Download MDCAT 2024 Syllabus PDF

Pakistan Medical Commission

Medical and Dental Colleges Admissions Test (MDCAT 2023/24)

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

S.No.

Section

Topic

Page #

1.

Section I

Preamble

3

2.

Section II

Structure, weightage & difficulty levels

4

4.

Section III

Biology

·       Learning objectives

5-13

5.

Section IV

Chemistry

·       Learning objectives

14-27

6.

Section V

Physics

·       Learning objectives

28-38

7.

Section VI

English

·       Aim

·       Objectives

·       Benchmarks and contents

39-41

8.

Section VII

Logical Reasoning

·       Introduction

·       Sample questions

42-45


SECTION I: PREAMBLE 

In order to standardize the admission process, the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) 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.

The National Medical and Dental Academic Board of the PMC was directed to complete the above-mentioned task. In order to achieve this, the syllabi documents from the following organizations were reviewed (in alphabetical order):

  1. Balochistan Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education
  2. Directorate of Curriculum and Teacher Education Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
  3. Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Islamabad
  4. MCAT syllabus (AAMC)
  5. Punjab Boards Committee of Chairmen
  6. Sindh Boards Committee of Chairmen
  7. University of Cambridge A level syllabus
  8. COM.PK For Free Latest Updates

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 computer-based examination. MDCAT will also test the aspirants other abilities like intuitive and critical thinking skills.

Total # of MCQs: 210 Duration of MDCAT: 3.5 hours Format: Computer- based MCQs

Minimum pass marks: 65%

No negative marking

S.No.

Subject

Weightage

Percentage

# of MCQs

1.

Biology

32

68

2.

Chemistry

26.5

54

3.

Physics

26.5

54

4.

English

10

17

5.

Logical Reasoning

5

3

Total

100

200

Difficulty levels of MCQs

Level

Percentage

Easy

20

Moderate

60

Hard

20

Note: In Biology, Chemistry, and Physics section, 70% questions will be recall and 30%will be application level.

SECTION III: BIOLOGY 

CONTENT LIST FOR BIOLOGY

BIOLOGY

1.     Biodiversity (acellular life/variety of life)

  • Classification of viruses
  • Discovery of viruses
  • Structure of viruses
  • Viral disease (for example AIDS)

Learning Objectives

  1. Trace the discovery of virus
  2. Classify viruses on basis of their structure/no. of strands/diseases/hostetc.
  • Identify symptoms, mode of transmission and causes of viral disease(AIDS)

2.     Bioenergetics

  1. Anaerobic respiration (respiration without oxygen)
  2. Electron transport chain
  • Glycolysis/glycolytic pathway/aerobic respiration
  1. Light dependent and light independent phases/reactions,
  2. Oxidative phosphorylation /cyclic and non- cyclic phosphorylation,
  3. Photosynthesis,
  • Production of ATP,
  • Role of light, water, CO2, /factors effecting photosynthesis

Learning Objectives

  1. Explain the process of photosynthesis
  2. Explain the role of factors(light, water, CO2) affecting photosynthesis
  • Explain light dependent and independent phases/reaction
  1. Differentiate among Electron transport chain, phosphorylation, glycolysis, aerobic and anaerobic respiration

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3.    Biological molecules

  1. Introduction to biological molecules
  2. Water
  • Carbohydrates
  1. Proteins
  2. Lipids
  3. Conjugated molecules (glycolipids, glycoproteins)

Learning Objectives

  1. Define and classify biological
  2. Discuss the importance of biological molecules
  • Describe biologically important properties of water (polarity, hydrolysis, specific heat, water as solvent and reagent, density, cohesion/ionization)
  1. Discuss carbohydrates: monosaccharides (glucose), oligosaccharides(cane sugar,

sucrose, lactose), polysaccharides (starches, cellulose, glycogen)

