As early as in the second semester, students get a first insight into the field of research and scientific work. In the context of a small, clearly defined research project and accompanied by a tutor, the students work on a narrowly defined scientific question in a small group. They learn to answer this using appropriate research methods and to present the results obtained.

This is accompanied by a series of lectures that provide a systematic introduction and cover topics relevant to LFC Year 1, but also to subsequent research projects. These include an introduction to "good scientific practice", legal aspects, experimental design/study design, experimental work, reading scientific texts, scientific writing, and the impact and consequences of science and research on medicine.

In years 2 and 3, students gain initial insights into different research areas through two one-week research placements (LFC year 2/3). These job shadowing placements are chosen independently by the students according to their interests. The aim is to familiarise them with the research activities and processes of the various institutions as well as the methods used there.

Four block weeks are scheduled for this in the annual plan. Many courses also take place during the semester. Students are also free (depending on the arrangement of their timetable) to complete these internships at other times during the academic year in a compact form or alongside a module. The temporal scope of one working week (~40 hours) should be adhered to. The internship is completed with an internship report.

The module "Consolidation of Academic Work" aims to build on the skills students have acquired in the "Introduction to Academic Work" and at the same time prepare them for writing their "academic paper" in year 5.

The aim of the so-called "Read and Write" courses is to promote students' academic research, reading and writing skills and to bring students to a common level of knowledge about academic work. The writing of an introduction at the end of the seminar is intended as an initial practical writing exercise and provides space to practise essential elements of an academic paper.

In the fifth year of study, students work independently on a major research project (LFC year 5) from the field of medical or medical-related research within a block of 16 weeks. The topic of the research work is freely selectable. In carrying out the project, particular emphasis is placed on the formulation of a research question and the formulation of testable hypotheses, the critical use of information sources and assessment of their relevance to the student's own research question, methodologically sound experimental design, comprehensible presentation and coherent interpretation of the results, correct conclusions in terms of content and the placement of the student's own work in the context of the relevant research area. Students who wish to pursue a doctorate after completing their studies can work on a topic that builds on the research project of the 5th year.

Accompanying suitable elective seminars are offered as part of the PE Year 5 pathway.

Students can find topics for research papers via the topic exchange in Stud.IP (please log in beforehand).

Within the Human Medicine degree programme, there are numerous events aimed at acquiring scientific competence. Central university facilities also offer a range of courses that will be useful for you when writing your research paper:

• Human Medicine degree programme
  • PE Year 5 workshops (Research and Science pillar)
  • Writing group for medical students
• Learning workshop of the ZSKB
• Library

The Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen (UMCG) and the Faculty of Medical Sciences of RUG (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen) offer a broad research landscape and thus students the opportunity to gain an in-depth insight into medical and medical-related research. Research at the UMCG is characterised by a close integration of basic research and patient-oriented clinical research.

Students from the model study programme in human medicine can also carry out their research work in Groningen or in cooperation with a Groningen research group within the framework of LFC 5. Research work completed in Groningen is credited as an exchange. It is also possible to complete LFC 2/3 research internships or a short visit as part of a "lab visitation".

An overview of the research projects currently on offer can be found on the Junior Scientific Masterclass (JSM) website(www.jsmgroningen.nl). Further information and current project announcements can be found by students of the Model Course of Studies in Human Medicine within Stud.IP in the LFC event.

If you are interested in a research project or a research internship in Groningen, you can find information on or contact the coordinator in Groningen directly.

For financial support, the Erasmus + programme is available.

Teaching in the field of epidemiology and biometry (EuB) is the responsibility of the Department of Epidemiology and Biometry (Department of Health Services Research). In the curriculum of the model study programme in human medicine, basic methodological training takes place in the second year via the course Biometry and Epidemiology and the data analysis project. In the fourth year, this is deepened via the "Journal Club" series of events integrated into the clinical modules and the significance of the results of clinical research is discussed. Further information can be found here.

Within the framework of the LFC, we welcome support from committed teachers in the following areas:

• For LFC Year 1, we are looking for research projects that are clearly defined and can be worked on within a semester in small groups. A semester-long course (integrated into modules 1.3 and 1.4) of 3 hours per week is planned. LFC Year 1 starts in mid-March and ends in mid-July with a final symposium. As part of the symposium, students present their research findings via a poster and a talk.
• Placements (job shadowing) and project opportunities (structured practical small group teaching related to research) are sought for LFC Year 2/3, providing students with opportunities to gain insight into a research area or research methodology. The projects can either be offered within the internship weeks provided for in the curriculum or other formats will be developed (e.g. accompanying the semester or as a weekend/block module). A short internship report (e.g. a short paper/description of the research area and/or protocols) should be written about the internship.

The block weeks are scheduled in the following periods::

SoSe 2023:

- LFC 3: 13.03. - 17.03.2023

- LFC 2: 30.05. - 02.06.2023

WiSe 2023/24:

LFC 2: 09.10.-13.10.2023.

LFC 3: 18.12.-22.12.2023

Summer semester 2024:

-LFC 3: 11.03.-15.03.2024

-LFC 2: 03.06.-07.06.2024

• For LFC Year 5, research projects are sought that students can work on independently, but closely supervised, within the scheduled 16 weeks. The projects should ideally be set up and prepared in such a way that direct entry into the topic is possible. Topics can be suggested by teachers via the Topic Exchange in Stud.IP.
• For the accompanying curriculum "Research and Science" within the framework of the Professional Development Pathway Year 5, we are continuously looking for new workshop offers. You can find further information here.

If you are interested in getting involved in teaching as part of the LFC, please get in touch via !