Dear Medic 1 Students,
Those of you who will be sitting for Distinction Viva, please read up on recent developments in Medicine, especially on Biochemistry. Please take note that viva will cover beyond what was taught in the lecture hall. You really have to read up, know and understand and be able to tell the Viva Panel what you really know to pass and get a distinction. There's no point in giving a distinction to mediocre students. So, if you think you stand a chance at Distinction Viva, then read up. Come prepared to answer our questions. We will challenge you and you can judge whether you will get a distinction or not.
What areas to read up on? Well, look at what's current in Biochemistry. These will include (but not necessarily related to the viva per se though) glucose metabolism and factors that control/regulate blood glucose levels; the central role of hormones in glucose metabolism and how that can tip the balance towards hyperglycaemia; what underlying mechanisms are responsible for hyperglycaemia; hyperglycaemia & hyperlipidaemia co-exist in most chronic diseases wrt diabetes and CVD; what happens to proteins in prolonged hyperglycaemia; what happens to lipoproteins in prolonged hyperlipidaemia as that prevails in diabetes; what are some abnormal products of metabolism in the hyperglycaemic state as occurs in long standing diabetes; what is the commonality (common basis or common element) underlying chronic diseases; what are the hazardous effects of in vivo oxidation that does not lead to ATP production; what are the roles of the antioxidant systems in our bodies; why are peroxides dangerous to our health; what are the body's defense mechanism against oxidative stress: how does the body defend itself against rampant and rapid hazardous oxidation; what are the mechanisms that are protective against reactive oxygen species (ROS); what are the harmful effect of ROS on DNA structure and function; how does the body protect its DNA against damage; if we cannot protect our DNA for lack of some repair systems, what will happen; what happens in the case where repair is sufficient; what happens in the case where repair is insufficient and cannot cope; what are the biochemical mechanisms in cancers we see today; can cancers be stopped and cured; if yes, why; if no, why.
I think I have guided you sufficiently to be able to read up on your own. These areas I think are quite important and relevant to medicine (not only for viva) so you should read, read for knowledge, not just to pass your viva. Remember viva is about test of comprehension, not just what you know. Even if you know a lot, it doesn't mean you can easily pass because we will test your understanding (comprehension) which means you will need to assimilate and understand what you know.
Good luck to those you will be taking the Distinction Viva. May you have a good time at the viva. Remember, if you read widely, you will be able to answer meaningfully. Don't try to memorise without understanding. You will be dead in 5 minutes and won't last 20 minutes.
Take care!
Prof Faridah
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