mcatprep

Topics Covered in the MCAT

(Extracted from the MCAT Student Manual. Permission obtained from AAMC.)

Concepts included in the MCAT section are considered basic; at the vast majority of undergraduate institutions they are taught at the introductory level. While passages may discuss advanced-level topics, the questions accompanying the passages will not require knowledge of these topics. Advanced coursework is not needed for the test.

You should know those equations and constants commonly used in introductory courses as well as those listed specifically in the content outline. Other necessary constants and conversion factors are provided with the test questions. In addition, a periodic table of the elements, including atomic numbers and atomic weights, is provided in the examination booklet.

Because the content outline focuses primarily on areas necessary to preparing for the study of medicine, it may differ in several important ways from the content of your introductory courses:

2. The organization of the topics in the outline may differ from that of the topics presented in your courses.

3. Some of the topics included in the outline may not have been emphasized in your school's introductory undergraduate courses.

PHYSICAL SCIENCES TOPICS

Mathematics Concepts

To solve some of the problems in the Physical Sciences section, you willneed to understand and be able to use the mathematics concepts listedbelow.

2. Fundamental topics in the following areas (at the level of second-year high school algebra coursework):

3. Definitions of the basic trigonometric functions(sine, cosine, tangent); the values of the sines and cosines of 0°,90°, and180°; the relationships between the lengths of sides of right trianglescontaining angles of 30°,45°, and 60°; the inverse trigonometricfunctions.

4. Metric units; balancing of equations containingphysical units. Conversion factors between metric and British systems will be provided when needed.

5. Relative magnitude of experimental error and ofthe effect of propagation of error; reasonableestimates and the significant digits of a measurement.

6. Mathematical probability of an event.

7. Vector addition, vector subtraction, and right-handrule. Dot and cross product are not required.

8. Arithmetic mean (average) and range of aset of numerical data; the standard deviation as ameasure of variability; the general concepts ofstatistical association and correlation. Calculation of statistics such asstandard deviations and correlation coefficients is not required.

9. An understanding of calculus is not required.

PHYSICS

In this portion of the test you will be asked to apply basic theories ofnoncalculus physics to given problems. Topics include mechanics, wavemotion, electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and modern physics. Youshould be prepared to apply your knowledge of these concepts toexperimental situations. You will also need to be familiar with theconventions of problem solving in physics.

TRANSLATIONAL MOTION

The concepts of distance, speed, velocity, and acceleration describe thelocation and motion of an object at a point in time. Questions in this sectionrequire you to interpret relationships among these variables and apply theserelationships to problems in physics.

FORCE AND MOTION, GRAVITATION

Different forces act on objects to cause motion. Newton's second and thirdlaws and the law of gravitation describe the movement of objects under theinfluence of force. The motions that occur can be circular or linear and withor without acceleration. Questions require you to interpret the ways objectsmove when acted upon by forces.

EQUILIBRIUM AND MOMENTUM

Equilibrium occurs when a body is at rest or moves with a constant velocity.Forces, torques, Newton's first law, and inertia describe translational androtational equilibria. Questions about equilibrium call upon yourunderstanding of the way forces act upon an object.

Momentum is a vector property that describes the motion of a system. Themomentum of a system of particles can be used to describe the motion of thesystem by itself or when it is involved in elastic or inelastic collisions withother systems. Questions about momentum require you to interpret themotions of interacting bodies.

B. Momentum

WORK AND ENERGY

Work and energy describe how objects interact with their environmentand with other objects. The concepts of conservation of energy, work,and power describe the forms of energy and the transformations thatoccur between these forms. Questions in this section require you to applyyour knowledge of these concepts to experimental situations.

WAVE CHARACTERISTICS AND PERIODIC MOTION

Wave characteristics and periodic motion describe the motion of systemsthat vibrate. Concepts used to describe this motion include transverse andlongitudinal waves, superposition of waves, resonance, Hooke's law, andsimple harmonic motion. Questions involve the interpretation of wavecharacteristics and the analysis of systems exhibiting periodic motion.