  1. Describe proteins: amino acids, structure of proteins
  2. Describe lipids: phospholipids, triglycerides, alcohol and esters (acylglycerol)
  • Give an account of RNA
  • Prepare Topic From MDCAT Book By COM.PK
  1. Discuss conjugated molecules(glycol lipids, glycol proteins)

4.     Cell structure and function

  1. Cell wall,
  2. Cytoplasm and cell organelles
  • Nucleus
    • Endoplasmic reticulum
    • Mitochondria
    • Golgi apparatus/golgi complex /golgi bodies
    • Lysosomes
    • Plastids/chloroplasts
  • Vacuoles
  • Prokaryote and eukaryote
  1. Fluid mosaic model

Learning Objectives

  1. Compare the structure of typical animal and plant cell
  2. Compare and contrast the structure of prokaryotic cells with eukaryoticcells
  • Outline the structure and function of the following organelles:nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, golgi apparatus, mitochondria
  1. Discuss fluid mosaic model of cell membrane

5.     Coordination and control/nervous & chemical coordination

  1. Nervous system
  • Nerve impulse
  • Steps involved in nervous coordination
  • Neurons (Structure and Types)
    1. Transmission of action potential between cells–synapse
  • Electrical synapses
  • Chemical synapses
  • Transmission of nerve impulse across synapse
    • Hormones
  1. Endocrine glands
  2. Feedback mechanism
  • Positive feedback mechanism
  • Negative feedback mechanism
    1. Reflexes and reflex arc
  • Levels of the spinal cord and its main functions
  • Parts of the brain with their main functions

Learning Objectives

  1. Recognize receptors as transducers sensitive to various
  2. Define neurons
  • Explain the structure of                     a                      typical          neuron (cell body,dendrites, axon and myelin sheath and schwann cells)
  1. Define nerve impulse
  2. List the levels of the spinal cord
  3. List the functions of the spinal cord
  • Classify reflexes
  • Briefly explain the functions of components of a reflex arc
  1. List the main parts of the brain (e.g. components of brain stem, mid brain,cerebellum, cerebrum)
  2. Describe the functions of each part

6.     Diversity among animals (The Kingdom Animalia)

  1. Characteristics and    diversity    among    the     animals (animal phyla,characteristics)

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe general characteristic of animals

7.     Enzymes

  1. Introduction/characteristics of enzymes
  2. Mechanism of action of enzymes
  • Factors effecting rate of enzyme action
  1. Enzyme inhibition

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe the distinguishing characteristics of enzymes
  2. Explain mechanism of action of enzymes
  • Describe effects of factor on enzyme action (temperature, pH, concentration)
  1. Describe enzyme inhibitors

8.     Evolution

  1. Concepts of evolution
  2. Inheritance of acquired characteristics
  • Darwinism‟
  1. Darwin‟s theory evolution
  2. Neo-Darwinism‟s
  3. Evidence of evolution

Learning Objectives

  1. Explain origin of life according to concept of evolution
  2. Describe the theory of inheritance of acquired characters, as proposed
  • Explain the theory of natural selection as proposed by Darwin

 

 

9. Life processes in animals and plants (nutrition/gaseous exchange/transport)

  1. Carnivorous plants/parasitic nutrition (pitcher plant, venus fly trap, sundew)
  2. Water and mineral uptake by roots, xylem and phloem
  • Osmotic pressure/potential
  1. Cardiovascular system (including human heart structure, blood vessels)
  2. Respiratory system
  3. Digestive system
  • Immune & system
  • Lymphatic system

Learning Objectives

  1. Discuss the examples of carnivorous plants (pitcher plant, venus fly trap,sundew)
  2. Describe osmotic pressure and its importance in life processes in animals andplants
  • Describe water and minerals uptake by roots, xylem and phloem
  1. List general structure of human heart
  2. Define the phases of a cardiac cycle
  3. List the differences and functions of capillaries, arteries and veins

