Integrated oncology course for first-year medical students.

In this report an oncology course for first-year medical students is described. The course is characterized by a high level of integration of the involved basic and clinical sciences and is designed according to the principles of problem-based learning. A limited number of lectures provides a frame of reference. A series of case histories introduces the students to various aspects of neoplastic disease and after group discussions leads the students to individual learning activities. During the course only general principles are touched upon. Students, as well as teaching staff, appear to be highly appreciative of the integrated approach.