Foundations of Teaching in Higher Education
Foundations of Teaching in Higher Education is the core professional-development programme for newly appointed teaching staff at the Medical University of Innsbruck. It equips participants with essential competencies in teaching and learning in higher education.
University assistants with or without a doctoral degree (predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers), as well as physicians undertaking specialist training, are required to complete this qualification within their first year of employment.
Programme Structure
The qualification is delivered as a blended-learning programme, combining a self-paced online course with in-person training sessions.
1. Online Phase
The self-paced online course introduces participants to the teaching and learning culture at the Medical University of Innsbruck. In addition to the fundamental principles of medical education, the Moodle course addresses key aspects of planning, delivering, and evaluating teaching activities. It also provides an overview of relevant study regulations. The online course involves an estimated workload of 10 hours (equivalent to 0.4 ECTS credits).
Note: When accessing the course for the first time, please select English as your course language. This will also ensure that you are automatically considered for the English-language in-person courses.
Participants have 60 days from the date of enrolment to complete the online course.
2. In-person Phase
Upon successful completion of the self-paced online course, participants will receive an invitation by email to attend the in-person phase. The in-person phase consists of two half-day courses and involves a total workload of 15 hours (equivalent to 0.6 ECTS credits).
About the Course
Constructive, clear, and respectful feedback is essential for promoting learning and effective collaboration in medical education. This interactive course supports physicians and scientists in developing practical communication and feedback skills for both teaching and teamwork. Participants will become familiar with the key principles of high-quality feedback, practise structured and respectful communication techniques, and explore ways to integrate effective feedback into their everyday academic and clinical practice.
Upcoming Dates
Dates for the winter semester 2026/27 are expected to be published in October 2026.
Please note that individual registration for this course is not possible. Upon successful completion of the self-paced online course, participants will receive an invitation by email to attend the in-person sessions.
Mode of Participation
In-person course
Completion
Certificate of participation
About the Course
This course provides participants with practical foundations for planning, delivering, and reflecting on teaching sessions. It focuses on structuring lectures in a manner appropriate to the target audience, using verbal, non-verbal, and paraverbal communication purposefully, and employing presentation media effectively. Participants will prepare and deliver a short presentation on a topic from their own discipline. They will receive structured feedback from both their peers and the course facilitator. Through this process, participants will develop skills in designing clear, interactive, and memorable teaching sessions, as well as in giving and receiving constructive feedback.
Upcoming Dates
Dates for the winter semester 2026/27 are expected to be published in October 2026.
Please note that individual registration for this course is not possible. Upon successful completion of the self-paced online course, participants will receive an invitation by email to attend the in-person sessions.
Preparation
Participants are expected to complete preparatory reading and to prepare and deliver a five-minute presentation. Further information about the preparation will be provided by email in advance of the course.
Mode of Participation
In-person course
Completion
Certificate of participation
Registration
Individuals who are required to complete the qualification during their first year of employment will be contacted by the Department of Teaching and Study Organisation after taking up their position. They will be enrolled in the course automatically.
Applicants for habilitation, as well as employees who wish to complete the qualification on a voluntary basis, may register by email: fortbildung@i-med.ac.at