  • Describe lymphatic system (organs, nodules, vessels)
  • Define and discuss the functions and importance of maincomponents of immune system
  1. Discuss the functions of main part of respiratory system
  2. Discuss the role of surfactant in gas exchange
  3. 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 digestivesystem including associated structures and glands

10.  Prokaryotes (Kingdom Monera)

  1. Cellular Structure of bacteria
  2. Shape and size of bacteria
  • Importance and control of bacteria

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe cellular structures of bacteria
  2. Explain diversity in shape and size in bacteria
  • Highlight the importance of bacteria and control of harmful bacteria

11.  Reproduction

  1. Male reproductive system
  2. Female reproductive system (including menstrual cycle)
  • Sexually transmitted diseases

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe the functions of various parts of the male & female reproductive systems and the hormones that regulate those functions
  2. 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 and movement

  1. Cartilage
  2. Types of muscles

o Skeletal muscles

o Law of independent assortment

  • Scope of independent assortment in variation
  • Statistics and probability relevant to genetics
  1. Multiple alleles
  • Gene linkages and crossing over
  1. Sex linkages in drosophila
  2. Sex linkage in human

SECTION IV: CHEMISTRY       

CONTENT LIST FOR CHEMISTRY


LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR CHEMISTRY

1.     Introduction of fundamental concepts of chemistry

  1. Atomic mass
  2. Empirical formula
  • Molecular formula
  1. Concept of mole
  2. Construction of mole ratios as conversion factors in stoichiometry calculations
  3. Avogadro‟s number
  • Important assumptions of stoichiometric calculations
  • Stoichiometry
  1. Limiting reactant
  2. Percentage yield

Learning Objectives

  1. Construct mole ratios from balanced equations for use as conversion factorsin stoichiometric problems.
  2. Perform stoichiometric calculations with balanced equations using moles, representative particles, masses and volumes of gases (at STP).
  • Explain the limiting reagent in a reaction,
  1. Calculate the maximum number of product(s) produced and the amount ofany un-reacted excess reagent.
  2. Given information from which any two of the following may be determined,calculate the third: theoretical yield, actual yield, percentage
  3. Calculate the theoretical yield and the percent yield when given the balancedequation, the amounts of reactants and the actual yield

2.     Atomic Structure

  1. Concept of orbital‟s
  2. Electronic configuration
  • Discovery and properties of proton (positive rays)
  1. Quantum numbers
  2. Shapes of orbital‟s

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe discovery and properties of proton (positive rays)
  2. Define photon as a unit of radiation
  • Describe the concept of
  1. Distinguish among principle energy levels, energy sub-levels, and atomic
  2. Describe the general shapes of s, p, and
  3. Describe the hydrogen atom using the quantum
  • Use the Aufbau Principle, the Pauli Exclusion Principle, and Hund‟s Rule towrite the electronic configuration of the atoms.
  • Write electronic configuration of

3.     Gases

  1. Properties of gases
  2. Gas laws
  • Boyle‟s law
  1. Charles‟s law
  2. General gas equation
  3. Kinetic molecular theory of gases
  • Ideal gas equation

Learning Objectives

  1. List the postulates of kinetic molecular
  2. Describe the motion of particles of a gas according to kinetic
  • State the values of standard temperature and pressure (STP).
  1. Describe the effect of change in pressure on the volume of
  2. Describe the effect of change in temperature on the volume of
  3. Explain the significance of absolute zero, giving its value in degree Celsius and
  • Derive ideal gas equation using Boyle‟s, Charles‟ and Avogadro‟s
  • Explain the significance and different units of ideal gasDistinguish between real and ideal gases

 

4- LIQUIDS

SUBTOPICS

• Properties of liquids

• Intermolecular forces

• Hydrogen bonding

• Vapor pressure

• Boiling point and external pressure

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

4.1. 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.

