Paper 1

Neurochemistry

1 topics · 2 MCQs

topics

MCQs

free

Neurochemistry in FCPS Part 1

Biochemistry is the highest-difficulty-to-weightage ratio in the syllabus. It rewards understanding pathways and enzyme regulation over rote memorisation of structures. Don't skip it — but don't over-invest either.

Approx. paper weightage: 8–10%

🎯 High-yield areas

→ Glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, TCA cycle — enzymes and regulation
→ Lipid metabolism — beta-oxidation, ketogenesis, fatty acid synthesis
→ Urea cycle and amino acid metabolism
→ Vitamin and mineral deficiencies — clinical presentations
→ Hormonal control of metabolism — insulin, glucagon, cortisol

📚 Recommended textbooks

Lippincott's Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry

Compact, MCQ-friendly. The diagrams alone are worth the price.
Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry

For candidates wanting depth. Read selectively — vitamins, metabolism chapters, that's it.

💡 Strategy from doctors who passed

✓ Don't memorise enzyme structures. Focus on regulation: what activates, what inhibits, where pathways converge.
✓ Vitamins and trace elements are reliably tested every sitting. Easy points if you prep them.
✓ Inborn errors of metabolism — know the classic 5–6 (PKU, MSUD, galactosaemia, etc.).

Topics

1 topic

Basal ganglia

2 MCQs ·2 free

Practice

FAQ — Neurochemistry in FCPS Part 1

How much biochemistry do I need to study?

Roughly 8–10% of the paper, so it's worth a few weeks of focused study but not a major time sink. Lippincott's alone covers the syllabus for most candidates.

Practise Neurochemistry free for 7 days

Full access to all 2 MCQs in Neurochemistry plus 6,359 across the entire FCPS Part 1 syllabus, mock exams, recalls, mnemonics. No card required.

Start free trial → Log in

Explore more

All FCPS Part 1 subjects → Take a 200-Q mock exam → Mnemonics library → Recent CPSP exam recalls → Blog: study strategies → Start your free trial →