History, Theory and Ethics of Medicine

The Division of Ethics in Medicine covers the area of History, Theory and Ethics of Medicine in the Medicine study programme. This cross-sectional area aims to sensitise students to historical, theoretical and ethical dimensions of medicine and healthcare. They are enabled to understand principles and framework conditions of medical professional practice and to recognise and analyse moral conflicts in practice in order to develop and justify practical solutions.

History, Theory and Ethics of Medicine is taught in the academic years 1 to 3 to accompany clinical studies through a purposeful combination of introductory lectures and problem-oriented group work in seminars. Topics such as one's own self-perception as a doctor, questions of justice in healthcare, human genetics, reproductive medicine, organ transplantation or end of life decisions are discussed from a historical, theoretical and ethical perspective. An approach based on specific case studies promotes ethical awareness and reference to practical fields of action.The examination format in the cross-sectional area consists of written examinations and an essay.

For the module examinations, free-text tasks are set to which students formulate their own short answers. In year 3, students write an essay on a topic from the courses in year 3. The Division of Ethics in Medicine provides guides for literature research and for writing the essay as part of the examination performance in the courses (in German). The guides can be found here:

• Guide literature research
• Guide essay

Longitudinal Research Curriculum

The longitudinal research curriculum (LFC) is designed to introduce and guide students in scientific thinking throughout their studies, to convey basic techniques of scientific work, to give them insights into research activities, and to spark their interest in research. The Division of Ethics in Medicine offers lectures and workshops on research ethics and good scientific practice as part of the LFC. We also supervise student research projects.

Professional development

The longitudinal learning path "Professional Development" (PE) aims at the continuous development of a professional attitude as a physician through the individual acquisition and reflection of professional knowledge and values and norms. The Division of Ethics in Medicine is involved in the conception and implementation of the PE curriculum, especially for the topics "Medical Profession and Professionalism", "Medicine and Law", and "Criticism of Discrimination and Sensitivity to Diversity". In close cooperation with the Department of General Medicine, the content and didactic framework of the PE curriculum is mainly implemented in small groups accompanied by medical tutors.

 Overview of History, Theory and Ethics of Medicine  in the Medicine Study Programme in Oldenburg (click to enlarge):