First Comprehensive Medical Exam

Semester 1A will provide students with basic knowledge in basic sciences anatomy, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, histology and embryology, as well as provide an introduction to basic medical concepts. In this semester, students will learn medical history and philosophy of science, and discuss issues concerning medicine, the environment and society. In addition, an introduction to medical ethics will be given, with a review of some basic concepts, theories and models related to teaching in collaboration with clinicians and presentation of case reports.

In semester 1B, "Movement, Circulation and Digestion", students will learn about the musculoskeletal system and the peripheral nervous system, the circulatory and respiratory organs, the blood and the digestive organs. The respective organ systems are studied with regard to structure and function and at different levels of organization, - from molecule to cell and tissue, organ and organism. In addition, selected behavioural and environmental medicine topics of relevance to the main areas of the term are discussed, such as the mechanisms of musculoskeletal disorders and the health significance of smoking.

In the clinical teaching, morbid conditions are demonstrated, which is intended to show in particular how basic professional considerations are applied to clinical issues.

Throughout both semesters , there will be teaching in the longitudinal strands "Scientific competence", "Health promotion and prevention" and "Communication, patient contact and professionalism" that run from start to finish throughout the medical programme.

In the doctor-patient course, small core groups of approximate four students are established early on as a socially and professionally safe base for two years, who will work together on both group work, skills labs and placements in general practice. The students practice patient-centered clinical communication and investigation in supervised group work in the skills lab. Here, knowledge from other teaching is integrated. In addition, the students have group work that provides insight into the expectations of the doctor from the population and colleagues, and knowledge of the breadth of the Norwegian health service. Placement in general practice starts in 1B. Here, the students get to talk to real patients under the guidance of a GP who is also a university lecturer. Skill-oriented feedback is an important form of learning in all parts of the doctor-patient course.

There are several learning objectives related to the semester subjects. These objectives are available at the "Læringsutbyttedatabasen" at the faculty`s home page.

• Problem-based learning (PBL)
• Lectures (basal and clinical)
• Seminars
• Teambased learning (TBL)
• Courses
• Projects
• Skills lab
• Visits in general practice

There is longitudinal teaching in the course.

The course is mainly taught in Norwegian, but some classes may be taught in English.