Our Approach

With the assistance of our academies, it is the goal of the paediatric department to provide an informative, friendly and invaluable learning experience.  To enhance the pedagogical experience, students are exposed to a wealth of clinical cases during their two four-week learning blocks.  Structured teaching is delivered via a variety of methods including bedside tutorials, hands on patient examination, out-patient interaction, small group case based teaching , seminars, slide shows and the ever popular, Sicktionary sessions.

Our students avail of a team based approach during clinical rotations with active learning encouraged on ward rounds,
out-patient clinics, in the Emergency Department and in NICU.   Recent (2014) additions to our curriculum saw the inclusion of community care delivered teaching with students attending community based clinics and engaging with blended learning tools.

The curriculum is currently delivered in modular format with two modules, one in each semester.   More recent (2013) changes saw the development of the Women’s and Children’s Health (WCH) module in an attempt to streamline content delivery and reduce unnecessary over assessment of our students.  In alignment with learning outcomes, the assessment process in the WCH module is integrated at clinical and written levels.  During semester one, students are introduced to basic concepts in the practice of paediatrics, whilst semester two introduces more application of knowledge, in-depth learning and case management.  The availability of excellence in clinical exposure and teaching at the academies enables the expansion of student numbers with delivery of parallel programs at each site. 

The assessment process has also undergone change in line with the new curriculum.  Summative assessment includes an MCQ at the end of module one and a written (modified essay questions) paper and OSCE at the end of module two.  Formative assessment is an integral component of each semester.  Students are encouraged to actively provide course feedback which is incorporated into curriculum development.

The opportunity for exposure to undergraduate research is provided usually via HRB sponsored summer student programme.  Undergraduates are also provided with the opportunity to present original research at national and international meetings.

Paediatric undergraduate students of NUI Galway are regularly represented at the Henry Hutchinson Awards. Additionally our summer students have presented both nationally and internationally.