Design and efficacy of a disease-oriented SPOC in clinical molecular diagnostics

The Small Private Online Course (SPOC) model offers potential to enhance flexibility, standardization, and learning outcomes. This study evaluates the design, implementation, and educational impact of a disease-oriented SPOC of Clinical Molecular Diagnostics, which was established by the author, delivered to three cohorts of students (2023–2025). The course consisted of 10 modules, each accompanied by quizzes. Learning analytics, quiz scores, and student feedback surveys were collected. The results revealed that average quiz scores improved progressively across modules, indicating mastery of theory. Student surveys reported enhanced self-directed learning, clinical relevance awareness, and laboratory preparedness. This disease-oriented SPOC-based modular course is effective for teaching Clinical Molecular Diagnostics theory. It supports active learning, bridges theoretical-practical gaps, and provides a scalable framework applicable in other medical education contexts.