,Preface
Both MRCP (UK) parts 1 and 2 examinations require a sound knowledge and
understanding of the basic sciences. This concise but comprehensive revision
guide summarizes the core basic sciences relevant to the MRCP examination in
eight chapters: Genetics and molecular medicine, Microbiology, Immunology,
Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Cell biology and clinical chemistry,
Statistics and epidemiology, and Clinical pharmacology. It is intended primarily
for MRCP part 1 and 2 candidates, although those studying for other
postgraduate examinations, such as the US Medical Licensing Examination
(MLE) and PLAB, may also find it useful. Information is presented in the form of
lists, tables, flow diagrams and simple illustrations, and each chapter is
prefaced by a summary of the key topics covered to provide a useful
framework for revision of the important concepts and facts. No book of this
length covering such a wide area could hope to be comprehensive, and I have
therefore concentrated on recurring examination themes, topical issues, and
recent developments reported in the scientific and medical literature. When a
particular topic is unfamiliar or a point needs further clarification, one of the
many excellent basic science textbooks should be consulted. A number of
practice Best of Five MCQs in the basic sciences for MRCP are also available.
In this third edition, all chapters have been extensively updated with new
material to reflect recent developments, particularly in molecular medicine,
immunology and microbiology. We have also improved the layout. Topics of
particular relevance are highlighted in shaded boxes; and a second colour has
been used to enhance the clarity of tables and figures.
Acknowledgements
I am grateful to many former colleagues in Oxford, Baltimore and London who
provided vaiuable criticism on earlier editions. Thanks also to the team at
Elsevier in Edinburgh for their project management ar]d to David Gardner for his
skilled art work.
I would appreciate any corrections, clarifications or suggestions for future
editions.
London PJE
The MRCP (UK) Part 1 Examination
The purpose of the MRCP Part 1 exam is to test the candidates' broad
knowledge and understanding of basic clinical science; their awareness of
important new advances in disease mechanisms; and their ability to apply their
knowledge and problem-solving skills to clinical situations.
The MRCP Part 1 exam consists of two papers, each lasting three hours.
Each paper comprises 100 MCQs in a 'Best of Five' format, where a candidate
must choose one best answer from five possible answers. Each MCQ has a
question stem, which may contain clinical information, followed by five
branches. Candidates are required to select the Qne branch that represents the
best answer to the question. There is no negative marking, and one mark is
awarded for each correct answer. No marks are given for an incorrect answer,
or for answers in excess of the one required. Normal ranges for all laboratory
measurements are quoted in the exam paper.
,The general composition of the paper by topic and speciality is as follows:
Basic and clinical science questions comprise at least 25% of the paper with
25 questions
Cell, molecular and membrane biology 2
Clinical anatomy 3
Clinical biochemistry and metabolism 4
Clinical physiology 4
Genetics 3
Immunology 4
Statistics, epidemiology and evidence-based medicine 5
Clinical pharmacology, therapeutics and toxicology account for 15 questions
Clinical specialities account for 60 questions, but many of these questions also
test knowledge of underlying scientific principles.
Cardiology 15
Gastroenterology and hepatology 15
Clinical haematology and oncology 15
Infectious and sexually transmitted diseases 15
Endocrinology 15
Nephrology 8
Neurology 15
Respiratory medicine 15
Rheumatology 15
Psychiatry 15
Dermatology 8
Ophthalmology 4
Questions in each speciality are randomized across both papers. Further details
on the exam are available from www.mrcpuk.org/mrcppt.
, Contents
1 GENETICS AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE 1
2 MICROBIOLOGY 39
3 IMMUNOLOGY 87
4 ANATOMY 133
5 PHYSIOLOGY 179
6 BIOCHEMISTRY, CELL BIOLOGY AND
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY 239
7 STATISTICS AND EPIDEMIOLOGY 305
8 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 337
INDEX 415
Both MRCP (UK) parts 1 and 2 examinations require a sound knowledge and
understanding of the basic sciences. This concise but comprehensive revision
guide summarizes the core basic sciences relevant to the MRCP examination in
eight chapters: Genetics and molecular medicine, Microbiology, Immunology,
Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Cell biology and clinical chemistry,
Statistics and epidemiology, and Clinical pharmacology. It is intended primarily
for MRCP part 1 and 2 candidates, although those studying for other
postgraduate examinations, such as the US Medical Licensing Examination
(MLE) and PLAB, may also find it useful. Information is presented in the form of
lists, tables, flow diagrams and simple illustrations, and each chapter is
prefaced by a summary of the key topics covered to provide a useful
framework for revision of the important concepts and facts. No book of this
length covering such a wide area could hope to be comprehensive, and I have
therefore concentrated on recurring examination themes, topical issues, and
recent developments reported in the scientific and medical literature. When a
particular topic is unfamiliar or a point needs further clarification, one of the
many excellent basic science textbooks should be consulted. A number of
practice Best of Five MCQs in the basic sciences for MRCP are also available.
In this third edition, all chapters have been extensively updated with new
material to reflect recent developments, particularly in molecular medicine,
immunology and microbiology. We have also improved the layout. Topics of
particular relevance are highlighted in shaded boxes; and a second colour has
been used to enhance the clarity of tables and figures.
Acknowledgements
I am grateful to many former colleagues in Oxford, Baltimore and London who
provided vaiuable criticism on earlier editions. Thanks also to the team at
Elsevier in Edinburgh for their project management ar]d to David Gardner for his
skilled art work.
I would appreciate any corrections, clarifications or suggestions for future
editions.
London PJE
The MRCP (UK) Part 1 Examination
The purpose of the MRCP Part 1 exam is to test the candidates' broad
knowledge and understanding of basic clinical science; their awareness of
important new advances in disease mechanisms; and their ability to apply their
knowledge and problem-solving skills to clinical situations.
The MRCP Part 1 exam consists of two papers, each lasting three hours.
Each paper comprises 100 MCQs in a 'Best of Five' format, where a candidate
must choose one best answer from five possible answers. Each MCQ has a
question stem, which may contain clinical information, followed by five
branches. Candidates are required to select the Qne branch that represents the
best answer to the question. There is no negative marking, and one mark is
awarded for each correct answer. No marks are given for an incorrect answer,
or for answers in excess of the one required. Normal ranges for all laboratory
measurements are quoted in the exam paper.
,The general composition of the paper by topic and speciality is as follows:
Basic and clinical science questions comprise at least 25% of the paper with
25 questions
Cell, molecular and membrane biology 2
Clinical anatomy 3
Clinical biochemistry and metabolism 4
Clinical physiology 4
Genetics 3
Immunology 4
Statistics, epidemiology and evidence-based medicine 5
Clinical pharmacology, therapeutics and toxicology account for 15 questions
Clinical specialities account for 60 questions, but many of these questions also
test knowledge of underlying scientific principles.
Cardiology 15
Gastroenterology and hepatology 15
Clinical haematology and oncology 15
Infectious and sexually transmitted diseases 15
Endocrinology 15
Nephrology 8
Neurology 15
Respiratory medicine 15
Rheumatology 15
Psychiatry 15
Dermatology 8
Ophthalmology 4
Questions in each speciality are randomized across both papers. Further details
on the exam are available from www.mrcpuk.org/mrcppt.
, Contents
1 GENETICS AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE 1
2 MICROBIOLOGY 39
3 IMMUNOLOGY 87
4 ANATOMY 133
5 PHYSIOLOGY 179
6 BIOCHEMISTRY, CELL BIOLOGY AND
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY 239
7 STATISTICS AND EPIDEMIOLOGY 305
8 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 337
INDEX 415
