MCAT Biological Sciences

An Overview of the Syllabus for MCAT Biological Sciences

The MCAT tests students for skills and abilities pre-requisite for the study of medicine. Students in the United States of America and Canada take the test to prove competencies whilst making admission applications to medical schools and colleges. The test has four different sections which aim to screen different skills and abilities. The Biological Sciences section of MCAT tests students for skills and knowledge in biology. Information about the topics covered in the Biological Sciences section is available in the official website of the test. To read more about the same visit www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/preparing/ and click on the Biological Sciences link. You will be able to view a pdf file that will give you information about every concept that is tested in the Biological Sciences section as well as what the theories and subject matter covered under the various concepts.

The contents under this section are further broken down into two main streams of study. Biology and Organic Chemistry are the two disciplines that are tested under this section. Each of these disciplines tests you for knowledge of concepts and sub concepts. A brief overview of the syllabus for Biological Sciences will help you understand what you should study for the test.

What Topics Are Covered Under Biology

This sub-section under Biological Sciences tests your knowledge about biological concepts related to the human body. It tests you for knowledge in around 15 topics. Each of these topics has various sub-topics and concepts. A list of the main topics covered in this sub-section is available below.

  1. Molecular biology: enzymes and metabolism
  2. Molecular biology: DNA and protein synthesis
  3. Molecular biology: eukaryotes
  4. Microbiology
  5. General eukaryotic cell
  6. Specialized eukaryotic cells and tissues
  7. Nervous and endocrine systems
  8. Circulatory, Lymphatic and immune systems
  9. Digestive and excretory systems
  10. Muscle and skeletal systems
  11. Respiratory system
  12. Skin system
  13. Reproductive and development
  14. Genetics
  15. Evolution

You should make sure that you have read about all the above listed topics and test yourself to see which of these you are familiar with. This will help you allot time to specific concepts which you may find more difficult than others.

What Topics Are Covered Under Organic Chemistry

This is the other sub-sections of topics under the Biological Sciences section. It tests you for basic principles and knowledge in Organic Chemistry. The sub-section covers 7 main topics under which you will learn many concepts and theories. More information about the concepts covered under this sub-section is available on the official website at https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/preparing/. Visit the link and click on the Biological Sciences link. The topics covered in this sub-section are:

  1. Covalent bond
  2. Molecular structure and spectra
  3. Separations and purifications
  4. Hydrocarbons
  5. Oxygen-containing compounds
  6. Amines
  7. Biological molecules

Preparing for the Biological Sciences is not an easy feat. You can however reduce the strain of studying for this section by familiarizing yourself with each and every concept and chalking out a study schedule that will help you cover all the topics for the test. This will help ensure that you have not missed out on anything as well as help you devote time to practicing the new concepts you learn. Make sure you have good study material that will help you prepare for this section. Sign up for tutorials or classes specifically for this section if you think you need to improve on your current skills. If you are well prepared for the test there will be nothing that will stop you from achieving truly high scores on the test.