LUMS School of Science & Engineering

Admissions Test, Fall ‘09

Syllabi

Copyright © 2008-2009 LUMS SSE 1

 Compulsory Section

The test format for the compulsory section, i.e. Basic Mathematics, is as follows:

30 minutes will be allowed for the section, which will consist solely of multiple-choice
questions. Each multiple choice question will carry 1 mark and -1/4 of a mark will be
deducted for each incorrect answer.

Copyright © 2008-2009 LUMS SSE 2

 LUMS School of Science & Engineering
Admissions Test

Basic Mathematics syllabus

Any student who has studied Mathematics till grade 10 should be able to take this test
which will test the candidate’s ability to solve basic mathematics problems.

Content:

1) Arithmetic
ƒ Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
ƒ Number line, decimals, fractions, percentages, absolute values
ƒ Ratios, proportions
ƒ Squares, square roots and other exponents and roots
ƒ Logarithms

2) Algebra
ƒ Linear, quadratic and higher order equations
ƒ Systems of linear equations
ƒ Inequalities
ƒ Word problems
ƒ Functions and graphs

3) Geometry
ƒ Lines, angles, circles, triangles, other polygons
ƒ Circumference, arc, tangent, segment, etc.
ƒ Perimeter, area, volume

4) Trigonometry
ƒ The basic trigonometric functions, sine, cosine, tangent.

5) Probability and Statistics

ƒ Basic counting and probability
ƒ Means, median

Copyright © 2008-2009 LUMS SSE 3

 Subject Specific Sections

The test format for the remaining four sections that deal with specific subjects, i.e.
Advanced Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, is identical and is as follows:

You will be allowed 45 minutes to work on each section, which will consist of 30 Multiple
Choice questions, each carrying 1 mark. Every incorrect answer will result in -1/4 of a mark.

These sections are aimed at applicants with a solid conceptual understanding of the relevant
subjects at the A’ Level/F.Sc. (or equivalent) level.

These sections will examine your ability to think clearly and logically, comprehend relevant
terminology and notation and apply your existing knowledge in novel and unfamiliar ways.
Questions will be designed to test your understanding and recollection of fundamental
concepts, and your ability to apply these to real-life situations; to gauge your problem
solving skills, analytical capabilities and your scientific reasoning faculties; to test a basic
familiarity with experimental setups, graphical presentation of data and schematic
representations.

Please also note the following points:

ƒ Questions may be independent of particular topics, being designed instead to test

general mathematics aptitude and potential.
ƒ A single question may often require knowledge of various different topics.
ƒ Examiners will aim to cover a wide range of topics, but not every topic will be examined
every year.
ƒ Knowledge of elementary topics will be assumed and some questions might require
students to recall basic concepts not explicitly included in the outlines below.

Copyright © 2008-2009 LUMS SSE 4

 LUMS School of Science & Engineering
Admissions Test

Advanced Mathematics syllabus

Content:

1) Algebra
ƒ Sequences. Arithmetic and geometric series and their sums.
ƒ Exponents and logarithms.
ƒ The Binomial Theorem
ƒ Complex numbers in Cartesian and Polar forms.
ƒ Sums, products, quotients, powers and roots of complex numbers.
ƒ De Moivre’s Theorem. Argand Diagrams. Conjugate roots of polynomial

2) Matrices and Transformations

ƒ Matrix algebra. Determinant and Inverse. Condition for singularity
ƒ 2-d vectors and their matrix representations.
ƒ Linear transformations (reflection, rotation, scaling) and compositions thereof.
ƒ Solution of linear equations and conditions for the existence of solutions.

3) Functions and Equations

ƒ Functions and their composition. Domain, range, image. Identity. Inverse.
ƒ The graph of a function. Transformations. Graph of 1/f and f-1 from f(x).
ƒ The absolute value function and its graphical representation.
ƒ Quadratic functions, inequalities and corresponding graphs.
ƒ Solution of linear or quadratic equations and inequalities.
ƒ Remainder and factor theorems, with application to the solution of polynomials.
ƒ Exponential and logarithmic functions. Problems of growth and decay.

4) Sets and Relations

ƒ Finite and infinite sets. Union, intersection, complement. Subsets.
ƒ De Morgan's laws. Ordered pairs. Cartesian product. Equivalence relations.
ƒ Functions; injections; surjections; bijections.
ƒ Composition of functions and inverse functions.

