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MCAT

Biology and Behvior
  1. A Brief History of Neuropsychology
  2. Organization of the Human Nervous System
    1. Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems
    2. The Autonomic Nervous System
  3. Organization of the Brain
    1. Hindbrain
    2. Midbrain
    3. Forebrain
    4. Methods of Mapping the Brain
  4. Parts of the Forebrain
    1. Thalamus
    2. Hypothalamus
    3. Other Parts of the Diencephalon
    4. Basal Ganglia
    5. Limbic System
    6. Cerebral Cortex
  5. Influences on Behavior
    1. Neurotransmitters
    2. The Endocrine System
    3. Genetics and Behavior
  6. Development
    1. Prenatal
    2. Motor
    3. Social
Sensation and Perception
  1. Sensation vs. Perception
    1. Sensory Receptors
    2. Thresholds
    3. Signal Detection Theory
    4. Adaptation
  2. Vision
    1. Structure and Function of the Eye
    2. Visual Pathways
    3. Processing
  3. Hearing and Vestibular Sense
    1. Structure and Function of the Ear
    2. Auditory Pathways
    3. Hair Cells
  4. Other Senses
    1. Smell
    2. Taste
    3. Somatosensation
    4. Kinesthetic Sense
  5. Object Recognition
    1. Gestalt Principles
Learning and Memory
  1. Learning
    1. Associative Learning
    2. Classical Conditioning
    3. Operant Conditioning
    4. Observational Learning
  2. Memory
    1. Encoding
    2. Storageo
    3. Retrieval
    4. Forgetting
    5. Memory Construction
  3. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
Cognition, Consciousness, and Language
  1. Cognition
    1. Information Processing Model
    2. Cognitive Development
    3. Heredity, Environment, and Biologic Factors
  2. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
    1. Types of Problem-Solving
    2. Heuristics, Biases, Intuition, and Emotion
    3. Intellectual Functioning
  3. Consciousness
    1. Stages of Consciousness
    2. Alertness
    3. Sleep
    4. Hypnosis
    5. Meditation
  4. Consciousness-Altering Drugs
    1. Depressants
    2. Stimulants
    3. Opiates and Opioids
    4. Hallucinogens
    5. Marijuana
    6. Drug Addiction
  5. Attention
    1. Selective Attention
    2. Divided Attention
  6. Language
    1. Components of Language
    2. Language Development
    3. Influence of Language on Cognition
    4. Brain Areas and Language
Motivation, Emotion, and Stress
  1. Motivation
    1. Instinct Theory
    2. Arousal Theory
    3. Drive Reduction Theory
    4. Need-Based Theories
    5. Additional Theories and Applications
  2. Emotion
    1. Three Elements of Emotion
    2. Universal Emotions
    3. Adaptive Role of Emotion
    4. Theories of Emotion
    5. The Limbic System
  3. Stress
    1. Cognitive Appraisal of Stress
    2. Types of Stressors
    3. Physiological Response to Stressors
    4. Emotional and Behavioral Responses to Stress
    5. Coping and Stress Management
Identity and Personality
  1. Self-Concept and Identity
    1. Types of Identity
    2. Self-Evaluation
  2. Formation of Identity
    1. Freud: Psychosexual Development
    2. Erikson: Psychosocial Development
    3. Kohlberg: Moral Reasoning
    4. Vygotsky: Cultural and Biosocial Development
    5. The Influence of Others on Identity
  3. Personality
    1. The Psychoanalytic Perspective
    2. The Humanistic Perspective
    3. The Type and Trait Perspectives
    4. Other Theories of Personality
Psychological Disorders
  1. Understanding Psychological Disorders
    1. Biomedical vs. Biopsychosocial Approaches
    2. Classifying Psychological Disorders
    3. Rates of Psychological Disorders
  2. Types of Psychological Disorders
