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 2023 MEDICAL AND DENTALCOLLEGES ADMISSION TEST (MDCAT) CURRICULUM

(Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, Logical Reasoning)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023

MEDICAL AND DENTAL COLLEGES ADMISSION TEST

 

(MDCAT) CURRICULUM

(Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, Logical Reasoning)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

examination@pmdc.pk

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

MDCAT GUIDE	PAGE
PREAMBLE	01
STRUCTURE, WEIGHTAGE & DIFFICULTY LEVELS	02
MDCAT CURRICULUM	PAGE
SECTION 1: BIOLOGY	03
SECTION 2: CHEMISTRY	09
SECTION 3: PHYSICS	18
SECTION 4: ENGLISH	25
SECTION 5: LOGICAL REASONING	27

 

 

PREAMBLE

 

In order to standardize the admission process, the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC) has decided to conduct a uniform admission test for all medical and dental institutions in Pakistan. This will ensure that all candidates are given equal opportunity to perform. This was a difficult task as the candidates appearing in this examination come from diverse backgrounds and different levels of education.

 

One of the greatest challenges was to devise a common syllabus which encompasses not only the content taught in the premedical years but to note the topics missing from various syllabi. The MDCAT syllabus will not favor any group or place another to any disadvantage.

 

MDCAT is designed to evaluate the problem solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social sciences concepts and principles of a candidate required to the study of medicine. MDCAT will be a standardized multiple-choice paper-based examination. MDCAT will also test the aspirants’ other abilities like intuitive and critical thinking skills.

 

STRUCTURE, WEIGHTAGE AND DIFFICULTY LEVELS

 

STRUCTURE	•       Total number of MCQs: 200 •       Duration of MDCAT: 3.5 hours •       Format: Paper-based MCQs •       Minimum pass marks for Medical College Admission: 65% •       Minimum pass marks for Dental College Admission: 55% •       No negative marking
WEIGHTAGE	SUBJECT	WEIGHTAGE
		Percentage	No of MCQs
	Biology	34	68
	Chemistry	27	54
	Physics	27	54
	English	9	18
	Logical Reasoning	3	6
	TOTAL	100	200
DIFFICULTY LEVEL	•       20 % MCQs------- Easy •       60% MCQs------- Moderate •       20% MCQs------- Hard
•       Note: In Biology, Chemistry and Physics section, 70% questions will be recall and 30% will be application level.

SECTION 1: BIOLOGY

                Content List for Biology

 

 

#	Content
1	Biodiversity (acellular life/ variety of life)
2	Bio-energetic
3	Biological Molecules
4	Cell Structure and function
5	Coordination and control/ nervous & chemical Coordination
6	Diversity among Animals
7	Enzymes
8	Evolution
9	Life process in Animals & Plants (nutrition/ gaseous exchange/ transport)
10	Prokaryotes
11	Reproduction
12	Support & movement
13	Variation & genetics/ inheritance

 

                Subtopics & Learning Objectives

 

1- BIODIVERSITY (ACELLULAR LIFE/ VARIETY OF LIFE)	SUBTOPICS •       Classification of viruses •       Discovery of viruses •       Structure of viruses •       Viral disease (for example AIDS)
	LEARNING OBJETIVES 1.1 Trace the discovery of virus          Classify viruses on basis of their structure/ number of strands/ diseases/ host etc.          Identify symptoms, mode of transmission and cause of viral disease (AIDS)
2- BIOENERGETICS	SUBTOPICS •       Anaerobic respiration (respiration without oxygen) •       Electron transport chain •       Glycolysis/glycolytic pathway/aerobic respiration •       Light dependent and light independent phases/reactions, •       Oxidative phosphorylation /cyclic and non- cyclic phosphorylation, •       Photosynthesis, •       Production of ATP •       Role of light, water, CO2, /factors effecting photosynthesis
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES         Explain the process of photosynthesis         Explain the role of factors (light, water, CO2) affecting photosynthesis         Explain light dependent and independent phases/reaction      Differentiate among Electron transport chain, phosphorylation, glycolysis,  aerobic and anaerobic respiration
	SUBTOPICS •       Introduction to biological molecules •       Water •       Carbohydrates •       Proteins •       Lipids
	•       Conjugated molecules (glycolipids, glycoproteins)
3- BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES	LEARNING OBJECTIVES         Define and classify biological molecules.         Discuss the importance of biological molecules      Describe biologically important properties of water (polarity, hydrolysis, specific heat, water as solvent and reagent, density, cohesion/ionization)      Discuss carbohydrates: monosaccharides (glucose), oligosaccharides (cane sugar, sucrose, lactose), polysaccharides (starches, cellulose, glycogen)      Describe proteins: amino acids, structure of proteins      Describe lipids: phospholipids, triglycerides, alcohol and esters (acylglycerol)      Give an account of RNA
	3.8. Discuss conjugated molecules (glycol lipids, glycol proteins)

 