4.2. Explain physical properties of liquids such as evaporation, vapor pressure, boiling point.

4.3. Describe the hydrogen bonding in H2O, NH3 and HF molecules.

4.4. Anomalous behavior of water when its density shows maximum at 4 degree centigrade

 

6.       Chemical Equilibrium

  1. Reversible and irreversible reactions
  2. State of chemical equilibrium
  • Equilibrium constant expression for important reaction
  1. Applications of equilibrium constant
  2. Solubility product
  3. The Le Chatelier‟s principle
  • Synthesis of ammonia by Haber‟s Process
  • Common ion effect
  1. Buffer solutions
  2. Equilibrium of slightly soluble ionic compounds (solubility product)

Learning Objectives

  1. Define chemical equilibrium in terms of a reversible
  2. 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.
  1. Define and explain solubility
  2. Define and explain the common ion effect giving suitable
  3. Describe buffer solutions and explain types of
  • Explain synthesis of ammonia by Haber‟s

 

 

7.       Reaction Kinetics

  1. Rate of reaction
  2. Determination of the rate of a chemical reaction
  • Factors affecting rate of reaction
  1. Specific rate constant or velocity constant
  2. Units of rate constant
  3. Order of reaction and its determination

Learning Objectives

  1. Define chemical
  2. Explain the terms rate of reaction, rate equation, order of reaction, rate constant and rate determining step.
  • Explain qualitatively factors affecting rate of
  1. Given the order with respect to each reactant, write the rate law for the
  2. Explain the meaning of the terms „activation energy‟ and activated complex‟.
  3. Relate the ideas of activation energy and the activated complex to the rate of a
  • Explain effects of concentration, temperature and surface area on reaction
  • Describe the role of the rate constant in the theoretical determination of reaction

8.       Thermochemistry and energetic of chemical reactions

  1. System, surrounding and state function
  2. Definitions of terms used in thermodynamics
  • Standard states and standard enthalpy changes
  1. Energy in chemical reactions
  2. First Law of thermodynamics
  3. Sign of ΔH
  • Enthalpy of a reaction
  • Hess‟s law of constant heat summation

Learning Objectives

  1. Define
  2. Classify reactions as exothermic or
  • Define the terms system, surrounding, boundary, state function, heat, heatcapacity, internal energy, work done and enthalpy of a substance.
  1. Name and define the units of thermal
  2. Explain the first law of thermodynamics for energy
  3. Apply Hess‟s Law to construct simple energy
  • Describe enthalpy of a

9.       Electrochemistry

  1. Oxidation number or state
  2. Explanation of electrolysis
  • Electrode potential
  1. Balancing of redox equations by ion-electron method
  2. Balancing redox equations by oxidation number change method

Learning Objectives

  1. Give the characteristics of a redox
  2. Define oxidation and reduction in terms of a change in oxidation
  • Use the oxidation-number change method to identify atoms being oxidize doreduced in redox reactions.
  1. Define cathode, anode, electrode potential and H.E (Standard Hydrogen Electrode).
  2. Define the standard electrode potential of an
  3. Use the ion-electron method/oxidation number method to balance chemical

10.  Chemical Bonding

  1. Energetic of bond formation
  2. Atomic sizes
  • Atomic radii
  1. Ionic radii
  2. Covalent radii
  3. Ionization energy
  • Electron affinity
  • Electro negativity
  1. Bond energy
  2. Bond length
  3. Types of bonds
  • Electrovalent or Ionic Bond
  • Covalent bond

Page 20 of 46


  • Co-ordinate or dative covalent bond
  1. Ionic character of covalent bond
  • Sigma and Pi bond
  • Hybridization
  • sp3-Hybridization
  • sp2-Hybridization
  1. sp-hybridization
  • The Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory
  • Postulates of VSEPR theory
  • Applications of VSEPR theory

Learning Objectives

  1. Use VSEPR theory to describe the shapes of
  2. Describe the features of sigma and pi
  • Describe the shapes of simple molecules using orbital
  1. Determine the shapes of some molecules from the number of bonded pairs andlone pairs of electrons around the central atom.
  2. Predict the molecular polarity from the shapes of
  3. Explain what is meant by the term ionic character of a covalent
  • Describe how knowledge of molecular polarity can be used to explain somephysical and chemical properties of molecules.