5) Trigonometry
ƒ The circle. Radian measure of angles; length of an arc; area of a sector.
ƒ Trigonometric functions and their inverses. Domains, ranges, periodicity. Graphs.
ƒ Trigonometric identities. Double-angle and half-angle formulae.
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 ƒ The compound formula A cos x ± B sinx = R cos (x ± y)
ƒ Composite functions of the form f(x) = A sin [B(x + c)].
ƒ Solutions of f(x) = k in a given finite interval. Graphical interpretation.
ƒ Solution of triangles (using the Sine rule, Cosine rule etc).

6) Vector Geometry
ƒ Vectors in 2-d and 3-d. Components. Column representation. Magnitude.
ƒ Addition of vectors, multiplication by a scalar. Position vectors. Unit vectors.
ƒ Scalar product and its properties. Projection of one vector on another.
ƒ Perpendicular vectors; parallel vectors. The angle between two vectors.
ƒ Vector product. Computing the angle between vectors.
ƒ Vector and Cartesian equations of a line and a plane.
ƒ Normal vectors. Intersection of two lines. Intersection of a line with a plane.
ƒ Distances in three dimensions between points, lines and planes.

7) Euclidean Geometry
ƒ Triangles. Medians, altitudes, angle bisectors, perpendicular bisectors.
ƒ Concurrency. Similar triangles.
ƒ Proportional division of a line segment (internal and external).
ƒ Proportional segments in right-angled triangles.
ƒ Circle geometry. Tangents, chords, secants. Loci.
ƒ Inscribed and circumscribed polygons.
ƒ Conic sections. Focus. Directrix. Eccentricity. Circle. Parabola. Hyperbola. Ellipse.
ƒ Parametric equations. General equation of second degree. Rotation of axes.

8) Probability
ƒ Events in finite and infinite sample spaces.
ƒ Tree diagrams and Venn diagrams.
ƒ Mutually exclusive events, independent events and their probabilities.
ƒ Conditional probability.
ƒ Permutations and Combinations

9) Calculus
ƒ Differentiation from first principles.
ƒ Differentiation of logarithmic, exponential and trigonometric functions.
ƒ Differentiation of sums and multiples of functions. Product and quotient rules.
ƒ Chain rule for composite functions.
ƒ Graphical behaviour of functions. Tangents. Normals. Singularities. Asymptotes.

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 ƒ The second derivative. Maxima, minima and points of inflexion.
ƒ Problems involving maxima, minima, displacement, velocity and acceleration.
ƒ Differentiation of the inverse trigonometric functions.
ƒ Definite and indefinite integrations. Determining the constant of integration.
ƒ Integration by substitution and by parts.
ƒ Areas under curves. Volume within a surface of revolution.
ƒ Solution of first order differential equations by separation of variables.
ƒ Maclaurin’s Series.

Copyright © 2008-2009 LUMS SSE 7

 LUMS School of Science & Engineering
Admissions Test

Physics syllabus
Content:

1) Measurement
ƒ Fundamental and derived units
ƒ Dimensions of physical quantities
ƒ Precision, accuracy and errors

2) Scalars and vectors

ƒ Differences between scalar and vector quantities
ƒ Addition and subtraction of vectors
ƒ Resolving a vector into its components
ƒ Scalar and vector products

3) Motion and Forces

ƒ Displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration and equations of motion
ƒ Distance-time, velocity-time graphs
ƒ Newton’s laws of motion
ƒ Linear momentum
ƒ Angular motion with concepts of angular momentum, torque, centripetal and
centrifugal forces
ƒ Projectile motion
ƒ Moment of inertia
ƒ Gravitational attraction
ƒ Weightlessness

4) Work and energy

ƒ Work, energy and power
ƒ Different forms of energy, their inter-conversion and conservation
ƒ Kinetic and potential energies

5) Fluids
ƒ Pressure and Pascal’s principle
ƒ Archimedes’ Principle and flotation
ƒ Basic concepts of fluid continuity and incompressibility of liquids

Copyright © 2008-2009 LUMS SSE 8

6) Waves
ƒ Simple harmonic motion
ƒ Examples of simple pendulum and mass connected to a spring
ƒ Standing and traveling waves
ƒ Wave characteristics such as wavelength, frequency and speed
ƒ Wave properties such as reflection, refraction, interference and diffraction
ƒ Nature of sound

7) Heat
ƒ Molecular description of the temperature of a gas
ƒ Laws of gas behaviour
ƒ Relationship between heat and mechanical energies
ƒ Specific and latent heat capacities