B. Periodic motion

SOUND

Sound waves are longitudinal waves that can travel only in a materialmedium. The concepts of speed, resonance, and the Doppler effectdescribe the behavior of sound waves in different media. You shouldunderstand wave behavior as it specifically applies to sound waves inorder to answer questions in this section.

FLUIDS AND SOLIDS

This section deals with the physical properties of fluids at rest and the wayin which fluids move. Archimedes' principle and Bernoulli's equationdescribe fluid statics and dynamics. Analysis of instrumentation andexperiments involving fluids are important applications of these concepts.Questions in this section require you to understand and apply theseconcepts.

Solids that are subjected to forces can undergo stress and/or strain.Questions in this section require you to analyze the elastic properties ofsolids in order to interpret the reactions of solids to stress and strain.

ELECTROSTATICS AND ELECTROMAGNETISM

When electrically charged objects interact, their behavior can be describedin terms of charge, electric force, electric field, and potential difference.Questions on electrostatics require you to interpret the electrostaticproperties of a particular situation.

The motions of charged particles are affected by magnetic fields. Thecharacteristics of the magnetic field determine the specifics of thismovement. Electromagnetic waves are generated by accelerating electriccharges and do not need a medium for propagation. The spectrum ofelectromagnetic waves includes a wide range of waves, including light andX rays. Questions on electromagnetism require you to interpret the waysmagnetic fields act upon charged particles.

B. Electromagnetism

ELECTRIC CIRCUITS

In order to understand the workings of electric circuits, you must analyzethe current through and the voltage across electric circuit elements wired ina variety of configurations. When batteries or other power supplies arewired to resistors and capacitors in parallel or series, application of Ohm'slaw interprets how the current and voltage vary. Questions require you tounderstand the motion of current through various circuits.

LIGHT AND GEOMETRICAL OPTICS

Optical devices can be used to modify the appearance of light. The conceptsof reflection and refraction describe the behavior of light as it encountersthese devices. The nature of light and the way it behaves when travellingthrough different media are also important in understanding the behavior oflight. You will need to understand the interaction of light with mirrors andlenses in various media to answer questions in this section.

ATOMIC AND NUCLEAR STRUCTURE

The internal structure of the atom can be described as a nucleus orbited byelectrons in different energy levels. The components of the nucleus and thetransitions of electrons between energy levels are important aspects of thephysical description of the atom. Questions in this section require you tounderstand the characteristics of these atomic components.

CHEMISTRY

In this portion of the test you will be asked to apply basic theories ofgeneral chemistry to given problems. You should be familiar enoughwith such topics as solution chemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, andelectrochemistry and with the fundamentals of stoichiometry, electronicstructure, bonding, phase equilibria, and acids and bases to solve basicchemistry problems and evaluate research in general chemistry. Theseconcepts constitute the background knowledge you will need in order toanswer questions, even though the questions may deal with situations orproblems you have not previously encountered.

STOICHIOMETRY

An important skill in chemistry is the ability to understand and balancechemical equations. Inherent in this skill is the understanding of moleconcepts, chemical formulas, and oxidation numbers. You should be ableto apply the concepts below to experimental situations and be able toreason about the relationships between elements and compounds inchemical reactions.

H. Description of reactions by chemical equations

ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE AND THE PERIODIC TABLE

Electronic structure is the key link between quantum theories and thechemical and physical properties of elements and compounds. This linkis also critical to understanding the dynamics and complexities ofchemical reactions. In addition, the order and location of elements in theperiodic table are directly related to electronic structure. You will need tounderstand these relationships and apply them to the general periodictrends.

