Foundation 1 Module Study Guide
Foundation 1 Module Study Guide
SARGODHA
STUDY GUIDE
FOUNDATION -1 MODULE
1ST YEAR MBBS
ACADEMIC SESSION 2025-26
FOUNDATION-I MODULE Page |1
DISCLAIMER
This study guide is subjected to the change and modification over the whole academic
year.
It is to declare that the learning objectives (general and specific) and the distribution of
assessment tools (both theory and practical) are obtained from Niazi Medical College,
Sargodha. These can be obtained from: [Link]
The time tables are for guiding purpose. It is to advise that final timetables are always
displayed over the notice boards of each lecture hall.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
S No Content Page No
1. Module Committee 3
2. Introduction to Study Guide 4
3. Integrated Curriculum 4
4. Organization of Module 5
5. Integrated Disciplines in Module 6
6. Module Outcomes 7
7. Themes 8
8. Specific Learning Objectives 9
9. Assessment tools 30
10. Professional Examination Criteria 31
11. Marks Distribution 32
12. Table of Specification 32
13. Resources 33
FOUNDATION-I MODULE Page |3
MODULE COMMITTEE
Module Team
Psychiatry (Behavioral
16. Dr. Maj. (Rt) Amin Member
Science)
17. Dr. Rabia Mushtaq Gynecology Member
FOUNDATION-I MODULE Page |4
Module Outcomes:
Provides a list of learning resources such as books, computer-assisted learning programs,
web links, and journals, for students to consult in order to maximize their learning.
Highlights information on the contribution of continuous on the student’s overall performance.
Includes information on the assessment methods that will be held to determine every
student’s performance.
Achievement of Objectives:
- Focuses on information pertaining to examination policy, rules and regulations.
Integrated Curriculum:
An integrated curriculum is all about making connections, whether to real life or across the
disciplines, about skills or about knowledge. An integrated curriculum fuses subject areas,
experiences, and real-life knowledge together to make a more fulfilling and tangible learning
environment for students. Integrated teaching means that subjects are presented as a meaningful
whole. Students will be able to have better understanding of basic sciences when they repeatedly
learn in relation to clinical examples. Case based discussions, computer-based assignments, early
exposure to clinics, wards, and skills acquisition in skills lab are characteristics of integrated teaching
program.
FOUNDATION– I MODULE
Page |5
ORGANIZATION OF MODULE
Introduction
The cell is a structural and functional unit of life and has a role in normal homeostasis ensuring
appropriate cellular functions. Hence, this module has been designed to introduce a blend of
molecular, genetic, anatomical, physiological, and psychosocial information essential for developing
a perspective on the function of the human body in health and disease. Besides, an initial orientation
to pharmacology and pathology subject has been provided so that students are able to use this
information in the coming modules.
This study guide has been developed to help guide you and keep you focused on the objectives for
this module.
Welcome to the field of medicine and hope that the journey ahead will be exciting and fulfilling for
you all!!
The following teaching / learning methods are used to promote better understanding:
1. Interactive Lectures
2. Hospital / Clinic visits
3. Small Group Discussion
4. Practical
5. Skills session in skill labs
6. Case-Based Learning (tutorials)
7. Directed Self-Learning
Interactive lectures:
An interactive lecture is an easy way for instructors to intellectually engage and involve students
as active participants in a lecture - based class of any size.
Skills session:
Skills relevant to respective module are observed and practiced where applicable in skills
laboratory or Laboratories of various departments.
A small group discussion format where learning is focused on a series of questions based on
a clinical scenario. Students discuss and answer the questions by applying relevant knowledge
FOUNDATION– I MODULE
Page |6
gained previously in clinical and basic health sciences during the module and construct new
knowledge. The CBD will be provided by the concerned department. It is an active learning &
teaching strategy which promotes application of foundational knowledge in relevant clinical
scenarios.
MODULE OUTCOMES
By the end of Foundation I module, students of 1st year MBBS will be able to
Describe the microscopic features of nerve cells, muscle cells, general features of epithelia
of the body.
Appraise the functional characteristics of various components of cell membrane and
organelles of cell.
Differentiate between the dynamics of various transport mechanisms along the cell
membrane.
Compare the functional differences between RBCs, WBCs and blood groups.
Explain the significance of homeostatic mechanisms in keeping body's internal environment
nearly constant.
Evaluate the formation and functions of autonomic nervous system.
Correlate the structural design of each organ to its function.
