course-details-portlet

MD4012

First Comprehensive Medical Exam

Credits 52.5
Level Foundation courses, level I
Course start Autumn 2026
Duration 2 semesters
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Aggregate score

About

About the course

Course content

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.

Learning outcome

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

Learning methods and activities

  • 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.

Compulsory assignments

  • Mandatory PBL-meetings
  • Doctor/patient-course
  • Dissection teaching

Further on evaluation

Compulsory activities are assessed as approved or not approved and include:

1. Attendance at Problem-Based Learning (PBL)

2. The following parts of the doctor-patient course:

1A:

  • The skills lab "General practice project Which doctor do people/colleagues want" (group work, including fieldwork, mid-term evaluation, submission and participation in presentations).
  • Communication practice with actors.

1B:

  • Placement in general practice.

3. Dissection teaching. Consists of teaching in the dissection room, introductory presentation on dissection and a tour of the dissection room

A maximum of 15% unauthorised absence is allowed in PBL and dissection.

A maximum of 10% unauthorised absence from the doctor-patient course is allowed.

Compulsory activity is valid for four years from the first completion. If the exam in the course is not passed within this period, the compulsory assignments must be carried out again.

Examination

The exam in the course consists of a two-part assessment.

  1. Written exam, 6 hours
  2. Oral exam, OSKE - 2 hours

Both parts 1) and 2) must be passed in order for the exam to be passed.

If you fail, you only need to retake the part of the exam you fail, i.e. either only orally, or only in writing, or possibly both.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Medical studies (CMED)

Required previous knowledge

Admission to the study program in medicine (CMED)

Course materials

Course materiel will be available on Canvas.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
MD4011 45 sp Autumn 2023
This course has academic overlap with the course in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Medicine

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
Grade: Passed / Not Passed

Ordinary examination - Spring 2027

School exam
Weighting 1/2 Examination aids Code D Duration 6 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.
Oral exam
Weighting 1/2 Examination aids Code E Duration 100 minutes

Re-sit examination - Summer 2027

School exam
Weighting 1/2 Examination aids Code D Duration 6 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.
Oral exam
Weighting 1/2 Examination aids Code E Duration 100 minutes