Course syllabus for Introduction to Clinical Diagnostics in Sweden – Laboratory Medicine and Clinical Physiology
Essential data
Outcomes
The course aims to provide international students with an introduction to clinical diagnostics in Sweden, with a focus on both laboratory medicine and clinical physiology. Through clinical visits, observations, and participation in selected laboratory and practical sessions at Karolinska Institutet and affiliated clinical settings, the student will gain an overview of various diagnostic disciplines.
The course highlights different specialties within laboratory medicine and clinical physiology and their role in diagnostic processes, as well as how these are organized within the Swedish healthcare system. Students will also develop an understanding of professional roles, workflows, and cultural aspects within Swedish healthcare.
The course aims for the student to:
- gain a general understanding of diagnostic methods in laboratory medicine and clinical physiology
- develop knowledge of how diagnostic services are organized within the Swedish healthcare system
- be introduced to professional roles and working practices in a Swedish clinical context
Knowledge and understanding
- describe, at an overview level, key diagnostic methods within: - laboratory medicine (e.g. clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, pathology, clinical immunology and transfusion medicine)
- clinical physiology (e.g. cardiac and vascular ultrasound diagnostics, neurophysiology, lung function diagnostics, ECG-diagnostics) - explain how different diagnostic disciplines interact in patient investigations
- describe the main features of the organization of Swedish healthcare, with a focus on diagnostics
Competence and skills
- observe and summarize workflows within different laboratories and clinical settings
- participate in basic laboratory or practical activities under supervision
- communicate observations and reflections in an academic format
Judgement and approach
- reflect on differences and similarities between the Swedish healthcare and educational system and that of the student’s home country
- demonstrate an understanding of professional and ethical conduct in clinical environments
- evaluate the importance of collaboration between different diagnostic disciplines
Content
The course is carried out at Karolinska Institutet and affiliated clinical settings and includes:
Laboratory medicine
Study visits/observations in:
- clinical chemistry
- clinical microbiology
- pathology
- pharmacology/toxicology
- clinical immunology and transfusion medicine
Clinical physiology
Study visits/observations in:
- cardiac and vascular ultrasound diagnostics
- neurophysiology
- lung function diagnostics
- ECG-diagnostics
Integrated components
- Introduction to how laboratory medicine and clinical physiology interact in diagnostic workflows
- Participation in:
- selected laboratory sessions
- practical exercises
- lectures (when available)
Reflection
- Short reflective assignments on: - diagnostic practice
- organization
- cultural and professional aspects
Teaching methods
- Study visits
- Clinical observations
- Laboratory sessions and practical exercises (limited participation)
- Lectures and seminars (when available)
- Independent reflective work
Examination
The course is assessed through:
- Short written reflective assignments (formative and summative)
- Active participation in course activities
In the event of special circumstances, or if a student with a disability is in need of certain adjustments, the examiner may decide to depart from the syllabus' regulations on examination form, number of examination opportunities, possibility of completion or exemption from compulsory educational elements, etc. Content and intended learning outcomes as well as the level of expected skills, knowledge and abilities must not be altered, removed or lowered.
Other directives
Language of instruction: English