List of MCAT topics

The following list of MCAT topics is a brief overview of the topics covered on the biological and physical sciences sections of the Medical College Admission Test as of April 2003. This list is in addition to a section on verbal reasoning items, and two writing samples. The exam is about 4.5 hours--including 10-minute breaks.

Section	Questions	Minutes
Physical Sciences	52	70
Verbal Reasoning	40	60
Biological Sciences	52	70

• Biology
  • Molecular biology
    • Enzymes and metabolism
    • DNA and protein synthesis
    • Eukaryotes
  • Genetics
  • Microbiology
  • Generalized eukaryotic cell
  • Specialized eukaryotic cells and tissues
  • Nervous and endocrine systems
  • Circulatory, lymphatic system, and immune systems
  • Respiratory system
  • Integumentary system
  • Digestive and excretory systems
  • Muscle and skeletal systems
  • Reproductive system and development
  • Evolution

• Organic chemistry
  • The covalent bond
  • Molecular structure and chemical spectra
  • Isomers and Stereochemistry
  • Separations and purifications
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Oxygen Containing Compounds
    • Alcohols
    • Ethers
    • Esters
    • Ketones
    • Aldehydes
    • carboxylic acids
    • Acid Derivatives (e.g. acid chlorides, esters, and amides)
  • Amines
  • Biological molecules
  • General Concepts in organic chemistry

• General chemistry
  • Electronic structure and periodic table
  • Bonding
  • Phases and phase equilibria
  • Stoichiometry
  • Thermodynamics and thermochemistry
  • Rate Processes in chemical reactions - kinetics and equilibrium
  • Solution chemistry
  • Acids/bases
  • Electrochemistry

• Physics
  • Translational motion
  • Force and motion, gravitation
  • Equilibrium and momentum
  • Work and energy
  • Waves and periodic motion
  • Sound
  • Fluids and solids
  • Electrostatics and electromagnetism
  • Electronic circuit elements
  • Light and geometrical optics
  • Atomic and nuclear structure
  • Basic concepts and general techniques

See also

• MCAT