	SUBTOPICS
4- CELL STRUCTURE & FUNCTION	•       Cell wall, •       Cytoplasm and cell organelles -  Nucleus -  Endoplasmic reticulum -  Mitochondria -  Golgi apparatus/ golgi complex / golgi bodies -  Lysosomes -  Plastids/chloroplasts -  Vacuoles •       Prokaryote and eukaryote •       Fluid mosaic model
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES
	Compare the structure of typical animal and plant cell      Compare and contrast the structure of prokaryotic cells with eukaryotic cells 4.3 Outline the structure and function of the following organelles: nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, golgi apparatus, mitochondria 4.4. Discuss fluid mosaic model of cell membrane
5- COORDINATION & CONTROL/ NERVOUS & CHEMICAL COORDINATION	SUBTOPICS •       Nervous system -  Nerve impulse -  Steps involved in nervous coordination -  Neurons (Structure and Types) •       Transmission of action potential between cells–synapse -    Electrical synapses -  Chemical synapses -  Transmission of nerve impulse across synapse •       Hormones •       Endocrine glands •       Feedback mechanism -  Positive feedback mechanism -  Negative feedback mechanism •       Reflexes and reflex arc •       Levels of the spinal cord and its main functions •       Parts of the brain with their main functions
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES         Recognize receptors as transducers sensitive to various stimuli.         Define neurons      Explain the structure of a typical neuron (cell body, dendrites, axon and myelin sheath and schwann cells)         Define nerve impulse         List the levels of the spinal cord         List the functions of the spinal cord         Classify reflexes         Briefly explain the functions of components of a reflex arc      List the main parts of the brain (e.g., components of brain stem, mid brain, cerebellum, cerebrum)      Describe the functions of each part

6- DIVERSITY AMONG ANIMALS (THE KINGDOM ANIMALIA)	SUBTOPICS •       Characteristics and diversity among the animals (animal phyla, characteristics)
	LEARNING OBJETIVES 6.1. Describe general characteristic of animals
7- ENZYMES	SUBTOPICS •       Introduction/characteristics of enzymes •       Mechanism of action of enzymes •       Factors effecting rate of enzyme action •       Enzyme inhibition
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES         Describe the distinguishing characteristics of enzymes         Explain mechanism of action of enzymes         Describe effects of factor on enzyme action (temperature, pH, concentration)         Describe enzyme inhibitors
	SUBTOPICS
	•       Concepts of evolution
	•       Inheritance of acquired characteristics
	•       Darwinism’
	•       Darwin’s theory evolution
8- EVOLUTION	•       Neo-Darwinism’s •       Evidence of evolution
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES
	8.1. Explain origin of life according to concept of evolution
	8.2. Describe the theory of inheritance of acquired characters, as proposed by Lamarck.
	8.3. Explain the theory of natural selection as proposed by Darwin
	SUBTOPICS
	•       Carnivorous plants/parasitic nutrition (pitcher plant, venus fly trap, sundew)
	•       Water and mineral uptake by roots, xylem and phloem
	•       Osmotic pressure/potential
	•       Cardiovascular system (including human heart structure, blood vessels)
	•       Respiratory system
	•       Digestive system
9- LIFE PROCESSES IN ANIMALS &	•       Immune & system •       Lymphatic system
PLANTS (NUTRITION/
GASEOUS EXCHANGE/ TRANSPORT)	LEARNING OBJECTIVES         Discuss the examples of carnivorous plants (pitcher plant, venus fly trap, sundew)      Describe osmotic pressure and its importance in life processes in animals and
	plants
	9.3. Describe water and minerals uptake by roots, xylem and phloem
	9.4. List general structure of human heart
	9.5. Define the phases of a cardiac cycle
	9.6. List the differences and functions of capillaries, arteries and veins
	9.7.Describe lymphatic system (organs, nodules, vessels)

	Define and discuss the functions and importance of main components of immune system      Discuss the functions of main part of respiratory system      Discuss the role of surfactant in gas exchange      Discuss the process of gas exchange in human lungs      List the parts of human digestive system         Explain the functions of the main parts of the digestive system including associated structures and glands
10- PROKARYOTES (KINGDOM MONERA)	SUBTOPICS •       Cellular Structure of bacteria •       Shape and size of bacteria •       Importance and control of bacteria
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES            Describe cellular structures of bacteria            Explain diversity in shape and size in bacteria            Highlight the importance of bacteria and control of harmful bacteria
11- REPRODUCTION	SUBTOPICS •       Male reproductive system •       Female reproductive system (including menstrual cycle) •       Sexually transmitted diseases
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES         Describe the functions of various parts of the male & female reproductive systems and the hormones that regulate those functions         Describe the menstrual cycle (female reproductive cycle) emphasizing the role of hormones         List the common sexually transmitted diseases along with their causative agents and main symptoms
12- SUPPORT & MOVEMENT	SUBTOPICS •       Cartilage •       Types of muscles -  Skeletal muscles -  Cardiac muscles -  Smooth muscles •       Structure of skeletal muscles •       Mechanism of skeletal muscle contraction •       Types of joints •       Arthritis
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES            Define cartilage, muscle and bone            Explain the main characteristics of cartilage and bone along with functions of both      Compare characteristics of smooth muscles, cardiac muscles and skeletal muscles            Explain the ultra-structure of skeletal muscles            Describe in brief the process of skeletal muscle contraction            Classify joints            Define arthritis

13- VARIATION & GENETICS/ INHERITANCE

SUBTOPICS •       Mendel’s law of inheritance •       Gregor John Mendel and his work •       Mendel’s experiment •       Inheritance of single trait •       Mendel’s principles of inheritance •       Inheritance of two traits •       Law of independent assortment •       Scope of independent assortment in variation •       Statistics and probability relevant to genetics •       Multiple alleles •       Gene linkages and crossing over •       Sex linkages in drosophila •       Sex linkage in human •       Genetics of hemophilia

LEARNING OBJECTIVES            Associate inheritance with the laws of Mendel.            Explain the law of independent assortment, using a suitable example.            Describe the terms gene linkage and crossing over      Explain how gene linkage counters independent assortment and crossing-over modifies the progeny            Describe the concept of sex-linkage.            Briefly describe Inheritance of sex –linked traits            Analyze the inheritance of hemophilia.

