We take a look back at the innovative teaching projects at the Medical University of Graz that have won awards so far. This time it's about the project ‘Reorganisation of the 6th semester - introduction of a module structure’ by Norbert Jakse, Head of the Department of Dentistry and Oral Health.
Following the successful implementation of a modular structure in the third stage of the Diploma Programme in Dentistry, it was a logical next step for the Curriculum Committee for Dentistry to also structure the sixth semester in a modular way. This was the last remaining semester of the curriculum without a modular structure. Decisive factors for the introduction of a consistent module structure included the adaptation to the first Austrian catalogue of learning objectives in dentistry developed and established in Graz and the reorganisation of the courses in accordance with current quality standards.
The sixth semester leads from the first two pre-clinical study sections to clinical dentistry in the third study section. Accordingly, it is intended to teach dental basics relevant to the clinical phase, to provide sufficient professional preparation for practical work and to introduce students to dental research and thus facilitate the start of a thesis project. Researchers from the individual departments will present current focal points and the basics for creating a project plan or thesis will be taught based on potential concrete projects. The reorganisation, which means fundamental changes, was largely shaped by the new generation of lecturers.
Together with subject representatives from all affected areas, this has been very successful. With the consistently implemented module structure, the ECTS assessment was adapted and sustainable flexibility in content and organisation was ensured. Another important point for us was to facilitate both student and lecturer mobility and thus promote international networking and a culture of knowledge exchange.
We would like to congratulate Norbert Jakse and his team on this award.
Our focus has always been on clear and didactically meaningful, structured knowledge transfer in order to best prepare students for their clinical internship and patient care.
Norbert Jakse
Head of the Department of Dental Medicine and Oral Health