viii  Define bond energies and explain how they can be used to compare bonds strengths ofdifferent chemical bonds.

viii. 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

  1. Electronic configuration (watch lectures)
  2. Chemical properties of s-block elements
  • Group1 Elements (Alkali Metals)iv.Atomic and Physical properties
  1. Trends in reactivity
  2. Group2 Elements (Alkaline earth metals)
  • Trends in reactivity
  • Physical and chemical properties
  1. Goup trends: atomic radii, ionic radii, electro negativity, ionization potential,electro-positivity or metallic character, melting and boiling points

Learning Objectives

  1. Recognize the demarcation of the periodic table in to s block, p block, d block, and fblock.
  2. 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
  1. Describe reactions of Group II elements with water, oxygen and
  2. Describe reactions of Group III elements with water, oxygen and

12.  Transition Elements

  1. General characteristics

Learning Objectives

  • Describe electronic structures of elements and ions of d-block

ii.             Fundamental principles of organic chemistry

  1. Classification of organic compound
  2. Isomerism

Learning Objectives

  1. Define organic chemistry and organic
  2. Classify organic compounds on structural
  • Define functional
  1. Explain isomerism and its

iii.            Chemistry of hydrocarbons

  1. Open chain and closed chain hydrocarbons
  2. Nomenclature of alkanes, alkenes and alkynes
  • Benzene: Properties, structure, modern representation, reactions, resonancemethod, electrophilic substitution,
  1. The molecular orbital treatment of

Learning Objectives

  1. Classify hydro carbons as aliphatic and
  2. Describe nomenclature of
  • Define free radical initiation, propagation and
  1. Describe the mechanism of free radical substitution in alkanes exemplified bymethane and ethane.
  2. Explain the IUPAC nomenclature of
  3. Explain the shape of ethane molecule in terms of sigma and pi C-C
  • Describe the structure and reactivity of alkenes as exemplified by
  • Define and explain with suitable examples the terms isomerism and structural
  1. Explain dehydration of alcohols and dehydrohalogenation of RX for the preparation of ethane.
  2. Describe the chemistry of alkenes by the following reactions of ethene:
    • Hydrogenation, hydrohalogenation, hydration, halogenation, halohydration, polymerization.

Page 23 of 46

 
   

  1. Explain the shape of the benzene molecule (molecular orbital treatment).
  • Define resonance, resonance energy and relative
  • Compare the reactivity of benzene with alkanes and
  • Describe addition reactions of benzene and
  1. Describe the mechanism of electrophilic substitution in
  • Discuss chemistry of benzene and methylbenzene by nitration, sulphonation,halogenation, Friedal Craft‟s alkylation and
  • Apply the knowledge of positions of substituents in the electrophilic substitution of benzene.
  • Use the IUPAC naming system for
  • Compare the reactivity of alkynes with alkanes, alkenes and
  1. Describe the preparation of alkynes using elimination
  • Describe acidity of
  • Discuss chemistry of alkynes by hydrogenation, hydrohalogenation, and
  • Describe and differentiate between substitution and addition

iv.            Alkyl halides

  1. Classification of alkyl halides
  2. Nomenclature
  • Reactions
  1. Mechanism of nucleophilic substitution reaction SN1, SN2, E1 and E2 reaction