SECTION 2: CHEMISTRY

                Content List for Chemistry

 

#	Content
1	Introduction to fundamental concepts of chemistry
2	Atomic Structure
3	Gases
4	Liquids
5	Solids
6	Chemical Equilibrium
7	Reaction Kinetics
8	Thermo-chemistry and Energetics of chemical reactions
9	Electrochemistry
10	Chemical bonding
11	S and p block elements
12	Transition Elements
13	Fundamental principles of organic chemistry
14	Chemistry of Hydrocarbons
15	Alkyl halides
16	Alcohols & phenols
17	Aldehydes and Ketones
18	Carboxylic acid
19	Macromolecules

 

                Subtopics & Learning Objectives

 

1- INTRODUCTION OF FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS OF CHEMISTRY	SUBTOPICS •       Atomic mass •       Empirical formula •       Molecular formula •       Concept of mole •       Construction of mole ratios as conversion factors in stoichiometry calculations •       Avogadro’s number •       Important assumptions of stoichiometric calculations •       Stoichiometry •       Limiting reactant •       Percentage yield
	LEARNING OBJETIVES        Construct mole ratios from balanced equations for use as conversion factors in stoichiometric problems.         Perform stoichiometric calculations with balanced equations using moles, representative particles, masses and volumes of gases (at STP). Explain the limiting reagent in a reaction,         Calculate the maximum number of product(s) produced and the amount of any un- reacted excess reagent.         Given information from which any two of the following may be determined, calculate the third: theoretical yield, actual yield, percentage yield.         Calculate the theoretical yield and the percent yield when given the balanced equation, the amounts of reactants and the actual yield
2- ATOMIC STRUCTURE	SUBTOPICS •       Concept of orbital’s •       Electronic configuration •       Discovery and properties of proton (positive rays) •       Quantum numbers •       Shapes of orbital’s
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES         Describe discovery and properties of proton (positive rays)         Define photon as a unit of radiation energy.         Describe the concept of orbitals.         Distinguish among principle energy levels, energy sub-levels, and atomic orbitals.         Describe the general shapes of s, p, and orbitals.         Describe the hydrogen atom using the quantum theory.      Use the Aufbau Principle, the Pauli Exclusion Principle, and Hund’s Rule to write the electronic configuration of the atoms.         Write electronic configuration of atoms.

 

	SUBTOPICS •       Properties of gases •       Gas laws •       Boyle’s law •       Charles’s law •       General gas equation •       Kinetic molecular theory of gases •       Ideal gas equation
3-GASES	LEARNING OBJECTIVES          List the postulates of kinetic molecular theory.          Describe the motion of particles of a gas according to kinetic theory.          State the values of standard temperature and pressure (STP).          Describe the effect of change in pressure on the volume of gas.          Describe the effect of change in temperature on the volume of gas.          Explain the significance of absolute zero, giving its value in degree
	Celsius and Kelvin.
	Derive ideal gas equation using Boyle’s, Charles’ and Avogadro’s law.          Explain the significance and different units of ideal gas constant.          Distinguish between real and ideal gases
4- LIQUIDS	SUBTOPICS •       Properties of liquids •       Intermolecular forces •       Hydrogen bonding •       Vapor pressure •       Boiling point and external pressure
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES         Describe simple properties of liquids e.g. diffusion, compression, expansion, motion of molecules, spaces between them, intermolecular forces and kinetic energy based on kinetic molecular theory.         Explain physical properties of liquids such as evaporation, vapor pressure, boiling point.      Describe the hydrogen bonding in H2O, NH3 and HF molecules.         Anomalous behavior of water when its density shows maximum at 4 degree centigrade
	SUBTOPICS
	•       Introduction
	•       Types of solids
	•       Ionic solids
	•       Molecular solids
	•       Crystal lattice
5- SOLIDS
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES
	5.1. Describe crystal line solids.
	5.2. Name three factors that affect the shape of an ionic crystal.
	5.3. Give a brief description of ionic and molecular solids.
	5.4. Describe crystal lattice.
	5.5. Define lattice energy.

 