8) Electricity and Magnetism

ƒ Charges and electric fields due to static charges
ƒ Concept of electrostatic potential and potential differences
ƒ Capacitance
ƒ Electric current and its basic physical description
ƒ DC and AC currents
ƒ Electrical resistance
ƒ Magnetic fields and magnetic flux
ƒ Ampere’s law and magnetic field due to a current carrying conductor
ƒ Motion of charged particles in electric and magnetic fields
ƒ Faraday’s law and electromagnetic induction
ƒ Electromagnetic waves

9) Materials
ƒ Elasticity and Hooke’s law
ƒ Difference between crystalline and amorphous solids
ƒ Difference between electrical conductors, insulators, metals and semiconductors
ƒ Magnetic properties of solids

10) Modern Physics

ƒ Blackbody radiation and motivation for quantization of energy levels
ƒ Existence of photons and the photoelectric effect
ƒ Wave and particle nature of matter

Copyright © 2008-2009 LUMS SSE 9

 ƒ Equivalence of mass and energy
ƒ Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle
ƒ Existence of energy levels in atoms
ƒ Absorption and emission of radiation from energy level transitions in atoms
ƒ Production and nature of X-rays
ƒ The atomic nucleus and its constituents
ƒ Nuclear energy – fission and fusion
ƒ Radioactivity

Copyright © 2008-2009 LUMS SSE 10

 LUMS School of Science & Engineering
Admissions Test

Biology syllabus

Content:

1) Cell structure
ƒ Features of plant and animal cell
ƒ Principles of microscopy
ƒ Structure and function of organelles

2) Biological molecules
ƒ Polymers and macromolecules
ƒ Carbohydrates
ƒ Lipids
ƒ Proteins

3) Enzymes
ƒ Role of enzymes in lowering activation energy
ƒ Enzyme Kinetics
ƒ Role of Temperature, pH and Co-factors in enzyme Kinetics
ƒ Competitive and no-competitive inhibition of enzymes

4) Cell membranes and transport

ƒ Structure of cell membranes and Phospholipids
ƒ Transport across cell membranes
ƒ Active transport and passive transport

5) Genetic control of protein structure and function

ƒ Structure of DNA and RNA
ƒ DNA replication
ƒ RNA synthesis
ƒ mRNA, tRNA and rRNA function
ƒ Protein synthesis
ƒ Control of gene expression

6) Energy and respiration

ƒ Relevance of high energy molecules in living organisms

Copyright © 2008-2009 LUMS SSE 11

 ƒ Structure and synthesis of ATP
ƒ Electron Transport Chain
ƒ Glycolysis and Kreb’s Cycle
ƒ Aerobic and anaerobic respiration

7) Nuclear division (mitosis)

ƒ Chromosome structure
ƒ Cell cycle
ƒ Stages of mitosis
ƒ Cancer

8) Meiosis, genetics and gene control

ƒ Gametogenesis
ƒ Stages of meiosis
ƒ Independent assortment of chromosome in meiosis
ƒ Basic concept of genetics
ƒ Common genetic disorders

9) Energy and ecosystems

ƒ Components of ecosystem
ƒ Food chain
ƒ Energy transfer in ecosystem
ƒ Nitrogen cycle

10) Classification of eukaryotes and prokaryotes

ƒ Basis for classification
ƒ Principles of modern classification systems

11) The transport/circulatory system

ƒ Modes of transport in plants and animals
ƒ Transport vessels in plants
ƒ Open and closed circulatory systems
ƒ Vessels of circulatory system
ƒ Composition of blood
ƒ Globin molecules
ƒ Transport of oxygen
ƒ Structure and physiology of mammalian heart

Copyright © 2008-2009 LUMS SSE 12

12) Gaseous exchange
ƒ Principles of gaseous exchange
ƒ Gaseous exchange in plants and animals
ƒ Anatomy and physiology of human lung

13) Nutrition
ƒ Modes of nutrition
ƒ Nutrition in plants
ƒ Nutrition in animals
ƒ Anatomy and physiology of human digestive system
ƒ Diseases of malnutrition

14) Homeostasis
ƒ Osmoregulation
ƒ Thermoregulation
ƒ Excretion in plants and animals
ƒ Anatomy and physiology of human excretory system

15) Coordination and control

ƒ Coordination and control in plants
ƒ Plant hormones
ƒ Coordination and control in animals
ƒ Nervous system in animals
ƒ Basic physiology of human nervous system
ƒ Endocrine system in humans

16) Reproduction
ƒ Modes of reproduction
ƒ Reproduction in plants
ƒ Reproduction in animals
ƒ Anatomy and physiology of human reproductive system

17) Infectious diseases

ƒ Global impact of infectious diseases
ƒ Modes of transmission of infectious diseases
ƒ Case study of Hepatitis B, Aids, Malaria, TB and Cholera

