Method and apparatus for alternating between coring and drilling without tripping operations

An apparatus for combined coring and drilling in a wellbore that includes a core drilling assembly with a coring drill head, an outer tubing for conveying forces to the drill head, an inner tubing with a lower end adapted for receiving a core sample. The apparatus further includes: a lifting device; closure elements with embedded cutting implements for cutting the core sample; and one or more controller device(s) for controlling activation and deactivation of the closure elements. The closure elements are connected to the core drilling assembly below an opening of the inner tubing such that, when in an open position the core sample can enter the inner tubing, and when in a closed position core material is cut and the cut core material is prevented from entering the inner tubing and exits to the borehole annulus via drill head openings provided in the wall of the coring drill head.