6- CHEMICAL EQUILIBIRIUM	SUBTOPICS •       Reversible and irreversible reactions •       State of chemical equilibrium •       Equilibrium constant expression for important reaction •       Applications of equilibrium constant •       Solubility product •       The Le Chatelier’s principle •       Synthesis of ammonia by Haber’s Process •       Common ion effect •       Buffer solutions •       Equilibrium of slightly soluble ionic compounds (solubility product)
	LEARNING OBJETIVES          Define chemical equilibrium in terms of a reversible reaction.      Write both forward and reverse reactions and describe them acroscopic characteristics of each.      State Le Chatelier’s Principle and be able to apply it to systems in equilibrium with changes in concentration, pressure, temperature, or the addition of catalyst.          Define and explain solubility product.          Define and explain the common ion effect giving suitable examples.          Describe buffer solutions and explain types of buffers.          Explain synthesis of ammonia by Haber’s Process.
7- REACTION KINETICS	SUBTOPICS •       Rate of reaction •       Determination of the rate of a chemical reaction •       Factors affecting rate of reaction •       Specific rate constant or velocity constant •       Units of rate constant •       Order of reaction and its determination
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES          Define chemical kinetics.      Explain the terms rate of reaction, rate equation, order of reaction, rate constant and rate determining step.          Explain qualitatively factors affecting rate of reaction.          Given the order with respect to each reactant, write the rate law for the reaction.          Explain the meaning of the terms ‘activation energy’ and activated complex’.      Relate the ideas of activation energy and the activated complex to the rate of a reaction.          Explain effects of concentration, temperature and surface area on reaction rates.      Describe the role of the rate constant in the theoretical determination of reaction rate.
8- THERMOCHEMISTRY & ENERGETICS OF CHEMICAL REACTIONS	SUBTOPICS •       System, surrounding and state function •       Definitions of terms used in thermodynamics •       Standard states and standard enthalpy changes •       Energy in chemical reactions •       First Law of thermodynamics •       Sign of ΔH •       Enthalpy of a reaction •       Hess’s law of constant heat summation

 

 

 

 

 

 

	LEARNING OBJECTIVES          Define thermodynamics.          Classify reactions as exothermic or endothermic.      Define the terms system, surrounding, boundary, state function, heat, heat capacity, internal energy, work done and enthalpy of a substance.          Name and define the units of thermal energy.          Explain the first law of thermodynamics for energy conservation.          Apply Hess’s Law to construct simple energy cycles.          Describe enthalpy of a reaction.
9- ELECTROCHEMISTRY	SUBTOPICS •       Oxidation number or state •       Explanation of electrolysis •       Electrode potential •       Balancing of redox equations by ion-electron method •       Balancing redox equations by oxidation number change method
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES          Give the characteristics of a redox reaction.          Define oxidation and reduction in terms of a change in oxidation number.      Use the oxidation-number change method to identify atoms being oxidize do reduced in redox reactions.      Define cathode, anode, electrode potential and S.H.E (Standard Hydrogen Electrode).          Define the standard electrode potential of an electrode.      Use the ion-electron method/oxidation number method to balance chemical equations.
	SUBTOPICS
	•       Energetic of bond formation
	•       Atomic sizes
	•       Atomic radii
	•       Ionic radii
	•       Covalent radii
	•       Ionization energy
	•       Electron affinity
	•       Electro negativity
	•       Bond energy
	•       Bond length
10- CHEMICAL BONDING	•       Types of bonds •       Electrovalent or Ionic Bond •       Covalent bond
	•       Co-ordinate or dative covalent bond
	•       Ionic character of covalent bond
	•       Sigma and Pi bond
	•       Hybridization
	•       sp3-Hybridization
	•       sp2-Hybridization
	•       sp-hybridization
	•       The Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory
	•       Postulates of VSEPR theory
	•       Applications of VSEPR theory

 

 

 

 

 

 

	LEARNING OBJECTIVES            Use VSEPR theory to describe the shapes of molecules.            Describe the features of sigma and pi bonds.            Describe the shapes of simple molecules using orbital hybridization.      Determine the shapes of some molecules from the number of bonded pairs and lone pairs of electrons around the central atom.            Predict the molecular polarity from the shapes of molecules.            Explain what is meant by the term ionic character of a covalent bond.      Describe how knowledge of molecular polarity can be used to explain some physical and chemical properties of molecules.      Define bond energies and explain how they can be used to compare bonds strengths of different chemical bonds.      Define and explain the terms atomic radii, ionic radii, covalent radii, ionization energy, electron affinity, electro negativity, bond energy and bond length.
11- S AND P BLOCK ELEMENTS	SUBTOPICS •       Electronic configuration •       Chemical properties of s-block elements •       Group1 Elements (Alkali Metals) •       Atomic and Physical properties •       Trends in reactivity •       Group2 Elements (Alkaline earth metals) •       Trends in reactivity •       Physical and chemical properties •       Group trends: atomic radii, ionic radii, electro negativity, ionization potential, electro- positivity or metallic character, melting and boiling points
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES         Recognize the demarcation of the periodic table into s block, p block, d block, and f block.         Describe how physical properties like atomic radius, ionization energy, electro negativity, electrical conductivity and melting and boiling points of elements change within a group and within a period in the periodic table.      Describe reactions of Group l elements with water, oxygen and chlorine.      Describe reactions of Group II elements with water, oxygen and nitrogen.      Describe reactions of Group III elements with water, oxygen and chlorine.
12- TRANSITION ELEMENTS	SUBTOPICS •       General characteristics
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES 12.1. Describe electronic structures of elements and ions of d-block elements.
13- FUNDAMENTAL PRICIPLES OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY	SUBTOPICS •       Classification of organic compound •       Isomerism
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES            Define organic chemistry and organic compounds.            Classify organic compounds on structural basis.            Define functional group.            Explain isomerism and its types.

