Univ.-Prof. Manuela Schmidt, Ass.-Prof. Marietta Zille, Master student Anna Szorger, and Bachelor student Ina Vujica represented the University of Vienna. The exchange was facilitated by a workshop grant of the Central European Network for Teaching and Research in Academic Liaison (CENTRAL).

Among other topics, the Czech colleagues presented an innovative simulator (SimMan) which allows the use of pharmacological scenarios in teaching. The students can observe physiological functions and disease phenotypes of the patient simulator (incl. breathing, pupil reactions, bleeding, vomiting, changes in blood pressure, etc.), apply various drugs at different dosages and observe their effect over time. This hands-on experience greatly aids the students in applied understanding of disease phenotypes and pharmacological effects.

Ina Vujica and Marietta Zille presented their practice and research on activating teaching and learning strategies in Pharmacology. Based on the B11 pharmacokinetics lecture of the summer semester 2022, they evaluated the lectures with questionnaires and the exam results. They showed that the use of interactive teaching methods improved understanding, learning success, concentration, motivation, peer learning, and self-confidence of the students and that the lectures were highly enjoyed by the students.

The very fruitful exchange of competence-based teaching will continue during the planned visit of the Czech delegation at the University of Vienna in 2023.