Acquire information about the different fascial planes in the different regions of the body &
their surgical importance.
Use descriptive anatomical terms of position to describe the different body structures in
relation to each other.
Describe the movements of body using proper anatomical terms of movement.
Describe and demonstrate the various bony landmarks.
Describe the types of joints and correlate them to the mechanisms of movement.
Categorize bones, joints, and muscles according to their structural composition, functional
significance, and evolutionary origins.
Analyze muscle-associated structures and elucidate their functional interrelationships.
Systematically classify and describe the cardiovascular system, highlighting its functional
integration.
Expand on the anatomical foundations relevant to radiological and cross-sectional imaging.
Investigate the clinic-pathological implications of apoptosis in health and disease contexts.
FOUNDATION– I MODULE
Page |8
MODULE THEMES
S. No Theme Duration
1 week
4. Body’s Defense System
1 week
5. Structural & Tissue Organization
1 week
6. Growth & Development
FOUNDATION– I MODULE
Page |9
ANATOMY
GENERAL ANATOMY
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
Briefly describe the applied branches of SGD C2 MCQs,
anatomy. (Dissection OSVE, OSPE
Describe the "Anatomical Position". Hall & C2
Museum)
Introduction to Describe the anatomical planes of body. C2
General Describe the terms of relationship, C2
Anatomy commonly used in Anatomy.
Describe the anatomical terms used C2
specifically for Limbs.
Describe the terms related to movements C2
Describe, identify, and exemplify the SGD C2 MCQs,
general morphological features of bones. (Dissection OSVE, OSPE
Describe the developmental classification Hall & C2
of bones. Museum)
Describe the regional classification of C2
bones.
Describe the morphological classification C2
of bones.
Describe and exemplify Sesamoid, C2
Pneumatic, Wormian and Heterotopic
bones.
Bones Describe the general features of adult C2
typical long bone.
(Osteology) Describe the types of epiphyses C2
Discuss the general concept of C2
ossification (primary and secondary
centers and rule of ossification)
Describe the relationship of growing end C2
of bones with the direction of nutrient
foramen
Describe the blood supply of various C2
types of bones.
Describe the salient features of common C2
types of fractures and basic concept of
healing of fracture.
Describe the general features of cartilage SGD C2 MCQs,
and its importance in gross anatomy. (Dissection OSPE, OSVE
Cartilage Describe the subtypes and gross features Hall & C2
(Chondrology) Museum)
of Hyaline, elastic and fibro Cartilage.
Differentiate the three types of cartilages C2
Explain with examples the structural SGD C2 MCQs,
Joints classification of Joints (synovial, (Dissection OSPE, OSVE
(Arthrology) cartilaginous & fibrous) along with their Hall &
sub-classification. Museum)
FOUNDATION– I MODULE
P a g e | 10
PHYSIOLOGY
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
Define Homeostasis LGIS / C1 MCQs, ,
SGD OSVE, OSPE
Explain control system of body by giving C2
examples.
Differentiate between Extracellular and C3
Hemostasis Intracellular Fluids.
Explain the positive and negative C2
feedback mechanisms with examples. CBL
Explain the significance of feed forward/ C2
adaptive control/delayed negative
feedback mechanisms.
Define normal body temperature, LGIS C1
mechanism of heat production and heat
Temperature loss.
Describe regulation of body temperature C2
Regulation
(role of hypothalamus)
Explain abnormalities of body C2
temperature regulation
Explain the structure of cell membrane. LGIS C2 MCQs, OSVE
Enlist the types of cell membrane C1
proteins.
Cell Membrane Enumerate the functions of membrane C1
proteins.
Enumerate the functions of cell C1
Glycocalyx.
Enlist membranous and non- LGIS / C1 MCQs, OSVE
membranous organelles. SGD
Enlist the self-replicative organelles. C2
Differentiate between the functions of
smooth and rough endoplasmic
reticulum.
Cell Organelles Explain the functions of Golgi apparatus.
Enlist the enzymes of lysosomes.
Explain the functions of lysosomes.
Enlist the enzymes of peroxisomes.
Explain the functions of peroxisomes.
Enumerate the components and
functions of cytoskeleton.
Define and enlist types of endocytosis. LGIS/ C2 MCQs, OSVE
SGD
Explain the mechanism of pinocytosis. C2
Classify different transport mechanisms. C2
Compare the composition of Na C2
Cell Transport (Sodium), K (Potassium) and Cl
(Chloride) in extracellular and
intracellular fluid.
