VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
From Symptoms to Diagnosis (MED)
Vom Symptom zur Diagnose (für MED)
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:21:42
Abstract
Clinical cases are used to link specific symptoms to the most important differential diagnoses. Symptoms are related to the most relevant and common underlying causes of disease. Students use clinical reasoning to justify and explain the selection of the appropriate diagnostic procedure and investigation to achieve state of the art clinical diagnosis based on evidence (working diagnosis).
Objective
1. Students will be able to correctly define the main symptoms described during the course and associate them with the respective disease. 2. Students will be able to define the main differential diagnoses of the symptoms described during the course and explain respective diagnostic approach. 3. Students will be able to evaluate and compare pros and cons of different diagnostic algorithms based on symptom(s) presented during each session of the course a. Compare and define the most appropriate approach based on the physiopathologic mechanism b. Compare and define the most appropriate approach based on the sensibility and specificity of the investigation proposed c. Compare and define the most appropriate approach based on the cost and benefit of the investigation proposed
Content
The module “Vom Symptom zur Diagnose» introduces students to the method of differential diagnosis, which is a cornerstone in clinical medicine. Differential diagnosis involves making a list of possible and plausible conditions that could be causing patient’s symptoms. In this course, to teach the methodology of differential diagnosis, we integrate knowledge that students have acquired in previous courses about for instance medical history, physical examination and diagnostic testing. Specific symptoms are presented in the context of clinical cases, leading to key differential diagnoses. Symptoms addressed are based on the most relevant and common causes in the clinic. Students use the evidence-based approach to arrive at the appropriate diagnoses using the most appropriate examination methods (working diagnosis). The course starts with an Introduction to the general concepts of differential diagnosis, including the definition of signs and symptoms. It also introduces students to the key skills of how to analyse and approach clinical cases. That is, the identification, analyses and communication of key information when confronted with clinical cases. Over the semester, the most important symptoms and respective differential diagnosis are explained. We have four main blocks: General Symptoms; then symptoms related to Thorax, Abdomen and nervous System/skeletal muscle apparatus. We also complement the analyses of symptoms and related differential diagnosis with state of the Art lectures that aim to give more insights about the topic discussed each afternoon. At the end of the semester there is an exam including MC questions, short answer questions and the analyses of a clinical case similar to what has been trained over the semester together with lecturers.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
- Mode
- written 90 minutes
- Aids
- None
- Digital
- The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.
Registration & Places
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Vom Symptom zur Diagnose (für MED)
Groups are selected in myStudies.
|
|
5 h weekly |