The
Scientific Basis of Clinical Practice
Exam Format
2 papers:Paper 1 - Write ‘short notes’ on….
Paper 2 – Standard MCQs &
single best answer type….
Paper 1
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12 questions in total
2 hours (120mins) – 10mins per Q
67% of total mark for SBCP
Pass mark – ‘standard set’
• ANSWER ALL Qs!!
Paper 1 - Five subsections
• Section A – Pathology
• Section B – The individual in society
• Section C – Medical microbiology
• Section D - Therapeutics
• Section E – Clinical Biochemistry
NB. No Haematology ‘short notes’
Section A - Pathology
• Eight questions
• Ten minutes per Q – 1hr 20mins on pathology
• Approx 44.6% of total marks for SBCP!
PLAN your answer!
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Short ‘intro’ - basic epidemiological details
Aetiology
Pathogenesis
Describe the appearance – macroscopic / microscopic
List the clinical features
Describe possible complications and disease sequelae
Outline prognosis
Don’t list words!
Think about the question!
Answer logically!
Other sections
• B- Individual in Society
• 1 question – 10mins - ~ 5.6%
• C- Medical microbiology
• 1 question – 10mins - ~ 5.6%
• D- Therapeutics
• 1 question – 10mins - ~ 5.6%
• E- Clinical Biochemistry
• 1 question – 10mins - ~ 5.6%
Paper 2 – ‘MCQs’ – 33%
2 sections - 50 Qs – each worth 0.66%
• Section A – 35 Standard MCQs ~ 23%
- pathology
• Section B – 15 Single Best Answers ~ 10%
– medical microbiology, haematology,
therapeutics, clinical biochemistry
NB. No Individual in society Qs
Section A- Pathology MCQs
35 Standard MCQs:• 5 stems
• ANY or NONE of stems may be TRUE
• Answer ALL parts (ie. either T or F)
• Incorrect answers or questions not
answered = zero
• NO negative marks!
Section B – Single Best Answer Qs
15 single best answer type:• 5 stems
• ONLY ONE stem is CORRECT per Q
• Mark only ONE part (ie. A or B or C or D or E)
• Incorrect answers or questions not
answered = zero
• NO negative marks!
Summary
Total percentage for SBCP exam
~ 67%
~ 33%
NB!!
- Pathology
- Medical Microbiology,Therapeutics,
Clinical Biochemistry, Haematology,
Individual in Society
Pathology > Med Microbiology,Therapeutics and Clinical
Biochemistry > Haematology and the Individual in
Society
GOOD LUCK!