 

14- CHEMISTRY OF HYDROCARBONS	SUBTOPICS •       Open chain and closed chain hydrocarbons •       Nomenclature of alkanes, alkenes and alkynes •       Benzene: Properties, structure, modern representation, reactions, resonance method, electrophilic substitution, •       The molecular orbital treatment of benzene.
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES            Classify hydrocarbons as aliphatic and aromatic.            Describe nomenclature of alkanes.            Define free radical initiation, propagation and termination.      Describe the mechanism of free radical substitution in alkanes exemplified by methane and ethane.            Explain the IUPAC nomenclature of alkenes.            Explain the shape of ethane molecule in terms of sigma and pi C-C bonds.            Describe the structure and reactivity of alkenes as exemplified by ethane.      Define and explain with suitable examples the terms isomerism and structural isomerism.      Explain dehydration of alcohols and dehydrohalogenation of RX for the preparation of ethane.      Describe the chemistry of alkenes by the following reactions of ethene: Hydrogenation, hydrohalogenation, hydration, halogenation, halohydration, polymerization.      Explain the shape of the benzene molecule (molecular orbital treatment).      Define resonance, resonance energy and relative stability.      Compare the reactivity of benzene with alkanes and alkenes.      Describe addition reactions of benzene and methylbenzene.      Describe the mechanism of electrophilic substitution in benzene.      Discuss chemistry of benzene and methylbenzene by nitration, sulphonation, halogenation, Friedal Craft’s alkylation and acylation.      Apply the knowledge of positions of substituents in the electrophilic substitution of benzene.      Use the IUPAC naming system for alkynes.      Compare the reactivity of alkynes with alkanes, alkenes and arenes.      Describe the preparation of alkynes using elimination reactions.      Describe acidity of alkynes.      Discuss chemistry of alkynes by hydrogenation, hydrohalogenation, and hydration.      Describe and differentiate between substitution and addition reactions.
15- ALKYL HALIDES	SUBTOPICS •       Classification of alkyl halides •       Nomenclature •       Reactions •       Mechanism of nucleophilic substitution reaction SN1, SN2, E1 and E2 reaction
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES            Name alkyl halides using IUPAC system.            Discuss the structure and reactivity of RX.            Describe the mechanism and types of nucleophilic substitution reactions.            Describe the mechanism and types of elimination reactions.

16- ALCOHOLS AND PHENOLS	SUBTOPICS •       Alcohols: -  Classification: Primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols -  Nomenclature -  Reactivity •       Phenols: -  Physical properties -  Nomenclature -  Acidity -  Reactivity
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES            Explain nomenclature and structure of alcohols.            Explain the reactivity of alcohols.            Describe the chemistry of alcohols by preparation of ethers and esters.            Explain the nomenclature and structure of phenols.      Discuss the reactivity of phenol and their chemistry by electrophilic aromatic substitution.            Differentiate between an alcohol and phenol.
17- ALDEHYDES & KETONES	SUBTOPICS •       Nomenclature •       Preparation •       Reactions
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES            Explain nomenclature and structure of aldehydes and ketones.            Discuss the preparation of aldehydes and ketones.            Describe reactivity of aldehydes and ketones and their comparison.      Describe acid and base catalyzed nucleophilic addition reactions of aldehydes and ketones.            Discuss the chemistry of aldehydes and ketones by their reduction to alcohols.            Describe oxidation reactions of aldehydes and ketones.
18- CARBOXYLIC ACIDS	SUBTOPICS •       Nomenclature •       Classification •       Physical properties •       Preparations of carboxylic acids •       Reactivity
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES            Describe nomenclature, chemistry and preparation of carboxylic acids.            Discuss reactivity of carboxylic acids.      Describe the chemistry of carboxylic acids by conversion to carboxylic acid derivatives: acyl halides, acid an hydrides, esters, amides and reactions involving inter conversion of these.
19- MACRO MOLECULES	SUBTOPICS •       Proteins •       Enzymes
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES            Explain the basis of classification and structure-function relationship of proteins.      Describe the role of various proteins in maintaining body functions and their nutritional importance.            Describe the role of enzymes as biocatalysts.

SECTION 3: PHYSICS

                Content List for Physics

 

#	Content
1	Force and motion
2	Work and energy
3	Rotational and circular motion
4	Waves
5	Thermodynamics
6	Electrostatics
7	Current Electricity
8	Electromagnetism
9	Electromagnetic Induction
10	Electronics
11	Dawn of modern Physics
12	Atomic spectra
13	Nuclear Physics

                Subtopics & Learning Objectives

 

1- FORCE AND MOTION

SUBTOPICS •       Displacement •       Velocity •       Displacement-time graph •       Acceleration •       Uniform acceleration •       Variable acceleration •       Graphical representation of acceleration with velocity time graph •       Newton's laws of motion •       Newton's first law of motion •       Newton's second law of motion •       Newton's third law of motion •       Linear Momentum •       Law of conservation of momentum •       Collision •       Elastic collision •       Elastic collision in one dimension •       Elastic collision in one dimension under different cases •       Projectile motion •       Characteristics of projectile motion •       Time off light •       Maximum height •       Horizontal range

LEARNING OBJETIVES         Describe displacement.         Describe average velocity of objects.         Interpret displacement-time graph of objects moving along the same straight line.         Define uniform acceleration         Distinguish between uniform and variable acceleration.         Explain that projectile motion is two-dimensional motion in a vertical plane.         Communicate the ideas of a projectile in the absence of air resistance.         Explain Horizontal component (VH) of velocity is constant.      Acceleration is in the vertical direction and is the same as that of a vertically free- falling object.      Differentiate between the characteristics of horizontal motion and vertical motion      Evaluate, using equations of uniformly accelerated motion for a given initial velocity of frictionless projectile, the following issues: a.   How much higher does it go? b.   How far would it go along the level land? c.   Where would it be after a given time? d.   How long will it remain in air? e.   Determine for a projectile launched from ground height f.   Launch angle that results in the maximum range g.   Relation between the launch angles that result in the same range.      Apply Newton’s laws to explain the motion of objects in a variety of context.      Describe the Newton’s second law of motion as rate of change of momentum.      Correlate Newton’s third law of motion and conservation of momentum.      Solve different problems of elastic and inelastic collisions between two bodies in one dimension by using law of conservation of momentum.      Describe that momentum is conservational situations.      Identify that for a perfectly elastic collision, the relative speed of approach is equal to the relative speed of separation.

