AKU MBBS Admission Test Science Reasoning Syllabus

Science Reasoning syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Science Reasoning in AKU MBBS Admission Test, not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Data Interpretation

   3 topics

   • Graphs and Trends
   • Tables and Data Sets
   • Reading Experimental Figures
2. 2

   Experimental Design

   3 topics

   • Hypotheses and Variables
   • Evaluating Experimental Methods
   • Drawing Valid Conclusions
3. 3

   Scientific Inquiry and Inference

   3 topics

   • Pattern Recognition in Data
   • Cause and Effect Reasoning
   • Predicting Outcomes
4. 4

   Conflicting Viewpoints

   3 topics

   • Comparing Competing Hypotheses
   • Identifying Assumptions
   • Weighing Evidence
5. 5

   Applied Science Concepts

   2 topics

   • Applying Biology Concepts to Novel Contexts
   • Applying Chemistry and Physics to Scenarios

Science Reasoning flashcards for AKU MBBS Admission Test

22 of 50 cards from the Science Reasoning deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. On a line graph, what does a steeper slope of the line indicate about the relationship between the two variables?

   A steeper slope means a greater rate of change — the dependent variable changes more rapidly per unit change in the independent variable.

2. What is the difference between a positive (direct) correlation and a negative (inverse) correlation on a graph?

   In a positive correlation both variables increase together (upward slope); in a negative correlation one variable increases as the other decreases (downward slope).

3. On a graph, what does a plateau (flat horizontal region) of the curve represent?

   It represents a region where the dependent variable stays constant despite changes in the independent variable — often indicating saturation or a limiting factor.

4. How do you determine the value of one variable at a given value of another using a line graph?

   Locate the given value on its axis, draw a vertical/horizontal line to the curve, then read across/down to the other axis (interpolation).

5. What is the difference between interpolation and extrapolation when reading a graph?

   Interpolation estimates values within the measured data range; extrapolation predicts values beyond the measured range and is less reliable.

6. In Science Reasoning, what does the point of intersection of two curves on a graph typically represent?

   It represents the condition(s) at which both variables/treatments have equal values — an equilibrium or crossover point.

7. On a graph, how is the rate of a process at a specific instant determined from a curved line?

   By calculating the slope (gradient) of the tangent drawn to the curve at that point.

8. When reading a data table, what should you check first before interpreting the numbers?

   The column/row headings and their units, plus any footnotes — to know exactly what each value represents.

9. In a data table, what does a trend (consistent increase or decrease) across a row or column indicate?

   A systematic relationship between the manipulated variable and the measured variable as one changes.

10. How do you identify the anomalous (outlier) value in a data set?

    Find the value that does not fit the established pattern/trend of the surrounding data and deviates markedly from expected results.

11. In a data set, what does a large range or spread of repeated measurements indicate about the data?

    Low precision / high random error — the measurements are not reliably reproducible.

12. Why are repeated measurements averaged in experimental tables?

    To reduce the effect of random error and give a more reliable, representative value.

13. When reading an experimental figure (apparatus diagram), what should you identify to understand the setup?

    What variable is being manipulated, what is measured, the control conditions, and the function of each labelled component.

14. On a bar chart, what is being compared, and how does it differ from a line graph?

    A bar chart compares discrete categories/groups; a line graph shows continuous change in a variable, usually over a continuous independent variable.

15. What do error bars on a graph or chart represent?

    The uncertainty or variability in a measurement (e.g. standard deviation, standard error, or range).

16. If error bars of two groups overlap substantially, what can you conclude about the difference between them?

    The difference is likely not statistically significant — it may be due to chance/variability.

17. Define the independent variable in an experiment.

    The variable that the experimenter deliberately changes or manipulates to test its effect.

18. Define the dependent variable in an experiment.

    The variable that is measured and is expected to respond to changes in the independent variable.

19. What are controlled variables (constants) in an experiment?

    All other variables kept constant so they do not affect the outcome, ensuring a fair test of the independent variable.

20. What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

    To provide a baseline for comparison — it does not receive the experimental treatment, isolating the effect of the independent variable.

21. What is a testable hypothesis?

    A specific, falsifiable predictive statement about the relationship between variables that can be supported or refuted by experiment.

22. What is the difference between a null hypothesis and an alternative hypothesis?

    The null hypothesis states there is no effect/difference; the alternative hypothesis states there is a real effect or relationship.

See more Science Reasoning flashcards →

Planning Science Reasoning for AKU MBBS Admission Test

Science Reasoning (AKU MBBS Admission Test) FAQ