18) Immunity

Copyright © 2008-2009 LUMS SSE 13

 ƒ Types and salient features of immune responses
ƒ Role of B and T cells in generating an immune response
ƒ Role of memory cells
ƒ Antibody structure and function
ƒ Vaccination and disease eradication

19) Photosynthesis
ƒ The energy transfer process
ƒ Light dependent reactions of photosynthesis
ƒ Leaf structure and function
ƒ Chloroplast structure and function
ƒ Factors necessary for photosynthesis

20) Selection and evolution

ƒ Role of sexual reproduction in generating variations
ƒ Overproduction
ƒ Natural selection and allele frequencies
ƒ Natural selection as an evolutionary force
ƒ Artificial selection
ƒ Evolution of isolated species

21) Biotechnology
ƒ Restriction endonucleases
ƒ Cloning vectors
ƒ Gene cloning (recombinant DNA)
ƒ PCR
ƒ Electrophoresis
ƒ DNA sequencing
ƒ Transgenic organisms
ƒ Gene therapy
ƒ Genetically modified plants and bacteria

Copyright © 2008-2009 LUMS SSE 14

 LUMS School of Science & Engineering
Admissions Test

Chemistry syllabus

Content:

1) Atoms, molecules and ions

ƒ Atomic theory of matter
ƒ The Aufbau principle
ƒ The Periodic Table
ƒ Molecules and molecular compounds
ƒ Ions and ionic compounds

2) Chemical bonds
ƒ Theories of chemical bonding
ƒ Hybridization of atomic orbitals to form linear, trigonal, tetrahedral and octahedral
geometries
ƒ Sigma and pi bonds
ƒ Dipole-dipole interactions, hydrogen bonds

3) States of matter
ƒ Gases – Kinetic-molecular theories; general characteristics; gas laws (Graham,
Charles, Boyles laws); Dalton’s law of partial pressures; Avogadro’s law; the ideal
gas law. Deviations from ideal gas law
ƒ Liquids – intermolecular interactions; phase changes; heats of vaporization; vapor
pressures; critical temperatures and pressures; surface tensions; viscosity
ƒ Solids – melting points and heats of fusion; sublimation; phase changes and phase
diagrams; colligative properties of solutions; liquid crystals; crystal structures

4) Thermochemistry
ƒ Forms of energy, their interconversions and quantitative determination
ƒ Internal energy and the first law of thermodynamics
ƒ Heats of reaction and enthalpy changes
ƒ Hess’ law of heat summation and calculating heats of reaction from standard
enthalpies of formation

5) Chemical reactions
ƒ Stoichiometry and the mole concept

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 ƒ Reactions in aqueous solutions. Examples of combination, decomposition, single
replacement and double replacement reactions
ƒ Exothermic and endothermic reactions
ƒ Enthalpy and entropy as driving forces for reactions

6) Rates of chemical reactions

ƒ Factors affecting reaction rates
ƒ Collision theory of reaction rates
ƒ Activation energy and reaction rate law
ƒ Reaction mechanism and rate of reaction

7) Chemical equilibrium
ƒ The dynamic nature of equilibrium
ƒ Reversible reactions and the equilibrium constant
ƒ Effect of changing concentrations, and temperature
ƒ Le Chatelier’s principle
ƒ Calculation of equilibrium constants

8) Acids, bases and salts

ƒ Definitions of acids and bases
ƒ Conjugate acids and bases
ƒ The acid-base pH scale
ƒ Acid / base titrations. The concepts of molarity and molality
ƒ Indicators used in acid-base titrations
ƒ The concept of buffers

9) Electrochemistry
ƒ Ionization and electrical conductivity
ƒ Redox reactions and half-cell reactions
ƒ Standard half-cell voltages
ƒ Balancing redox equations
ƒ Non-standard-state cell potentials and the Nernst equation

10) Carbon chemistry

ƒ Allotropic forms of carbon
ƒ Destructive distillation of coal
ƒ Carbon dioxide. Preparation, uses and the carbon dioxide cycle
ƒ Types of bonds in organic compounds

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 ƒ Structures of hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, cycloalkanes, aromatics)
ƒ Structures and reactions of alcohols, acids, amines, amides, amino acids, proteins,
esters and ethers
ƒ Isomerism in organic compounds

11) Nuclear chemistry

ƒ Stable and unstable nuclei
ƒ Radioactivity and radioactive elements
ƒ The nature of radioactive emissions
ƒ Radioactive dating

Copyright © 2008-2009 LUMS SSE 17