% medical school
S 20% graduate school
Retention Rates
S First Year: 87%
S Second Year: 94%
Assessment
S Course pre- and post-surveys
S Student perceptions surveys
S Focus groups
Results
S Students have an enhanced awareness of the
multidisciplinary nature of science
S We are meeting our targeted Vision and Change Core
Concepts for Biological literacy and Disciplinary
Practice
S Students feel a strong sense of belonging, social support,
and positive peer interactions both academically and
socially
S Sense of belonging and social support is correlated with
GPA
Conclusions
S The ILS program is an effective model for
implementing the new reforms in undergraduate
biology education.
S Integration of a social-cultural component through a
living-learning aspect of the program is a critical
element for successful implementation.
ils.umd.edu
Challenges
S Competition
S Faculty interactions
S Diversity