course-details-portlet

MD4012

First Comprehensive Medical Exam

Credits 52.5
Level Foundation courses, level I
Course start Autumn 2025
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 cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, histology and embryology, as well as provide an introduction to basic medical concepts. The semester will provide a first introduction to medical ethics, with a review of some basic concepts, theories and models. This should be a clinically integrated medical ethics, which is given as part of the teaching in collaboration with clinicians and in connection with the presentation of cases.

Furthermore, the student will get an introduction to medical history and philosophy of science, and to questions concerning medicine, the environment and society. Through the doctor-patient course, the student receives an introduction and training in how to talk to patients to clarify their medical history (anamnesis), and an introduction to certain clinical examinations. The student also gains insight into the role of the doctor and the health service through project work. Together, this will provide a basis for more detailed studies of human anatomy, physiology and biochemistry as well as disease development and treatment of diseases in later semesters.

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 behavioral 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. Through both group exercises and presence in general practice, the students have the opportunity to further practice talking to patients, and receive further introduction and training in clinical examination. In addition, the students will further develop their abilities for group collaboration, and they will learn to give and receive skill-oriented feedback.

In addition, 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.

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
  • 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

Further on evaluation

Compulsory assignments

Compulsory activity is assessed as approved or not approved and consists of the following two components.

  1. Attendance at Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
  2. The Doctor-Patient course (in 1A, skills lab "What kind of doctor do people/colleagues want" (group work, including presentation) and communication exercise with actors. In 1B, placement in general practice.)

A maximum of 15% unauthorised absence from PBL is allowed.

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

Students with approved compulsory activity do not need to complete this again in the event of a re-take of the exam.

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 Blackboard.

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 2026

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 2026

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