THE EXPERIENCE OF TEACHING THE ELECTIVE SUBJECT “NUTRITIOLOGY” TO FUTURE DOCTORS AT THE HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION

Abstract

This article highlights the experience of introducing and teaching the elective subject «Nutritiology» at the Department of Hygiene, Ecology and Occupational Health at Dnipro State Medical University. This subject is highly relevant and lays the foundation for a doctor’s lifelong learning throughout their career. The course programme was designed as an educational component intended for third-year students of the «Medicine» educational and professional programme, specialising in Medicine (222). The developed programme and syllabus for the elective course «Nutritiology» comply with higher education standards and the curriculum for master’s degree programmes, based on the following structure: total number of hours – 90 (3 credits), of which 10 hours are lectures, 26 hours are practical sessions and 54 hours are independent study by the student. The research was based on the analysis of materials obtained from open sources of information and the personal experience of the department’s staff. The paper analysed the main approaches that may influence the learning outcomes of medical students specialising in 222 «Medicine». Various assessment methods are used in the course of teaching the subject: oral and written assessments (oral questioning), case studies, quick quizzes, and methods of self-assessment and self-evaluation. Ongoing assessment of students’ learning progress takes place during practical sessions, based on their theoretical knowledge and practical skills and abilities. The proposed method enables the lecturer to structure the educational process more effectively and improve the overall retention of the material.