B. Classification of elements and chemical properties of groups androws

a. Variation of properties within groups and rows

BONDING

Most physical and chemical properties of substances can be related tobond formation and characteristics. Covalent and ionic bonds are anextension of the electronic structures of the elements involved. Questionsmay range from the clarification or explanation of a molecule's structureand reactivity to the hypothetical evaluation of compounds and theirrelative polarity or ionic character.

B. The covalent bond

PHASES AND PHASE EQUILIBRIA

In addition to undergoing reactions, chemicals and elements are dynamic inphase, changing with conditions into gas, liquid, or solid form. The gas phasewas well studied by a number of early scientists, who identified severalrelations that can be expressed as the ideal gas law. Later, the kineticmolecular theory of gases provided a firmer theoretical basis for theproperties of gases. Intermolecular forces are a major factor in determiningthe individual phase characteristics of elements and compounds. Theequilibrium or relationship between phases is often represented in a phasediagram. You will need to understand these concepts in order to answerquestions in this section.

B. Liquid phase (inter- and intramolecular forces

C. Phase equilibria (solids, liquids, and gases)

SOLUTION CHEMISTRY

Most chemical reactions necessary for life occur in aqueous solutions.You should be familiar with ions in solution, solubility, and precipitationreactions.

B. Solubility

ACIDS AND BASES

Acids and bases, both weak and strong, are major factors in manyreactions. The concepts below are important for understanding many ofthe complex processes and equilibria needed to sustain life.

^-14

B. Acid/base titrations

THERMODYNAMICS AND THERMOCHEMISTRY

Thermodynamics and thermochemistry are the links between chemicalbonding and energy. Although they can be explained in terms of bondenergies, the thermodynamics of a reaction are most evident in the heatevolved or absorbed during a reaction. In addition, the concept ofthermodynamics is useful in explaining why a reaction does or does notoccur under specific conditions. Questions will require you to understandand apply these concepts.

B. Thermodynamics

RATE PROCESSES IN CHEMICAL REACTIONS: KINETICSAND EQUILIBRIUM

Reactions occur at a wide variety of rates and to various degrees ofcompletion. Reaction equilibrium and rate concepts help us understandhow to optimize conditions for the reactions we may want and how tolimit those we do not want. In addition, there may be situations in whicha reaction is either kinetically or thermodynamically controlled, requiringa full understanding of both concepts. In a biological setting, enzymesare the catalysts that maintain control of the chemical pathways neededfor life. You should be able to apply your understanding of these topicsto the topics presented in this section.

C. Rate-determining step
D. Dependence of reaction rate upon temperature; activation energy

E. Kinetic control versus thermodynamic control of a reaction
F. Catalysts; the special case of enzyme catalysis
G. Equilibrium in reversible chemical reactions

H. Relationship of the equilibrium constant and DG°

ELECTROCHEMISTRY

Electrochemistry combines aspects of ionic solution chemistry,thermodynamics, and phase equilibria in order to explain how electriccurrent is produced or used in a galvanic or electrolytic cell. You shouldbe prepared to employ the following concepts in the analysis of galvanic,electrolytic, or concentration cells.

B. Galvanic cell

C. Concentration cell, direction of electron flow

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES TOPICS

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

Organic chemistry plays an important role in the understanding ofmany biological reactions. You will be expected to call upon yourknowledge of organic compounds and reactions and to explainresults, arguments, and experimental procedures in terms of reactionsor principles of organic compounds. Because nomenclature,classifications of functional groups, and reaction mechanisms areimportant to the understanding of organic reactions, these areas willalso be tested within the scope of the categories outlined below.

BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES

You should be familiar with the general types of molecules that arebiologically active and the respective reactions of these molecules.Emphasis will be placed on the descriptions and reactions of themolecules described below.

