Teaching molecular biology to medical university preparatory department foreign students

The article outlines the features of teaching molecular biology to foreign students of the preparatory department. At the preparatory department at St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, students from more than 30 countries are trained, who upon admission differ significantly in their level of training. To assess the initial level of knowledge of students in molecular genetics, the department conducts computer testing, the analysis of the results of which serves as the basis for a further differentiated approach to teaching students. To improve the efficiency of mastering theoretical material and problem solving skills, various methodological approaches are proposed. Students are helped to overcome the difficulties of using the Russian language when studying biology by biological thematic mini-dictionaries prepared by teachers of the department for each section studied. The textbook “Cell division. Genetics. Molecular Biology” is addressed to the students of the preparatory department, it includes test items and problems, provides examples of problem solving with diagrams and drawings. Having students complete assignments using an interactive whiteboard and the ActivInspire application significantly expands the teacher’s capabilities. To familiarize students with high-tech methods that are promising in medicine, various visual materials are being developed, including animations, which in an accessible form introduce future doctors to advanced technologies. Visualization of molecular genetic processes through original author’s presentations, animations, diagrams and drawings facilitates the perception of information by foreign students and contributes to the adaptation of students of foreign software to studying.