Define and enlist different types of C1
diffusion.
Explain the process of facilitated diffusion C2
FOUNDATION– I MODULE
P a g e | 21
BIOCHEMISTRY
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
Differentiate between different types of LGIS & C2 MCQs, ,
cells. SGD OSVE
Structure of Explain the concept of organization of C2
Cell cells to tissue, tissues to organ, organs
to system.
Differentiate between the eukaryotic and C2
prokaryotic cells.
Describe the composition and structure LGIS & C2 MCQs, ,
of cell on biochemical basis. OSVE
SGD
Justify cell membrane as fluid mosaic C2
model.
Describe the structure and function of C2
Cell cell membrane with particular reference
Membrane to the role of
1. Lipids
2. Carbohydrates
3. Proteins
Explain why the cell membrane is called C2
fluid mosaic model.
FOUNDATION– I MODULE
P a g e | 23
PRACTICAL
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
Demonstrate the step taken to prevent Practical C2 / P OSPE /
Lab Hazards or rectify the laboratory hazards. Lab OSVE
Cell Identify the methods of isolation of cell C2 / P
Organelles organelles.
Identify the different parts of equipment C2 / P
Equipment i.e., centrifuge, Microlab,
Electrophoresis, Hot Oven, water bath.
Detection of amino acids by paper C2 / P
Chromato- chromatography.
graphy Prepare different types of solution Molar, C2 / P
Molal, normal and percentage.
COMMUNITY MEDICINE
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
Describe the changing concepts and LGIS C2 MCQs
Concept of new philosophy of health.
Health Explain responsibility for health. C2
Explain dimensions and determinants C2
of health and their role in achieving
Positive Health positive health.
Dimensions, Discuss concept of health and LGIS C2
Health wellbeing.
Determinants
Describe the Physical quality of Life C2
Index & Human Development Index.
Describe the importance of health LGIS C2
indicators.
Classify health indicators. C2
Health
Calculate Morbidity and Mortality. C2
Indicators
Describe Disability indicators and C2
compare indicators among different
countries.
Conceptualize disease causation and LGIS C2 MCQs
natural history of disease.
Explain germ theory & multifactorial C2
Disease causation.
Causation Discuss epidemiological triad and C2
web of disease causation
Describe Gradient of infection. C2
Describe principles of prevention and LGIS C2 MCQs
control on prevalent diseases.
Explain difference between elimination C2
Disease and eradication.
Prevention Describe disease surveillance, types C2
and cycle.
Explain Primary, secondary, & tertiary C2
prevention of diseases.
FOUNDATION– I MODULE
P a g e | 26
BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
Discuss importance of behavioral LGIS C2 MCQs
science in medicine.
Identify the biological Basis of human C2
Biological Basis behavior.
of Behavior Describe processes such as C2
neurobiology of memory, emotions,
sleep, learning, motivation, sex,
arousal, reward and punishment
Identify the burden of mental illness LGIS C1 MCQs
Psychological on the person, family and society.
Disorders Describe intellectual disability, mental C2
disorders and personality disorders.
Identify the role of psychosocial LGIS C1 MCQs
factors in various illnesses.
Describe psychosocial aspects of C2
various system diseases such as
Cardio-vascular system
(CVS),
Psychology and
Central Nervous System
Disease (CNS),
Gastro Intestinal Tract (GIT),
Respiratory system
Renal system
Endocrine system
Cancer
Discuss Health belief model, LGIS C2 MCQs
treatment compliance and its
Behavioral psychosocial factors, social factors in
Factors & drugs prescription and drug
Pharmacological resistance.
Treatment Enlist the behavioral factors C1
associated with pharmacological
treatment of diseases
Identify the rehabilitation work for LGIS C2 MCQs
patients on dialysis and any kind of
Palliative Care physical disability
Discuss the care requirements in C2
chronic debilitating conditions.
Enlist the various physiological effects LGIS C1
of stress.
Stress Describe behavioral manifestations of C2
stress, stress related multiple
sclerosis and autoimmune diseases.