    1. Schizophrenia
    2. Depressive Disorders
    3. Bipolar and Related Disorders
    4. Anxiety Disorders
    5. ObsessiveCompulsive and Related Disorders
    6. Dissociative Disorders
    7. Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders
    8. Personality Disorders
  3. Biological Basis of Nervous System Disorders
    1. Schizophrenia
    2. Depressive and Bipolar Disorders
    3. Alzheimer’s Disease
    4. Parkinson’s Disease
Social Processes, Attitudes, and Behavior
  1. Group Psychology
    1. Social Action
    2. Group Processes
    3. Culture
  2. Socialization
    1. Norms
    2. Agents of Socialization
    3. Deviance and Stigma
    4. Conformity, Compliance, and Obedience
  3. Attitudes and Behavior
    1. Components of Attitudes
    2. Theories of Attitudes
Social Interaction
  1. Elements of Social Interaction
    1. Statuses
    2. Roles
    3. Groups
    4. Networks
    5. Organizations
  2. Self-Presentation and Interacting with Others
    1. Expressing and Detecting Emotions
    2. Impression Management
    3. Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
    4. Animal Signals and Communication
Social Thinking
  1. Social Behavior
    1. Attraction
    2. Aggression
    3. Attachment
    4. Social Support
    5. Social Behaviors and Evolutionary Fitness
  2. Social Perception and Behavior
    1. Social Perception
    2. Attribution Theory
  3. Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
    1. Stereotypes
    2. Prejudice
    3. Ethnocentrism
    4. Discrimination
Social Structure and Demographics
  1. Sociology: Theories and Institutions
    1. Theoretical Approaches
    2. Social Institutions
  2. Culture
    1. Material and Symbolic Culture
    2. Language
    3. Values, Beliefs, Norms, and Rituals
    4. Evolution and Human Culture
  3. Demographics
    1. Common Demographic Categories
    2. Demographic Shifts and Social Change
Social Stratification
  1. Social Class
    1. Aspects of Social Stratification
    2. Patterns of Social Mobility
    3. Poverty
    4. Spatial Inequality
  2. Epidemiology and Disparities
    1. Inequities in Health
    2. Inequities in Healthcare
Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins
  1. Amino Acids Found in Proteins
    1. A Note on Terminology
    2. Stereochemistry of Amino Acids
    3. Structures of the Amino Acids
    4. Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Amino Acids
  2. AcidBase Chemistry of Amino Acids
    1. Protonation and Deprotonation
    2. Titration of Amino Acids
  3. Peptide Bond Formation and Hydrolysis
    1. Peptide Bond Formation
    2. Peptide Bond Hydrolysis
  4. Primary and Secondary Protein Structure
    1. Primary Structure
    2. Secondary Structure
  5. Tertiary and Quaternary Protein Structure
    1. Tertiary Structure
    2. Folding and the Solvation Layer
    3. Quaternary Structure
    4. Conjugated Proteins
  6. Denaturation
Enzymes
  1. Enzymes as Biological Catalysts
    1. Enzyme Classifications
    2. Impact on Activation Energy
  2. Mechanisms of Enzyme Activity
    1. EnzymeSubstrate Binding
    2. Cofactors and Coenzymes
  3. Enzyme Kinetics
    1. Kinetics of Monomeric Enzymes
    2. MichaelisMenten Equation
    3. LineweaverBurk Plots
    4. Cooperativity
  4. Effects of Local Conditions on Enzyme Activity
    1. Temperature
    2. pH
    3. Salinity
  5. Regulation of Enzyme Activity
    1. Feedback Regulation
    2. Reversible Inhibition
    3. Irreversible Inhibition
    4. Regulated Enzymes
Nonenzymatic Protein Function and Protein Analysis
  1. Cellular Functions
    1. Structural Proteins
    2. Motor Proteins
    3. Binding Proteins