	SUBTOPICS
	•       Work
	•       Energy
	•       Kinetic energy
	•       Potential energy
	•       Gravitational potential energy
	•       Power
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES
2- WORK AND ENERGY	Describe the concept of work in terms of the product of force F and displacement d in the direction of force      Define energy
	2.3. Explain kinetic energy
	2.4. Explain the difference between potential energy and gravitational potential
	energy.
	2.5. Describe that the gravitational potential energy is measured from a
	reference level and can be positive or negative, to denote the orientation from
	the reference levels.
	2.6. Express power as scalar product of force and velocity.
	2.7. Explain that work done against friction is dissipated as heat in the
	environment.
	2.8. State the implications of energy losses in practical devices
	SUBTOPICS
	•       Angular displacement
	•       Revolution
	•       Degree
	•       Radian
	•       Angular velocity
	•       Relation between linear and angular variables
	•       Relation between linear and angular displacements
	•       Relation between linear and angular velocities
	•       Relation between linear and angular accelerations
	•       Centripetal force
3- ROTATIONAL	•       Forces causing centripetal acceleration
AND CIRCULAR
MOTION
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES          Define angular displacement, express angular displacement in radians.          Define revolution, degree and radian          Define and Explain the term angular velocity          Find out the relationship between the following: a.   Relation between linear and angular variables b.   Relation between linear and angular displacements c.   Relation between linear and angular velocities d.   Relation between linear and angular accelerations

	SUBTOPICS
	•       Progressive waves
	•       Crest
	•       Trough
	•       Amplitude
	•       Wavelength
	•       Time period and frequency
	•       Types of progressive waves
	•       Transverse waves
	•       Longitudinal waves
	•       Periodic waves
	•       Transverse periodic waves
	•       Longitudinal periodic waves
	•       Speed of sound in air
	•       Principle of superposition/superposition of sound waves
	•       Stationary waves/standing waves
	•       Stationary waves in a stretched string/fundamental frequency and harmonics
	•       Doppler effect
	•       Observer is moving towards a stationary source
	•       Observer is moving away from a stationary source
	•       When the source is moving towards the stationary observer
	•       When the source is moving away from the stationary observer
	•       Simple harmonic motion (SHM)
	•       Characteristics of simple harmonic motion
	•       Instant aeneous displacement
	•       Amplitude
4- WAVES	•       Vibration •       Time period
	•       Frequency
	LEARNING OBJETIVES
	4.1. Describe the meaning of wave motion as illustrated by vibrations in ropes and
	springs.
	4.2. Demonstrate that mechanical waves require a medium for their propagation while
	electromagnetic waves do not.
	4.3. Define and apply the following terms to the wave model; medium, displacement,
	amplitude, period, compression, rarefaction, crest, trough, wavelength, velocity.
	4.4. Solve problems using the equation: v=fl.
	4.5. Describe that energy is transferred due to a progressive wave.
	4.6. Compare transverse and longitudinal waves.
	4.7. Explain that speed of sound depends on the properties of medium in which it
	propagates and describe Newton’s formula of speed of waves.
	4.8.Describe the Laplace correction in Newton’s formula for speed of sound in air.
	4.9. Identify the factors on which speed of sound in air depends.
	4.10. Describe the principle of super position of two waves from coherent sources.
	4.11. Describe the phenomenon of interference of sound waves.
	4.12. Explain the formation of stationary waves using graphical method
	4.13. Define the terms, node and antinodes.
	4.14. Describe modes of vibration of strings.
	4.15. Describe formation of stationary waves in vibrating air columns.
	4.16. Explain the principle of Superposition
	4.17. Explain S.H.M and explain the characteristics of S.H.M.

5- THERMODYNAMI CS	SUBTOPICS •       First law of thermodynamics •       Specific heat and Molar specific heat/specific heat capacity
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES         Describe that thermal energies transferred from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature.      Differentiate between specific heat and molar specific heat.      Calculate work done by a thermodynamic system during a volume change.         Describe the first law of thermodynamics expressed in terms of the change in internal energy, the heating of the system and work done on the system.         Explain that first law of thermodynamics expresses the conservation of energy.      Define the terms, specific heat and molar specific heats of a gas.      Apply first law of thermodynamics to derive Cp–Cv= R.
6- ELECTROSTATICS	SUBTOPICS •       Coulomb’s law •       Coulomb’s law in material media •       Electric field and its intensity •       Electric field intensity due to an infinite sheet of charge •       Electric field intensity between two oppositely charged parallel plates •       Electric potential •       Capacitor •       Capacitance of a capacitor and its unit •       Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor •       Energy Stored in a Capacitor •       Charging and Discharging a Capacitor
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES         State Coulomb’s law and explain that force between two-point charges is reduced in a medium other than free space using Coulomb’s law      Describe the concept of an electric field as an example of a field of force         Calculate the magnitude and direction of the electric field at a point due to two charges with the same or opposite signs         Sketch the electric field lines for two-point charges of equal magnitude with same or opposite signs         Describe and draw the electric field due to an infinite size conducting plate of positive or negative charge 6.6 Define electric potential at a point in terms of the work done in bringing unit positive charge from infinity to that point          Define the unit of potential          Derive an expression for electric potential at a point due to a point charge          Demonstrate charging and discharging of a capacitor through a resistance