FOUNDATION– I MODULE
P a g e | 27
PHARMACOLOGY
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
Define Basic terms of General LGIS C1 MCQs
Pharmacology: Drug, Pro-Drug,
Placebo, Prototype drug, Orphan
Drug, Essential drug, Pharmacology,
Pharmaco-
First Pass effect, Volume of
kinetics
Distribution, Pharmacokinetics,
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism,
Elimination, Excretion,
Biotransformation
Define the following terms: LGIS C1 MCQs
Pharmacodynamics, Receptor,
Pharmaco-
Potency, Efficacy, Affinity, Agonist,
dynamics
Partial Agonist, Inverse Agonist,
Antagonist.
Classify types of autonomic receptor LGIS C2 MCQs
Autonomic (adrenergic and cholinergic) along
System with their location, actions and
post receptor mechanism.
PRACTICAL
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
PATHOLOGY
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
Discuss the significance of pathology. LGIS C2 MCQs
Discuss the causes of cell injury. C2
Enlist the types of cell injury. C1
Describe the mechanism of cell injury. C2
Enumerate the types of cell death. C1
Define necrosis and apoptosis. C1
Describe different types of necrosis. . C2
GYNECOLOGY
Teaching Levels
Topic Specific Learning Objectives Assessment
strategy C/P/A
Describe the hormonal control of LGIS C2 MCQs, ,
Female female reproductive cycles OSVE, OSPE
Reproductive Describe the steps of the ovarian C2
Cycle cycle
Describe the process of ovulation C2
FOUNDATION– I MODULE
P a g e | 29
TIME TABLES:
The timetables for the module will be shared via WhatsApp groups and the notice boards in advance.
ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGIES:
Multiple choice questions (MCQ/) are a form of assessment for which students are asked to select
the best choice from a list of answers.
MCQ/SEQ consists of a stem and a set of options. The stem is usually the first part of the
assessment that presents the question as a problem to be solved; the question can be an incomplete
statement which requires to be completed and can include a graph, a picture or any other relevant
information. The options are the possible answers that the student can choose from, with the correct
answer called the key and the incorrect answers called distractors.
Correct answer carries one mark, and incorrect ‘zero mark’. There is NO negative marking.
Students mark their responses on specified computer-based sheet designed for the college.
The block exam will comprise of 90 MCQ/ 10 each of 5 marks and will be compiled according to the
shared blueprint.
INTERNAL EVALUATION:
Internal evaluation is a process of quality review undertaken within an institution for its own ends.
As per PM&DC and UHS regulations, 20 % on internal assessment will be observed in each block.
Internal assessment and block result will be submitted to UHS after completion of each block.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT:
PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION:
Criteria for appearing in Professional examination are according to rules and regulations shared by
UHS which are available on their website. The criteria is;
At least 75 % cumulative attendance in all blocks
Certificate of good conduct from college
Certificate of having appeared in all block exams conducted by the college with at least 50
% cumulative percentage in aggregate of blocks 1,2 and 3 for the 1st Year.
Certificate of having attended not less than cumulative 75% of the full course of lectures
delivered and practical conducted in the particular academic session, while maintaining 75
% attendance in each block.
FOUNDATION– I MODULE P a g e | 33
Marks Distribution
Written
Oral / Practical / Clinical Exam
Exam
Theme Subject OSPE OSCE
MCQs OSVE
(08 (05
Marks
(14 Marks
Marks Marks Marks
each)
each) each)
Physiology &
37 3 - 1 38
Normal Applied / Clinical
Function Biochemistry &
34 2 - 1 30
Applied / Clinical
Community
Medicine Public 06 - - - -
Disease Burden
Health
& Prevention
Behavioral 05 - - - -
Sciences
Pathology 13 1 - - 8
Pathophysiolog
y & Pharmaco-
therapeutics Pharmacology 05 1 - - 8
Physiology
Guyton and Hall Physiology (14th Ed)
Essentials of Medical Physiology by Mushtaq Ahmed
Biochemistry
Harpers Illustrated Biochemistry (32nd Ed)
Lippincott’s Biochemistry
Essentials of Medical Biochemistry vol 1&2 by Mushtaq Ahmed.
Community Medicine:
Parks Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine. K. Park (Editor)
Pathology:
Vinary Kumar, Abdul K. Abbas and Nelson Fausto Robbins and Cotran, Pathologic Basis Of
Disease. WB Saunders.
Pharmacology:
Basic and Clinical Pharmacology by Katzung, McGraw-Hill.
Behavioral Sciences:
Handbook of Behavioral Sciences by Prof. Mowaddat [Link], 3rd Edition
Apart from these resource learning, students can consult books available in library or recommended
by the specialty experts.