Bachelor's program in Human Medicine
Program structure & Content

The curriculum at the Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) is designed to most effectively address the challenges involved in the development of medical competences. Developed collaboratively by faculty from both the Salzburg and Nuremberg campuses, with valuable input from students and alumni, the integrated curriculum is structured into a modern modular system. Instead of following traditional subject-based structures, the curriculum is organized into modules based on organ and functional systems and key symptoms of diseases (e.g., nervous system, movement, mental health). Content is built up progressively in a "spiral" structure, where core concepts are introduced early and revisited at more advanced levels throughout the program. As a result, students continuously deepen their knowledge, reinforcing key concepts while broadening their understanding over time.

With its diverse didactic approach, the new curriculum accommodates different learning styles while offering faculty new and innovative ways to deliver knowledge. The use of modern digital technologies encourages students to actively engage with the material and promotes self-organization. Simulation-based teaching and learning is integrated through modern tools and settings.

1st academic year (Bachelor’s Year 1): Chemistry & Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology & Genetics, Interprofessional Collaboration I, Social Competence & Communication I, Nervous System and Sensory Organs I, Movement I, Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems I, Digestion I, Kidneys, Urogenital & Reproductive Systems I, Endocrine System I, Anatomical Dissection Course

2nd academic year (Bachelor’s Year 2): Cross-Organ Disease and Therapy Principles I & II, Social Competence & Communication II, Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems II, Movement II, Nervous System II, Endocrine System II, Public Health & Epidemiology, Interprofessional Collaboration II, Clinical Examination Course, Elective Subjects, Scientific Competence including Bachelor’s Thesis

3rd academic year (Bachelor’s Year 3): General Oncology, Blood & Immunity, Digestion II, Clinical Internship (Famulatur), Mental Health, Kidneys, Urogenital & Reproductive Systems II, Sensory Organs II, Life Stages, Social Competence & Communication III, USMLE Step 1 Preparation

4th academic year (Master’s Year 1): Clinical Cases I–IV, Anesthesiology, Emergency, Intensive, and Transfusion Medicine, Pain Management, Diagnostic Imaging & Image-Guided Therapy, Clinical Practice, Research Internship (Scientific Thesis)

5th academic year (Master’s Year 2): Laboratory Diagnostics and Clinical Genetics, Interprofessional Collaboration III, Social Competence & Communication IV & V, Elective Subjects, Clinical-Practical Year