    4. Cell Adhesion Molecules
    5. Immunoglobulins
  2. Biosignaling
    1. Ion Channels
    2. Enzyme-Linked Receptors
    3. G Protein-Coupled Receptors
  3. Protein Isolation
    1. Electrophoresis
    2. Chromatography
  4. Protein Analysis
    1. Protein Structure
    2. Amino Acid Composition
    3. Activity Analysis
    4. Concentration Determination
Carbohydrate Structure and Function
  1. Carbohydrate Classification
    1. Nomenclature
    2. Stereochemistry
  2. Cyclic Sugar Molecules
    1. Hexose Conformations
    2. Mutarotation
  3. Monosaccharides
    1. Oxidation and Reduction
    2. Esterification
    3. Glycoside Formation
  4. Complex Carbohydrates
    1. Disaccharides
    2. Polysaccharide
Lipid Structure and Function
  1. Structural Lipids
    1. Phospholipids
    2. Glycerophospholipids
    3. Sphingolipids
    4. Waxes
  2. Signaling Lipids
    1. Terpenes and Terpenoids
    2. Steroids
    3. Prostaglandins
    4. Fat-Soluble Vitamins
  3. Energy Storage
    1. Triacylglycerols
    2. Free Fatty Acids and Saponification
DNA and Biotechnology
  1. DNA Structure
    1. Nucleosides and Nucleotides
    2. SugarPhosphate Backbone
    3. Purines and Pyrimidines
    4. WatsonCrick Model
    5. Denaturation and Reannealing
  2. Eukaryotic Chromosome Organization
    1. Histones
    2. Heterochromatin and Euchromatin
    3. Telomeres and Centromeres
  3. DNA Replication
    1. Strand Separation and Origins of Replication
    2. Synthesis of Daughter Strands
    3. Replicating the Ends of Chromosomes
  4. DNA Repair
    1. Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes
    2. Proofreading and Mismatch Repair
    3. Nucleotide and Base Excision Repair
  5. Recombinant DNA and Biotechnology
    1. DNA Cloning and Restriction Enzymes
    2. DNA Libraries and cDNA
    3. Hybridization
    4. DNA Sequencing
    5. Applications of DNA Technology
    6. Safety and Ethics
RNA and the Genetic Code
  1. The Genetic Code
    1. Types of RNA
    2. Codons
    3. Mutations
  2. Transcription
    1. Mechanism of Transcription
    2. Posttranscriptional Processing
  3. Translation
    1. The Ribosome
    2. Mechanism of Translation
    3. Posttranslational Processing
  4. Control of Gene Expression in Prokaryotes
    1. Operon Structure
    2. Inducible Systems
    3. Repressible Systems
  5. Control of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes
    1. Transcription Factors
    2. Gene Amplification
    3. Regulation of Chromatin Structure
Biological Membranes
  1. Fluid Mosaic Model
    1. General Membrane Structure and Function
    2. Membrane Dynamics
  2. Membrane Components
    1. Lipids
    2. Proteins
    3. Carbohydrates
    4. Membrane Receptors
    5. CellCell Junctions
  3. Membrane Transport
    1. Concentration Gradients
    2. Passive Transport
    3. Active Transport
    4. Endocytosis and Exocytosis
  4. Specialized Membranes
    1. Membrane Potential
    2. Mitochondrial Membranes
Carbohydrate Metabolism I: Glycolysis, Glycogen, Gluconeogenesis, and the Pentose Phosphate Pathway
  1. Glucose Transport
  2. Glycolysis
    1. Important Enzymes of Glycolysis
    2. Fermentation
    3. Important Intermediates of Glycolysis
    4. Irreversible Enzymes
    5. Glycolysis in Erythrocytes
  3. Other Monosaccharides
    1. Galactose Metabolism
    2. Fructose Metabolism
  4. Pyruvate Dehydrogenase
  5. Glycogenesis and Glycogenolysis
    1. Glycogenesis
    2. Glycogenolysis
    3. Glycogen Storage Diseases
  6. Gluconeogenesis
    1. Important Enzymes of Gluconeogenesis
  7. The Pentose Phosphate Pathway
    1. Functions of NADPH
Carbohydrate Metabolism II: Aerobic Respiration