7- CURRENT ELECTRICITY	SUBTOPICS •       Ohm’s Law •       Electrical resistance •       Specific resistance or resistivity •       Effect of temperature on resistance •       Temperature coefficient of resistance •       Variation of resistivity with temperature •       Internal resistance of a supply •       Electric power •       Unit of electric power •       Kilowatt-hours
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES          Describe the concept of steady current.          State Ohm’s law.          Define resistivity and explain its dependence upon temperature.      Explain the internal resistance of sources and its consequences for external circuits.          Describe the conditions for maximum power transfer.
8- ELECTROMAGNE TISM	SUBTOPICS •       Magnetic field •       Magnetic Flux •       Magnetic Flux Density
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES          Define magnetic flux density and its units.      Describe the concept of magnetic flux(Ø) as scalar product of magnetic field(B) and area(A)using the relation ØB=B┴A=B.A.      Describe quantitatively the path followed by a charged particle hot into a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the field.      Explain that a force may act on a charged particle in a uniform magnetic field.
9- ELECTROMAGNE TIC INDUCTION	SUBTOPICS •       Electromagnetic induction •       Faraday’s Law •       Lenz’s Law •       Lenz’s Law and conservation of energy •       Generating electricity-Alternating Current Generator •       Transformers
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES          State Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction.      Account for Lenz’s law to predict the direction of an induced current and relate to the principle of conservation of energy.          Describe the construction of a transformer and explain how it works.      Describe how set-up and step-down transformers can be used to ensure efficient transfer of electricity along cables.

 

 

10- ELECTRONICS	SUBTOPICS •       Rectification
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES 10.1. Define rectification and describe the use of diodes for half and full wave rectifications.
11- DAWN OF MODERN PHYSICS	SUBTOPICS •       The particle model of light
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES 11.1. Explain the particle model of light in terms of photons with particular energy
12- SPECTRA SPECTRA	SUBTOPICS •       Atomic spectra/ line spectrum
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES 12.1. Describe and explain Atomic spectra/ line spectrum
13- NUCLEAR PHYSICS	SUBTOPICS •       Spontaneous and random nuclear decay/the law of radioactive decay •       Half Life and rate of decay •       Biological effects of radiation •       Biological and medical uses of radiation
	LEARNING OBJECTIVES         Describe as impel model for the atom to include protons, neutrons and electrons.      Identify the spontaneous and random nature of nuclear decay.      Describe the term half-life and solve problems using the equation         Describe biological effects of radiation state and explain the different medical uses of radiation.

 

SECTION 4: ENGLISH

 

 

 

AIM

The aim of English section of MDCAT is to measure the applicants’ skills in English language and to evaluate how prepared they are for undertaking graduate studies in medicine in English. The test applies a common standard to everyone to be able to evaluate the preparation of the applicants from different sectors, regions and socio- economic backgrounds.   The benchmarks for the test have been developed in the light of the Syllabus used in HSSC and CIE. Since the students who take the MDCAT come from a wide range of educational contexts, the test comprises items that may be applied to a broadband of language competencies that are not exclusive to one particular type of Syllabus.

OBJECTIVES

1.   To ensure complete alignment between the English Syllabus used in various sectors at the HSSC and CIE level and the test items 2.   To create a balance of items from different benchmarks of the English Syllabi outlined for MDCAT 3.   To make sure that difficult and ambiguous items beyond the scope of high school education are not included 4.   To design the test specifications 5.   To design, select, and arrange test task items

 

 

4.1. Benchmarks & Content

 

 

OBJECTIVE	BENCHMARK	CONTENT
1. Comprehend key vocabulary	Use one or more of the following strategies to determine meaning of key vocabulary:         contextual clues andillustrations         background or priorknowledge      morphology, syntax, phonics, knowledge of word relationships      knowledge of synonyms,antonyms, homophones	High and low frequency words from the course book or to be selected from similar contexts or the contexts the HSSC and CIE students may be familiar with.
2. Demonstrate control of tenses and sentence structure	Use correct tenses andsentence structure in writing      Identify mistakes in theuse of tenses and sentence structure in written texts	All present, past tenses Four types of sentences, Conditionals Types of clauses Fragments

 

