Topic outline

  • General

    • ME33IC Introductory Gaelic for Medical Students

      This is an introductory course in the modern Scottish Gaelic language for students who have a standard grade qualification in Gaelic. However if you are keen to take this please contact course coordinator to discuss.

      There are five classes per week: three language classes, one oral/aural class and one reading class. The language classes follow a custom-written textbook ‘Progressive Gaelic 1’. Sound files accompanying the textbook are made available through the virtual learning environment, MyAberdeen. In the oral/aural class, students have an opportunity to practise speaking, develop their vocabulary further, and listen to a native speaker. This class follows another custom-written workbook, which is given to students free of charge, and a programme of language lab work.

      ME33CA Advanced Gaelic for Medical Students

      The course will develop students Gaelic language skills through weekly classes which will focus respectively on written language, grammar and oral language. The course follows customised workbooks, which are available to download from MyAberdeen.

      You also have the option to attend one lecture and one tutorial on aspects of Gaelic culture and will be required to prepare for each tutorial and keep abreast of set reading for the course.

      Please indicate on the choice form your previous level of achievement for the language chosen, but note that whether you enter the beginners' or advanced class will be settled during the first week of the SSC.

      Course Coordinator: Dr Kirstie Macleod 

  • What skills does this course develop?

    • ME33IC Introductory Gaelic for Medical Students

      This course develops an ability to speak, read, write and understand Gaelic at a basic level.

      Students are expected to have mastered a large working vocabulary and to be competent in understanding the major structures of the language.


      ME33CA Advanced Gaelic for Medical Students

      The course will develop receptive and productive language skills in Gaelic.

      By the end of the course, students will have an enhanced knowledge and understanding of the Gaelic language.

      Students will have a better and more confident grasp of fundamental language structures and spelling and will be able to communicate effectively in a wider range of scenarios.

  • What will the timetable be like?

    • ME33IC Introductory Gaelic for Medical Students

      There will be five one-hour classes to attend each week: three language classes, one reading class and one oral class with a native language tutor. Attendance is expected at all classes.

      Students are expected to undertake up to eight hours of independent study, through study of Progressive Gaelic 1 and accompanying audio-files, written exercises in the accompanying workbook and the language lab programme of work.


      ME33CA Advanced Gaelic for Medical Students

      There are three taught classes per week.

      Students are expected to undertake a minimum of six hours of self-study.

  • How will I be assessed?

    • ME33IC Introductory Gaelic for Medical Students

      Assessment: In course assessment: two-hour in-class test (60%); 2 written assessments (20%); continuous oral assessment (20%).

      Resit: one two-hour exam.


      ME33CA Advanced Gaelic for Medical Students

      Assessment: grammar exercises (50%); short essay and long essay (50%).

      Resit: one two-hour exam.

  • Are there any prerequisites for this course?

    • ME33IC Introductory Gaelic for Medical Students

      Students should have a Standard Grade in Gaelic or equivalent knowledge.


      ME33CA Advanced Gaelic for Medical Students

      Higher Gàidhlig (Native Speakers ) and Higher Gaelic (Learners) at Grade B or above, or equivalent.

  • What books will I require for this course?

    • ME33IC Introductory Gaelic for Medical Students

      Progressive Gaelic 1. £8.50, available from Amazon


      ME33CA Advanced Gaelic for Medical Students

      No books required

  • What did previous students think about this course?

    • The following comments are from students on GH1007 (co-taught with Medical Humanities students):

      “In short: I really feel that the way the course and the assessment were set up and offered to us allowed me to learn a lot quite easily and quickly, and I really enjoyed the course.”

      “The course was taught very well. The teachers showed a genuine passion for the language…Help and guidance was readily available for the homework assignments and good feedback was given for the written assessments.”

      “The course was quite demanding, which helped to make fast progress. The best aspect was, that even after only one week, one was clearly able to see the development over the week and could feel more confident in speaking Gaelic every week.”

      “Every aspect was looked at in detail and the words and grammar rules were repeated often enough to be of much use. The teaching was also done with a lot of enthusiasm, which really helped when covering the less interesting bits of the course. There was also plenty of material and order to keep me focused throughout the term.”

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