Assessment of students at IHSM

At the International Higher School of Medicine (IHSM), the assessment system is based on the principles of student-centered learning, transparency, fairness, and effective feedback. The evaluation of knowledge is aimed not only at control but also at helping students understand their achievements and areas for improvement.

Key Principles of Assessment

• Validity – assessment tasks align with the learning objectives of the discipline.
• Fairness – all students have equal opportunities to succeed.
• Reliability – unified and consistent criteria are applied.
• Timeliness – continuous and prompt feedback is provided.
• Developmental Focus – assessment highlights ways to improve performance.

Forms of Academic Assessment
Ongoing Assessment
Conducted throughout the semester and includes:

• Continuous assessment during practical, seminar, and laboratory classes.
• Evaluation of students’ independent work.
• Midterm assessment carried out at the end of each unit (course module).

Interim Assessment
Conducted at the end of the semester/course in the form of:

• Pass/Fail assessment (Credit) – evaluates theoretical knowledge and completion of practical tasks.
• Examination – assesses overall performance during the semester, level of theoretical understanding, and ability to solve professional tasks.

The forms of assessment for each discipline in the curriculum are communicated to students at the beginning of the semester through course syllabi.

Point-Rating System
All types of assessment are conducted using a 100-point scale.
Formation of the Final Course Rating
The final rating (FR) is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the total scores for ongoing assessment (OA) and final assessment (FA).

Ongoing Assessment (OA) is calculated as the average score across all units.
Each unit is graded out of 100 points:

• Ongoing performance – up to 40 points
• Independent work – up to 20 points
• Midterm assessment – up to 40 points

Final Assessment (exam/credit) (FA) – up to 100 points.

Conditions for admission and exemption from exams/credits

• Admission to final assessment is granted if the ongoing assessment (OA) score is 50 points or higher.
• Exemption from the exam is granted if OA is 90–100 points (“Excellent”).
• Exemption from the credit (pass/fail assessment) is granted if OA is 60–100 points (“Satisfactory” to “Excellent”).
• A course is considered not successfully completed if the final rating (FR) for the semester is below 60 points.

Grading Scale

Academic debt and retakes
A student is considered to have an academic debt if they receive an unsatisfactory grade or a “no-show” for an exam/credit.

• Re-taking interim assessment (in the same discipline) is not allowed, except in cases supported by official documentation.
• A student may retake the course by re-enrolling in the discipline within the limited period.
• Graduating students applying for an honors degree are allowed to retake exams only in the final year, and no more than two disciplines (to improve a “Good” grade to “Excellent”).
• A student with three or more academic debts is subject to expulsion.

Rules of conduct and academic ethics
Behavior Policy (the instructor may reduce the OA score by up to 10 points)

• Be punctual and attend classes regularly.
• Wear a clean medical coat.
• Refrain from phone calls during classes.
• Actively participate in the learning process.
• Make up for missed classes.

Academic Ethics Policy (the instructor may reduce the OA score by up to 10 points)

• Plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited.
• Improper use of others’ work, lack of references, and assisting others during assessments are not allowed.

Point deductions for unexcused absences

• Up to 25% of missed classes – up to 2 points are deducted from the ongoing assessment (OA).
• Up to 50% of missed classes – up to 5 points are deducted.
• 50% or more missed classes – up to 10 points are deducted.

Examination procedures

• The exam is conducted in the form of computer-based testing (100 questions, 1–1.5 minutes per question).
• In case of violations (cheating, use of mobile phones, etc.), the student is removed from the exam and receives 0 points (unsatisfactory).
• Exam results are recorded in official grade sheets and the student’s record book.
• Failure to attend the exam without a valid reason is considered equivalent to an unsatisfactory grade.

Appeals
A student has the right to file an appeal within two days (including the day of the exam). The appeal is reviewed by a committee of at least three instructors, chaired by the Head of the Department. The committee’s decision is final.

Assessment of Master’s Students and Medical Residents
For Master’s students, the following are additionally assessed:

• Research and teaching practice, as well as research internships (report defense).
• Master’s thesis (taking into account publications, presentations, supervisor reviews, and plagiarism check with at least 70% originality).

For medical residents, specialized assessment methods are used:

• Overall performance evaluation (every 3–6 months).
• Mini-CEX (clinical case assessment at the patient’s bedside).
• DOPS (Direct Observation of Procedural Skills).
• Progression exams (practical component + testing + oral examination).