Aim and Content

The special assignment, forming an integral part of medical studies, consists of:

The writing of an article based on the special assignment chosen, and includes participation in an information meeting and a library course.

Within the period 3rd to 5th year of study all medical students are obliged to indulge in a special assignment. The aim being that the students will be in a position to demonstrate that they master scientific thinking and methods, that they can make use of data and literature searches in medical and medically-related fields, and that they can express themselves in writing.

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes may vary as regards type of special assignment, but must include:

Knowledge

The student should know:

• what characterises medical science
• ethical rules that govern medical research
• how a scientific article should be structured

Skills

The student should be capable of:

• finding and making use of medical scientific literature
• studying in depth and analysing scientific literature
• assessing whether or not an article in the medical literature meets fundamental scientific requirements
• working independently under expert guidance
• communicating his/her own and others scientific work both orally and in writing

General competence

The student should be capable of:

• understanding that medical practice should be based on scientific evidence
• displaying a critical, but positive attitude to research results
• displaying a responsible attitude as regards ethics and integrity in research

reflecting on the role of research in the production of medical knowledge and its importance to clinical practice

Teaching Methods

The student and the supervisor sign an academic supervision contract. The student works independently on his/her project under individual supervison

Assessment methods

Submission by the end of the 10th semester. The special assignment article must have been awarded a "pass" grade before the student can start the final semester of medical studies. The special assignment has the same status in the regulations as an exam. The title of the assignment will be entered in the diploma.

Grading Scale

Pass/Fail