  1. Acetyl-CoA
    1. Methods of Forming Acetyl-CoA
  2. Reactions of the Citric Acid Cycle
    1. Key Reactions
    2. Net Results and ATP Yield
    3. Regulation
  3. The Electron Transport Chain
    1. Electron Flow and Complexes
    2. The Proton-Motive Force
    3. NADH Shuttles
  4. Oxidative Phosphorylation
    1. Chemiosmotic Coupling
    2. Regulation
Lipid and Amino Acid Metabolism
  1. Lipid Digestion and Absorption
    1. Digestion
    2. Micelle Formation
    3. Absorption
  2. Lipid Mobilization
  3. Lipid Transport
    1. Chylomicrons
    2. VLDL (Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein)
    3. IDL (Intermediate-Density Lipoprotein)
    4. LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
    5. HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)
    6. Apolipoproteins
  4. Cholesterol Metabolism
    1. Sources
    2. Specific Enzymes
  5. Fatty Acids and Triacylglycerols
    1. Nomenclature
    2. Synthesis
    3. Oxidation
  6. Ketone Bodies
    1. Ketogenesis
    2. Ketolysis
  7. Protein Catabolism
Bioenergetics and Regulation of Metabolism
  1. Thermodynamics and Bioenergetics
    1. Biological Systems
    2. Enthalpy, Entropy, and Free Energy
    3. Physiological Conditions
  2. The Role of ATP
    1. ATP as an Energy Carrier
    2. Hydrolysis and Coupling
    3. Phosphoryl Group Transfers
  3. Biological Oxidation and Reduction
    1. Half-Reactions
    2. Electron Carriers
  4. Metabolic States
    1. Postprandial (Absorptive) State
    2. Postabsorptive (Fasting) State
    3. Prolonged Fasting (Starvation)
  5. Hormonal Regulation of Metabolism
    1. Insulin and Glucagon
    2. Glucocorticoids
    3. Catecholamines
    4. Thyroid Hormones
  6. Tissue-Specific Metabolism
    1. Liver
    2. Adipose Tissue
    3. Skeletal Muscle
    4. Cardiac Muscle
    5. Brain
  7. Integrative Metabolism
    1. Analysis of Metabolism
    2. Regulation of Body Mass
The Cell
  1. Cell Theory
  2. Eukaryotic Cells
    1. Membrane-Bound Organelles
    2. The Cytoskeleton
    3. Tissue Formation
  3. Classification and Structure of Prokaryotic Cells
    1. Prokaryotic Domains
    2. Classification of Bacteria by Shape
    3. Aerobes and Anaerobes
    4. Prokaryotic Cell Structure
  4. Genetics and Growth of Prokaryotic Cells
    1. Binary Fission
    2. Genetic Recombination
    3. Growth
  5. Viruses and Subviral Particles
    1. Viral Structure
    2. Viral Genomes
    3. Viral Life Cycle
    4. Prions and Viroids
Reproduction
  1. The Cell Cycle and Mitosis
    1. The Cell Cycle
    2. Control of the Cell Cycle
    3. Mitosis
  2. Meiosis
    1. Meiosis I
    2. Meiosis II
  3. The Reproductive System
    1. Male Reproductive Anatomy
    2. Female Reproductive Anatomy
    3. Sexual Development
    4. The Menstrual Cycle
Embryogenesis and Development
  1. Early Developmental Stages
    1. Fertilization
    2. Cleavage
    3. Blastulation
    4. Gastrulation
    5. Neurulation
    6. Problems in Early Development
  2. Mechanisms of Development
    1. Cell Specialization
    2. CellCell Communication
    3. Cell Migration, Cell Death, and Regeneration
    4. Senescence and Aging
  3. Fetal Circulation
  4. Gestation and Birth
    1. First Trimester
    2. Second Trimester
    3. Third Trimester
    4. Birth
The Nervous System
  1. Cells of the Nervous System
    1. Neurons Other Cells in the Nervous System
  2. Transmission of Neural Impulses
    1. The Action Potential
    2. The Synapse
  3. Organization of the Human Nervous System
    1. Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems
    2. The Autonomic Nervous System
    3. Reflexes
The Endocrine System