B. Carbohydrates

C. Lipids

D. Phosphorus compounds

1. Phosphoric acid - chemistry and structure of anhydrides andesters

OXYGEN-CONTAINING COMPOUNDS

The principal reactions of oxygen-containing compounds are criticalto the interpretation of many reactions in organic compounds. Thefundamental principles and mechanisms of these reactions offer agood guide to the understanding of organic reactions. The conceptsof nucleophiles, electrophiles, organic acids and bases, acidicprotons, oxidations, reductions, and physical properties of variousoxygen containing compounds are outlined below. In addition, themajor reactions involving condensations, rearrangements, steric andelectronic effects of substituents, and dimerizations will be covered.

B. Aldehydes and ketones

C. Carboxylic acids

D. Common acid derivatives (acid chlorides, anhydrides, amides,esters, keto acids)

E. Ethers

F. Phenols

AMINES

Nitrogen-containing compounds often have unique properties dueto their basicity and electronic effects. The stabilization ofadjacent carbocations and the solubility properties of theammonium salts are vital to a wide area of biological and organicreactions. Major reactions of amide formation and alkylations arealso important. You should understand these concepts in order toanswer questions in this section.

1. Stereochemistry and physical properties

B. Major reactions

C. General principles

D. Quaternary salts

1. Solubility properties

HYDROCARBONS

The chemistry of alkanes, alkenes, and benzene derivatives is amajor part of organic chemistry. Combustion, stability of freeradicals and carbocations, ring strain or stabilization, andresonance stability will be included in this section, with emphasison the properties of saturated, unsaturated, and aromaticcompounds. Resonance stability and delocalization of aromaticcompounds will also be included. You will need to understandthese concepts in order to answer questions in this section.

B. Unsaturated (alkenes)

₂

C. Aromatic (benzene)

MOLECULAR STRUCTURE OF ORGANICCOMPOUNDS

The structures, bond descriptions, and bond strengths of organiccompounds are important when determining the reactions andchemistry of organic molecules. You should be familiar withcommon nomenclature, methods for measuring stereochemistry,hybrid orbitals, bond strengths, and resonance.

B. Multiple bonding

C. Stereochemistry of covalently bonded molecules

a. Conventions for writing R and S forms

SEPARATIONS AND PURIFICATIONS

While reactions and properties of organic compounds make up amajor portion of organic chemistry, another important feature isthe separation and purification of these compounds. You should befamiliar with the methods used in these processes, as well as withthe features of the different organic compounds that make theseparation or purification possible.

B. Chromatography

C. Distillation

D. Recrystallization, solvent choice from solubility data

USE OF SPECTROSCOPY IN STRUCTURALIDENTIFICATION

The identification of organic compounds is of prime interest whendetermining the products of a particular reaction. You shouldunderstand the major spectroscopic techniques employed todetermine the structures of the major groups of organiccompounds, as well as the features of the compounds that affecttheir spectroscopy. You should especially be familiar with NMR(nuclear magnetic resonance) and IR (infrared) spectroscopy andthe characteristic absorptions for common functional groups.

B. NMR spectroscopy

BIOLOGY

This portion of the test will concentrate primarily on two major groups ofliving organisms: the vertebrates and the microbes. Within these two generalgroups, your study should focus on concepts and information common tothe life processes of organisms. These concepts include basic principles ofmolecular biology, cellular structure and function, and genetics andevolution. Additionally, vertebrate systems will be approached from theorganism or body-system level of organization. In this context, topics mayfocus on some aspect of the structure or function of a given body system,on the interaction of two or more body systems, or on the effects of anexternal factor (for example, a disease or an environmental influence) on thetotal physiology of an organism.

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

Molecular biology is concerned with the biochemical reactions that occurwithin living cells and the molecules that make these reactions possible.Specifically, molecular biology covers cellular metabolism and its regulationby enzymes and the functions of DNA in transmitting genetic informationand directing protein synthesis. Questions require an understanding ofprocesses at the cell and molecular levels.

B. DNA and protein synthesis

MICROBIOLOGY

Viruses, bacteria, and fungi represent a vast and integral part oflife on earth. They are essential to the earth's ecology and to thelives of individual organisms yet are often sources of disease anddeath. Your study should focus on the general structures and lifehistories of these groups of microbes.