Learning Objectives

  1. Name alkyl halides using IUPAC
  2. Discuss the structure and reactivity of
  • Describe the mechanism and types of nucleophilic substitution
  1. Describe the mechanism and types of elimination

v.              Alcohols and phenols

  1. Alcohols:
  • Classification: Primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols
  • Nomenclature

vi.            Aldehydes and ketones

  1. Nomenclature
  2. Preparation
  • Reactions

Learning Objectives

  1. Explain nomenclature and structure of aldehydes and
  2. Discuss the preparation of aldehydes and
  • Describe reactivity of aldehydes and ketones and their
  1. Describe acid and base catalyzed nucleophilic addition reactions of aldehydesand ketones.
  2. Discuss the chemistry of aldehydes and ketones by their reduction to
  3. Describe oxidation reactions of aldehydes and

vii.          Carboxylic acids

  1. Nomenclature
  2. Classification
  • Physical properties
  1. Preparations of carboxylic acids
  2. Reactivity

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe nomenclature, chemistry and preparation of carboxylic
  2. Discuss reactivity of carboxylic
  • 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.

viii.         Macro molecules

  1. Proteins
  2. Enzymes

Learning Objectives


SECTION V: PHYSICS 

CONTENT LIST FOR PHYSICS

 
   

LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR PHYSICS

1.       Force and motion


Learning Objectives

  1. Describe
  2. Describe average velocity of
  • Interpret displacement-time graph of objects moving along the same straight
  1. Define uniform acceleration
  2. Distinguish between uniform and variable
  3. Explain that projectile motion is two-dimensional motion in a vertical
  • Communicate the ideas of a projectile in the absence of air
  • Explain Horizontal component (VH) of velocity is
  1. Acceleration is in the vertical direction and is the same as that of a verticallyfree-falling object.
  2. Differentiate between the characteristics of horizontal motion and vertical motion
  3. Evaluate, using equations of uniformly accelerated motion for a given initialvelocity of frictionless projectile, the following issues:
    1. How much higher does it go?
    2. How far would it go along the level land?
    3. Where would it be after a given time?
    4. How long will it remain in air?
    5. Determine for a projectile launched from ground height
    6. Launch angle that results in the maximum range
    7. Relation between the launch angles that result in the same
  4. Apply Newton‟s laws to explain the motion of objects in a variety of
  5. Describe the Newton‟s second law of motion as rate of change of
  • Correlate Newton‟s third law of motion and conservation of
  1. Solve different problems of elastic and inelastic collisions between two bodies in one dimension by using law of conservation of momentum.
  2. Describe that momentum is conservational
  3. Prepare Topics Free From https://alicoachingacademy.com/ and study Ali Series Books esp. Chemistry in my Pocket, College Chemistry by Ali Sudais Sir etc.  
  • Identify that for a perfectly elastic collision, the relative speed of approach isequal to the relative speed of separation.

2.  Work and energy

  1. Work
  2. Energy
  • Kinetic energy
  1. Potential energy
  2. Gravitational potential energy
  3. Power

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe the concept of work in terms of the product of force F and displacement d in the direction of force
  2. Define energy
  • Explain kinetic energy
  1. Explain the difference between potential energy and gravitational potential
  2. Describe that the gravitational potential energy is measured from a referencelevel and can be positive or negative, to denote the orientation from the reference level.
  3. Express power as scalar product of force and
  • Explain that work done against friction is dissipated as heat in the
  • State the implications of energy losses in practical devices

3.  Rotational and circular motion

  1. Angular displacement
  2. Revolution
  • Degree
  1. Radian
  2. Angular velocity
  3. Relation between linear and angular variables
  • Relation between linear and angular displacements
  • Relation between linear and angular velocities
  1. Relation between linear and angular accelerations
  2. Centripetal force
  3. Forces causing centripetal acceleration

Learning Objectives

  1. Define angular displacement, express angular displacement in
  2. Define revolution, degree and radian
  3. 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
  1. 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
  • Vibration
  • Time period
  • Frequency

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe the meaning of wave motion as illustrated by vibrations in ropes and
  2. Demonstrate that mechanical waves require a medium for their propagation while electromagnetic waves do not.
  • Define and apply the following terms to the wave model; medium, displacement, amplitude, period, compression, rarefaction, crest, trough, wavelength, velocity.
  1. Solve problems using the equation: v=fl.
  2. Describe that energy is transferred due to a progressive
  3. Compare transverse and longitudinal
  • Explain that speed of sound depends on the properties of medium in which itpropagates and describe Newton‟s formula of speed of
  • Describe the Laplace correction in Newton‟s formula for speed of sound in
  1. Identify the factors on which speed of sound in air
  2. Describe the principle of super position of two waves from coherent
  3. Describe the phenomenon of interference of sound
  • Explain the formation of stationary waves using graphical method
  • Define the terms, node and
  • Describe modes of vibration of

  1. Describe formation of stationary waves in vibrating air
  • Explain the principle of Superposition
  • Explain H.M and explain the characteristics of S.H.M.

