If you want to read more about the application process, check this blog post.
Human Anatomy (Part 1)
This is the course everyone is afraid of — and honestly, for a reason.
Anatomy consists of:
- DemoLab: one online class per week (even though the calendar often shows a physical location — it is online)
- One practical class per week in the Anatomikum (Eksporta 1A, big building)
Attendance requirement in the first semester for practical classes is 75% (or 10 practical classes), and for the DemoLab, attendance is 100% mandatory. If you miss a DemoLab, you’ll need to write an essay on a given topic. If that happens, contact your practical class teacher, not the DemoLab lecturer.
Exams (Colloquiums)
There are two colloquiums, each with:
- a theoretical exam (MCQs)
- a practical exam (structure identification)
The practical exam is much more straightforward. You get a list of structures beforehand (usually 100–250), and if you’ve studied those, you’re fine.
The theoretical exam is harder in a different way. It covers all structures shown in the DemoLab slides, and the questions can feel tricky because they're MCQ. The theoretical exam consists of MCQs, and sequential questions. The MCQs test location, relationships, and function. The sequentials will have a picture of a body part (for the first colloquium, a bone), and there will be different numbers pointing to different locations. The questions will be like "What is structure number 5? What is next to this structure? What ligament connects this structure to structure 6?"
Time demand for anatomy is high. Some people survive with a week of studying (especially for practicals), but theory really requires more time.
Helpful resource:
TaimTalks Med on YouTube (the videos go through most of the structures that we have)
Bioethics
Bioethics is… a course you get through.
The structure:
- 6 lectures
- 10 seminars
- 1 exam
You must pass all seminars to be allowed to take the exam.
In the first seminar, the teacher will teach you about a topic in ethics, and present you with an ethical case and ask questions. You need to raise your hand and argue for each question. Participation is part of your grade. Sometimes the teacher might have a test for the lesson where you need to answer questions about the video lecture topic that was in estudies. The questions are very specific so you should prepare.
Grading breakdown:
- Seminar participation: 10%
- Case preparation + moderation: 40%
- Final exam: 50%
Each group prepares and moderates one seminar, where you:
- present ethical theory
- introduce a case
- guide discussion with questions
Personally, I found this course quite pointless, but it doesn’t require excessive effort. If you do what’s required, you’ll be fine. The exam was quite easy in my opinion.
First Aid and Civil Defence
This is a short but demanding course.
It lasts only a few weeks, and when it happens depends on your group. For me, it was at the start of the semester.
First Aid:
After each class: one online test (one attempt only)
Please: study for these tests. You do not want to take the final exam for this course.
Also: do not miss the First Aid classes. Even if you’re sick. Missing them guarantees you’ll have to do the final exam.
Civil Defence:
long, boring lectures
online tests after each lecture
They’re boring, but you need to pay attention. Failing a test = final exam.
Pros: short course
Cons: tests everywhere
History of Medicine and Life Sciences
This course is… fine.
Classes are held in the smaller building near the Anatomikum (not the museum by the road, but the one behind). The teacher was nice, and the atmosphere was relaxed.
Attendance makes up 40% of the grade, so you might wanna attend.
We were told to prepare for every class. I didn’t always do that (you should), and I still passed. It doesn’t require much studying, and it’s not something to stress about.
Latvian Language in Medicine (Part 1)
This was honestly one of the nicest courses.
The content is easy, and if you get Inga as your teacher, you’re very lucky — she’s genuinely so lovely.
In class, we answered questions one by one from the chapter. It sounds stressful, but the material is simple. Learn the tables, use Quizlet, and you’ll pass the exams without much trouble.
Medical Chemistry
This is a course you have to study for. Practice tasks. Do them.
Important details:
- Colloquiums are done on paper
- You need:
- a physical calculator
- pen (blue or black)
- ruler
- Attendance is 100%. If you’re sick, get a sick note.
For colloquiums, do as many practice calculations as possible. Also: do the tasks in class. They help much more than you think.
Medical Physics (Part 1)
Physics isn’t conceptually difficult, but it is stressful.
Every week has:
- lab work in class
- an Excel worksheet to complete
These Excel files are important. In the second colloquium, you’ll literally use your own Excel sheets to answer questions. So:
- write detailed answers
- use the student notes section
- explain what the numbers mean
Every week also includes a defence:
One or two students are asked to come to the front and answer questions about:
- last week’s experiment
- lab results
- whether results matched theory
It’s stressful, but most teachers are kind.
Physics grade consists of:
- defence
- seminar paper + presentation
- colloquiums
(all equally weighted)
Tip for colloquiums: do the practice MCQs in the estudies on each topic 3 times. VERY helpful in colloquium.
If you miss a class, email the address in estudies. You’ll get access to a video of the experiment so you can still complete the Excel. (it will be found at the very bottom of the estudies of physics)
Important: even if you’re sick — do the lab report.
Medical Terminology in Latin
This course was… long.
A lot of declension exercises. A lot. The course structure has changed since, so I won’t go into detail, but I will say this: the Latin teachers are very sweet and helpful, even if the subject itself is frustrating.
Molecular and Cell Biology
My least favourite course.
Attendance is 100%, and the colloquiums include:
- MCQs
- open questions (which many other first-semester courses don’t have)
If molecular biology isn’t your strength, start early. This is not a course you want to cram for.
Helpful resource:
Ninja Nerd on YouTube — genuinely saved me in this course (and later in biochemistry).
A Very Important Note About Sick Notes
If you’re sick, get a sick note:
- from a clinic
- an online clinic
- or the RSU ambulance
You must submit it within 5 working days after returning to university, not from the day you get sick.
Path in eStudies:
myRSU → Applications and Inquiries → Applications and Inquiries → Change of Status → Application for excused absence → “I wish to register incapacity to work” → dates + short explanation → attach sick note
Don’t miss this deadline. People do, and it causes unnecessary problems. The administration at RSU is not really the understanding type often...
Final Thoughts on the First Semester
The first semester is a mix of genuinely important foundation courses, courses that feel unnecessary and confusing attendance rules... and learning how the system works
I believe in you :)
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