According to the university, this is the first time a UK medical school has issued smartphones to its students. The 520 students in the medical program will each be loaned a 16GB iPhone 3GS for the remainder of their education.
The phones will be preloaded with apps and textbooks designed to keep students informed, help them take notes and test their knowledge. Students will also be able to download any other apps from the App Store.
In addition to the phones, the university is also providing unlimited broadband connectivity via O2. The goal is to encourage students to keep in contact with their tutors and other students via e-mail.
This isn't the first time a university has issued iOS devices to its medical students. The Ohio State University College of Medicine piloted an iPod touch program, and the results led to the medical school shifting its formerly PDA-based learning tool program to the iPod touch or iPhone.
Medical professionals are also increasingly using the iPad for patient evaluations and to access information and specifications.