Quantitative testing of thermal thresholds is increasingly used to evaluate the function of small nerve fibres in the clinical domain (e.g. with polyneuropathy patients). We introduced this method in the course for medical students (Praktikum Somatosensorik) in order to collect data of normal control persons (n=124; mean age 23 years, range 19–42 years), and to make the students familiar with quantitative sensory testing. A computer-controlled thermode (Medoc TSA 2001) was used to warm up or to cool down the skin of the right thenar, always starting at 32°C. Temperature increases (rate 1°C/s) were detected at 33.6 ± 0.6°C, and decreases at 30.8 ± 0.6°C (mean±SD). Women were more sensitive (p<0.05) than men. The threshold for heat pain was at 46.4 ± 3.2°C, and painfulness was rated 49 ± 15 on a visual scale with a possible range of 0–100. Women had a lower threshold (at 45.8°C) for heat pain than men (47.2°C). The threshold for cold pain was rather variable (average: 6.8 ± 6.3 °C), with 10 % of the students reaching the lowest possible temperature of 0°C without clear pain sensations. Cold pain intensity was rated 33 ± 19 on the visual analogous scale. Normal values were contrasted with patient data for teaching purposes. Quantitative sensory testing is feasible and instructive in the setting of a students lab course.