AIIMS MBBS 1st Semester Syllabus: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction

Aspiring medical students often wonder about the intricacies and subjects that make up the initial phases of their MBBS curriculum. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the first semester syllabus for the MBBS program at AIIMS, covering the preclinical and paraclinical phases and laying a foundation for the more specialized clinical training to follow.

The AIIMS MBBS Program Overview

The AIIMS MBBS course is a comprehensive 4.5-year duration program, followed by an obligatory one-year rotary internship. The curriculum is structured in a semester system, consisting of two semesters in the first year. This article will focus on the subjects covered in the first year, which are crucial in establishing a robust understanding of anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology.

1st Year MBBS Course Content

The first year of the AIIMS MBBS program is divided into two semesters, with each semester concentrating on specific subjects aimed at laying a solid foundation for future clinical training.

First Semester Subjects

1. Anatomy

Anatomy is the science that studies the structure, organization, and function of living organisms or their parts. The first semester of anatomy includes the study of gross anatomy, microanatomy, embryology, and genetics, among others. This subject is crucial as it forms the basis of understanding how the human body functions and how different systems interact with each other.

1.1 Gross Anatomy

During this course, students will extensively study the following systems:

Osteology (bones) muscular system arthrology (joints) cardiovascular system respiratory system digestive system genito-urinary system endocrine system and its individual endocrine glands nervous system and its components special sensory organs such as eyes and ears lymphatic system

1.2 Microanatomy

The microanatomy syllabus covers:

general histology the four primary tissues: epithelium, connective tissue, muscle, and nervous tissue histology of various organs/organ systems including the circulatory, respiratory, skin and nerve end organs, immune system and lymphoid organs, digestive system, endocrine glands, urinary system, female and male reproductive systems

1.3 Embryology Genetics

Embryology studies the development of an organism from the fertilization of the egg until the juvenile stage, while genetics explores the inheritance of traits and the role of genes.

1.4 Practical Sessions

Practical sessions are an integral part of anatomy, which include:

Upper limb dissection focusing on the pectoral, scapular, axillary, and shoulder regions, arm, forearm, palm, and dorsum of the hand Thoracic dissection including the chest wall, mediastinum, pleura, lungs, heart, and thymus gland Absdmen dissection focusing on the anterior abdominal wall, inguinal region, external genitalia, viscera, posterior abdominal wall, and nerve plexus Pelvis dissection including the pelvic viscera, blood vessels, and nerves Absdmen dissection focusing on the pelvic viscera, blood vessels, and nerves Lower limb dissection involving the gluteal region, front and back of thigh, popliteal fossa, front and back of the leg, and the dorsum of the foot, with prosected parts such as the sole of the foot and joints Head and neck dissection focusing on the superficial and deep dissection of the face and neck, orbit, eye ball, and submandibular, temporal, and infratemporal fossa, including the cranial cavity, naso and oropharyngeal regions, and ear Neuroanatomy sessions include the gross speciman of the full brain and meninges, spinal cord, and prosected specimens illustrating the visual system, auditory and vestibular pathways, and major functional areas Microscopic anatomy practicals focusing on routine and special stained slides of all body tissues and organs, including electronmicrographs to demonstrate key structures like the kidney and capillaries

Second Semester Subjects

Following the anatomy course, the second semester delves into biochemistry and physiology, subjects that are fundamental for understanding the biochemical processes and physiological functions of the human body.

2.1 Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of bio-chemical processes in living organisms, focusing on the molecular level. The first semester of biochemistry includes topics such as cellular biochemistry, biomolecules, enzymes, and metabolic pathways.

2.1.1 Topics Covered Biological cell Biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates, etc.) Structure and function of enzymes Metabolic pathways and their regulation, including metabolic interrelations Food assimilation and nutrition Hormones and their actions Molecular biology Buffer systems and pH regulation Immunology Environmental biochemistry, including cancer and cancer makers

2.2 Practical Sessions in Biochemistry

Practical sessions in this subject include:

Handling laboratory instrumentation, including chromatography, spectrophotometry, and electrophoresis Protein fractionation and separation, including denaturation, gel electrophoresis, and immune diffusion techniques (RIA and ELISA) Enzyme assays for amylase, lactate dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase Liver and renal function tests Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, gastric juice, and urine Amniotic fluid analysis

2.3 Physiology

Physiology is the study of normal functioning of living organisms, with the first semester focusing on general physiology, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, among other topics.

2.3.1 Topics Covered General physiology (including nerve-muscle, blood, and respiration) Cardiovascular system Respiratory system Gastrointestinal system and nutrition Environmental physiology and its impact on human health Reproduction and kidney function Neurophysiology, including sensory and motor systems, visceral and motivational systems, EEG, sleep, and higher nervous functions Special senses including vision and hearing Yoga and its integration into health science

2.4 Physiology Practical Sessions

Practical sessions in physiology include:

Preparation and examination of peripheral blood smears and determination of differential leucocyte count Total red blood cell, total leucocyte, and platelet count Reticulocyte count, eosinophil count, and osmotic fragility of erythrocytes Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, packed cell volume, and hemoglobin concentration ABO and Rh blood groups determination Bleeding, clotting, and plasma prothrombin time determination Bone marrow smear examination Estimation of blood volume using dye dilution technique

Conclusion

The first year of the MBBS program at AIIMS, especially the first semester, is loaded with important and intricately detailed subjects that lay a solid foundation for aspiring medical professionals. Understanding these subjects thoroughly can help students build a strong base for their journey in the medical field.