OBJECTIVE	BENCHMARK	CONTENT
3. Demonstrate ability to differentiate between correct and incorrect structure of sentences & Use of writing conventions of spelling, capitalization and Punctuation	Identify sentences withcorrect grammatical and style structures         Identify sentences withincorrect grammatical and style structures         Identify Use inappropriate capitalization and punctuation such as semi colons, commas in a series, apostrophes in possessives, proper nouns, and abbreviations	Use the texts prescribed/ used in HSSC or CIE for differentiating between correctly and incorrectly written sentences. The test items to be selected from the type of texts written by HSSC and CIE students and from the contexts common to both the streams
4. Demonstrate correct use of subject-verb agreement & of articles and prepositions	41. Use correct subject-verb agreement in written texts         Identify mistakes in the use of subject verb- agreement in written texts         Use appropriate articles and prepositions in different written contexts         Identify mistakes in the use of articles and prepositions in sentences or short texts         Select the appropriate article or preposition for a particular context	Use the texts prescribed/ used in HSSC or CIE for selecting test items as well as determining thedegree of their complexity   The test items to be selected from the contextscommon to the texts at HSSC and CIE level
5. Demonstrate ability to identify mistakes in sentences or short written texts. These errors could be of inappropriate word order, vocabulary etc.	5.1 Identify errors of word order, style, vocabulary etc. in sentences	Use the texts and sentences prescribed/ used in HSSC or CIE for differentiating between correctly and incorrectly written sentences
6. Demonstrate ability to comprehend short written text and select the most appropriate responses	Comprehend simple, brief passages         Select the most suitable responses to the questions posed (text- explicit)	Use the texts prescribed/ used in HSSC or CIE as samples for reading comprehension

 

INTRODUCTION	Logical Reasoning questions evaluate the ability to analyze, evaluate, and complete arguments as they occur in ordinary language. The questions are based on short arguments drawn from a wide variety of sources.   Each Logical Reasoning question requires you to read and comprehend a short passage, then answer one question about it. The questions are designed to assess a wide range of skills involved in thinking critically, with an emphasis on skills that are central to reasoning. Types of reasoning questions that may come in the MDCAT:   1.        Critical Thinking 2.        Letter and symbol series 3.        Logical deduction 4.        Logical problems 5.        Course of action 6.        Cause & effect
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
5.1. Critical Thinking	Critical thinking is a process of evaluation which uses logic to separate truth from falsehood, reasonable from unreasonable beliefs
Sample Question	Read the following passage. Then, decide whether the three statements below are “True”, “Probably True”, “Insufficient Data to Say True or False”, “Probably False”, or “False” – based purely on the information provided in the text.   Ahmed’s company has been successful for the past 5 years. Reported profits have been rising each year, with 2018 being the strongest year yet, To celebrate, Ahmed treated his staff to meal at a 5-star restaurant in the city.   1.        Ahmed is rich. 2.        Ahmed’s staff are happy 3.        Ahmed’s company performed well in 2017
5.2. Letters & Symbol Series	Letter and Symbol Series are a sequential order of letters, numbers or both arranged such a way that each term in the series is obtained according to some specific rules. These rules can be based on mathematical operations, place of letters in alphabetical order etc.
Sample Question	Look carefully at the sequence of symbols to find the pattern. Select correct pattern.

 

5.3. Logical deductions	Logical reasoning is a type of thinking in which statements and relations between statements are used in a precise manner to make conclusions that are meant (or implied) by the statements and the relations. Logical deduction is a type of reasoning; it assesses a candidate's ability to use structured thinking to deduce from a short passage which of a number of statements is the most accurate response to a posed question.
Sample Question	There is a family of six persons G, J, B, E, T, and Z. Their professions are teacher, writer, actor, singer, dancer and lawyer but not respectively in the same order. G is a teacher. Z is a dancer. B is neither writer nor actor. E is neither singer nor lawyer. T is an actor. J is a lawyer. From the information given above, try to answer the following question.   Q 1 − Who among them has a profession of lawyer? A - J B - B C - E D - T
5.4. Logical Problems	Logic problems are puzzles which require people to use deductive reasoning skills, meaning they need to look at different pieces of information in order to arrive at an answer.
Sample Question	A lullaby is a song. No song is prose. Some proses are epics.   Conclusions:   I.   Some proses are songs. II.   Some epics are lullabies. III.    Some songs are lullabies.   Which of the following is most appropriate in the above case?   Only II Only III I, II and III are inappropriate
5.5. Course of Action	A course of action is a step or administrative decision to be taken for improvement, follow-up or further action in regard to the problem, policy, etc. On the basis of the information given in the statement to be true, test-takers should decide which of the suggested courses of action logically follow(s) for pursuing.
Sample Question	Statement: Power supply on state X is terribly poor.   Courses of Action:   I)   WAPDA should urgently take action against power theft. II)   The government should generate more power.   A if only I is most appropriate B if only II is most appropriate C if either I or II is most appropriate D if neither I nor II is most appropriate E if both I and II are most appropriate

 

 

 

 

 

5.6. Cause & Effect

Cause and effect is the relationship between two things when one thing makes something else happen. When examining events, people naturally seek to explain why things happened. This search often results in cause-and-effect reasoning, which asserts or denies that one thing causes another, or that one thing is caused by another.

Sample Question

Statements:   I.            The standard of living of people of the average income group has been rising since the last two years. II.           Pakistani economy has been showing a significant growth.   A.       Statement I is the cause and statement II is its effect. B.       Statement II is the cause and statement I is its effect. C.       Both the statements I and II are independent causes. D.       Both the statements I and II are effects of independent causes. E.       Both the statements I and II are effects of some common cause

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright © June 2023 Pakistan Medical & Dental Council

Mauve Area, G-10/4, Islamabad Pakistan

examination@pmdc.pk

 

 

 

 

 

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