5.       Thermodynamics

  1. First law of thermodynamics
  2. Specific heat and Molar specific heat/specific heat capacity

Learning Objectives

  1. Describe that thermal energies transferred from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature.
  2. Differentiate between specific heat and molar specific
  • Calculate work done by a thermodynamic system during a volume
  1. Describe the first law of thermodynamics expressed in terms of the changein internal energy, the heating of the system and work done on the
  2. Explain that first law of thermodynamics expresses the conservation of
  3. Define the terms, specific heat and molar specific heats of a
  • Apply first law of thermodynamics to derive Cp–Cv=

6.       Electrostatics

  1. Coulomb‟s law
  2. Coulomb‟s law in material media
  • Electric field and its intensity
  1. Electric field intensity due to an infinite sheet of charge
  2. Electric field intensity between two oppositely charged parallel plates
  3. Electric potential
  • Capacitor
  • Capacitance of a capacitor and its unit
  1. Capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor
  2. Energy Stored in a Capacitor
  3. Charging and Discharging a Capacitor

Learning Objectives

  1. State Coulomb‟s law and explain that force between two-point charges isreduced in a medium other than free space using Coulomb‟s law
  2. 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 totwo charges with the same or opposite signs
  1. Sketch the electric field lines for two-point charges of equal magnitude with same oropposite signs
  2. Describe and draw the electric field due to an infinite size conducting plateof positive or negative charge
  3. Define electric potential at a point in terms of the work done in bringing unit positivecharge from infinity to that point
  • Define the unit of potential
  • Derive an expression for electric potential at a point due to a point charge
  1. Demonstrate charging and discharging of a capacitor through a resistance

7.       Current Electricity

  1. Ohm‟s Law
  2. Electrical resistance
  • Specific resistance or resistivity
  1. Effect of temperature on resistance
  2. Temperature coefficient of resistance
  3. Variation of resistivity with temperature
  • Internal resistance of a supply
  • Electric power
  1. Unit of electric power
  2. Kilowatt-hours

Learning Outcomes

  1. Describe the concept of steady
  2. State Ohm‟s
  • Define resistivity and explain its dependence upon
  1. Explain the internal resistance of sources and its consequences for external
  2. Describe the conditions for maximum power

8.                   Electromagnetism

  1. Magnetic field
  2. Magnetic Flux
  • Magnetic Flux Density

Learning outcome

  1. Define magnetic flux density and its
  2. Describe the concept of magnetic flux(Ø) as scalar product of magneticfield(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 fieldin a direction perpendicular to the field.
  1. Explain that a force may act on a charged particle in a uniform magnetic

9.  Electromagnetic induction

  1. Electromagnetic induction
  2. Faraday‟s Law
  • Lenz‟s Law
  1. Lenz‟s Law and conservation of energy
  2. Generating electricity-Alternating Current Generator
  3. Transformers

Learning Objectives

  1. State Faraday‟s law of electromagnetic
  2. Account for Lenz‟s law to predict the direction of an induced current

13.  Nuclear Physics

  1. Spontaneous and random nuclear decay/the law of radioactive decay
  2. Half Life and rate of decay

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 arenot exclusive to one particular type of Syllabus.