B. Prokaryotic cells

C. Fungi

GENERALIZED EUKARYOTIC CELL

Since the typical eukaryotic cell is the site of the life processescovered in molecular biology and is the basic unit of which allcomplex organisms are formed, you should have a thoroughunderstanding of its major structures and functions. Questions willrequire knowledge of the major cell organelles particularly thenucleus and the membrane structures and of the processescarried out by all living cells, such as movement of materialsacross membranes and cell replication by mitosis.

B. Membrane-bound organelles: structures and functions

C. Plasma membrane: structure and functions

D. Cytoskeleton: structure and functions

E. Mitosis

SPECIALIZED EUKARYOTIC CELLS AND TISSUES

The plan of the generalized cell undergoes many specializationsthat provide the basis for our complex organ systems. Questionswill require you to understand the structure and function of theseorgan systems and to interpret the specialized characteristics of thecells and tissues of nerves, muscles, skin, and connective tissue.

B. Contractile cells and tissues

C. Epithelial cells and tissues

D. Connective cells and tissues

NERVOUS AND ENDOCRINE SYSTEMS

The nervous and endocrine systems interconnect and regulate theactivities of the organism as a whole by exerting precise controlover processes at the cell and molecular levels. You should knowthe major structures and chemicals involved in these regulatorysystems and the general mechanisms by which both systems work.You should also be familiar with the reception and processing ofthe sensory signals which activate the nervous and endocrinesystems.

B. Sensory reception and processing

C. Endocrine systems: hormones and their sources

CIRCULATORY, LYMPHATIC, AND IMMUNE SYSTEMS

The transport of essential gases and nutrients toward and wastematerials away from the tissues and the protective activities of thebody's immune responses are among the vital functions performedby the circulatory, lymphatic, and immune systems. You should befamiliar with the structures and functions of these systems and thegeneral mechanisms by which they carry out their functions andhelp to regulate body processes.

B. Lymphatic system: structure and function

C. Immune system

DIGESTIVE AND EXCRETORY SYSTEMS

The digestive system regulates the intake, processing, andabsorption of nutrients. The excretory system processes andeliminates waste materials from the body. You should know themajor structures of both systems, the order in which materials areprocessed, and the general mechanisms by which these processesoccur.

B. Excretory system

MUSCLE AND SKELETAL SYSTEMS

The systems concerned with movement and support of thevertebrate body owe their structure and organization tospecialized contractile and connective cells and tissues. This portion of the test will require a familiaritywith the various types of muscles, their control by the nervoussystem, and their interrelationship with the bones, ligaments, andtendons of the skeletal system.

B. Skeletal system

a. Calcium/protein matrix

RESPIRATORY AND SKIN SYSTEMS

The respiratory system functions in the intake and exchange ofgases, while the skin system has a variety of functions related toprotection, thermoregulation, and homeostasis. These systems,while differing in function, are similar in that each is in direct andconstant contact with the organism's external environment.Questions require an understanding of the structures and functionsof the two systems.

B. Skin system

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM AND DEVELOPMENT

This section covers the formation and development of vertebrateorganisms. It includes the cellular and organismal structuresinvolved in sexual reproduction and the processes ofgametogenesis, reproduction, and embryogenesis. You shouldunderstand these concepts and be able to relate reproduction anddevelopment to DNA structure and function, the principles ofMendelian genetics, and the major hormones and their control.

a. Ovum and sperm

B. Embryogenesis

C. Developmental mechanisms

GENETICS AND EVOLUTION

Mendelian genetics forms the basis for our modern understanding ofheredity. Related to Mendelian genetics are the concepts of speciationand evolution by natural selection. You should understand Mendelianconcepts and be able to relate them to the more modern concepts ofmolecular genetics.

B. Evolution