OBJECTIVES

  1. To ensure complete alignment between the English Syllabus used in varioussectors at the HSSCand CIE level and the test items
  2. To create a balance of items from different benchmarks of the EnglishSyllabus outlined forMDCAT
  • To make sure that difficult and ambiguous items beyond the scope of highschool educationare not included
  1. To design the test specifications
  2. To design, select, and arrange test task items

BENCHMARKS AND CONTENTS

Objective

Benchmark

Contents

1. Comprehend key

Use one or more of the

High and low frequency

vocabulary

following strategies to determine meaning of key

words from the course book or to be selected from similar

 

vocabulary:

contexts or the contexts the

 

1.1 contextual clues and illustrations

HSSC and CIE students may be familiar with

 

1.2 background or prior knowledge

 

 

1.3 morphology, syntax,

phonics, knowledge of word relationships

 

 

1.4 knowledge of synonyms, antonyms, homophones

 

2. Demonstrate control of tenses and sentence

2.1 Use correct tenses and sentence structure in writing

All present, past tenses Four types of sentences,

structure

2.2 Identify mistakes in the use of tenses and sentence structure in written texts

Conditionals Types of clauses Fragments

3. Demonstrate ability to

differentiate between correct and incorrect structure of

3.1 Identify sentences with

correct grammatical and style structures

Use the texts prescribed/

used in HSSC or CIE for differentiating between

sentences & Use of writing conventions of spelling,

capitalization and

3.2 Identify sentences with

incorrect grammatical and style structures

correctly and incorrectly written sentences

Punctuation

3.3 Identify Use inappropriate capitalization and

punctuation such as semi

The test items to be selectedfrom the type of texts written by HSSC

and CIEstudents and

 

colons, commas in a series,

from the contexts

 

apostrophes in possessives,

common to both the

 

proper nouns, and

streams

 

abbreviations

 


4. Demonstrate correct use of subject-verb agreement & of articles and prepositions

4.1. use correct subject-verb agreement in written texts

4.2. Identify mistakes in the use of subject verb- agreement in written texts

4.3. Use appropriate articles and prepositions in differentwritten contexts

4.4. Identify mistakes in the use of articles and prepositions in sentences orshort texts

4.5. 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 the degree of their complexity

The test items to be selectedfrom the contexts common to the texts at HSSC and CIE level

5.    Demonstrate   ability                 to

5.1 Identify errors of word

Use the texts and sentences

identify                      mistakes                in

order, style, vocabulary etc.

prescribed/ used in HSSC or

sentences or  short  written

in sentences

CIE       for             differentiating

texts. These errors could be

 

between                    correctly               and

of inappropriate word order,

 

incorrectly written

vocabulary etc.

 

sentences

6 Demonstrate ability to comprehend short written text and select the most appropriate responses

6.1  comprehend simple, brief passages

6.2  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:

 
   

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1.     Critical thinking

Critical thinking is a process of evaluation which uses logic to separate truth from falsehood, reasonable from unreasonable beliefs.

 
   

“Probably

True”, “Insufficient Data to Say True or False”, “Probably False”, or “False” – based purely on  the

each

year, with 2018 being the strongest year yet. To celebrate, Ahmed treated his staff to a meal at a 5- star

2.     Letters and 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

 
   

3.     Logical deductions

Logical reasoning is a type of thinking in which statements and relations between statements are usedin 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

 
   

4.     Logical problems

Logic problems are puzzles which require people to use deductive reasoning skills, meaning they  needto 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:

  1. Some proses are II. Some epics  are lullabies.
  • Some songs are

 

Which of the following is most appropriate in the above case?

  1. Only II
  2. Only III
  3. I, II and III are inappropriate

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

 
   

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 appropriateE if both I and II  are most appropriate

6.     Cause and 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:

  1. The standard of living of people of the average income group has been rising since the last two
  2. Pakistani economy has been showing a significant
    1. Statement I is the cause and statement II is its
    2. Statement II is the cause and statement I is its
    3. Both the statements I and II are independent
    4. Both the statements I and II are effects of independent
    5. Both the statements I and II are effects of some common

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