  1. Mechanisms of Hormone Action
    1. Classification of Hormones by Chemical Structure
    2. Classification of Hormones by Target Tissue
  2. Endocrine Organs and Hormones
    1. Hypothalamus
    2. Anterior Pituitary
    3. Posterior Pituitary
    4. Thyroid
    5. Parathyroid Glands
    6. Adrenal Cortex
    7. Adrenal Medulla
    8. Pancreas
    9. Gonads
    10. Pineal Gland
    11. Other Organs
The Respiratory System
  1. Anatomy and Mechanism of Breathing
    1. Anatomy
    2. Breathing
    3. Lung Capacities and Volumes
    4. Regulation of Breathing
  2. Functions of the Respiratory System
    1. Gas Exchange
    2. Thermoregulation
    3. Immune Function
    4. Control of pH
The Cardiovascular System
  1. Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System
    1. The Heart
    2. The Vasculature
    3. Circulation
  2. Blood
    1. Composition
    2. Blood Antigens
  3. Physiology of the Cardiovascular System
    1. Blood Pressure
    2. Gas and Solute Exchange
    3. Coagulation
The Immune System
  1. Structure of the Immune System
    1. Innate and Adaptive Immunity
    2. Anatomy
  2. The Innate Immune System
    1. Noncellular Nonspecific Defenses
    2. Cells of the Innate Immune System
  3. The Adaptive Immune System
    1. Cells of the Adaptive Immune System
    2. Activation of the Adaptive Immune System
    3. Recognition of Self and Nonself
    4. Immunization
  4. The Lymphatic System
    1. Structure
    2. Function
The Digestive System
  1. Anatomy of the Digestive System
  2. Ingestion and Digestion
    1. Oral Cavity
    2. Pharynx
    3. Esophagus
    4. Stomach
    5. Duodenum
  3. Accessory Organs of Digestion
    1. Pancreas
    2. Liver
    3. Gallbladder
  4. Absorption and Defecation
    1. Jejunum and Ileum
    2. Large Intestine
Homeostasis
  1. The Excretory System
    1. Anatomy of the Excretory System
    2. Osmoregulation
    3. Nephron Function
    4. Functions of the Excretory System
  2. Skin
    1. Structure
    2. Thermoregulation
The Musculoskeletal System
  1. The Muscular System
    1. Types of Muscle
    2. Microscopic Structure of Skeletal Muscle
    3. Muscle Contraction
    4. Stimulation, Summation, and Muscle Fatigue
  2. The Skeletal System
    1. Skeletal Structure
    2. Bone Composition
    3. Cartilage
    4. Joints and Movement
Genetics and Evolution
  1. Fundamental Concepts of Genetics
    1. Patterns of Dominance
    2. Penetrance and Expressivity
    3. Mendelian Concepts
    4. DNA as Genetic Material
  2. Changes in the Gene Pool
    1. Mutations
    2. Leakage
    3. Genetic Drift
  3. Analytical Approaches in Genetics
    1. Punnett Squares
    2. Gene Mapping
    3. HardyWeinberg Principle
  4. Evolution
    1. Natural Selection
    2. Speciation
    3. Measuring Evolutionary Time
About CARS
  1. The CARS Section
  2. Passages
  3. Question Categories
    1. Foundations of Comprehension
    2. Reasoning Within the Text
    3. Reasoning Beyond the Text
Analyzing Rhetoric
  1. What Is Rhetoric?
  2. Key Components of Rhetoric
    1. Author
    2. Audience
    3. Message
    4. Goal
    5. Context
  3. Rhetorical Analysis
    1. Examples
    2. Aristotelian Rhetoric
Keywords
  1. Reading Strategically with Keywords
    1. Read for Content
    2. Read for Organization
    3. Read for Perspective
    4. Read for Reasoning
  2. Relation Keywords
    1. Similarity
    2. Difference
    3. More Complex Relationships
  3. Author Keywords
    1. Positive vs. Negative
    2. Extreme
    3. Moderating
    4. Accounting for Opposition
  4. Logic Keywords
    1. Evidence and Conclusion
    2. Refutation
Outlining the Passage
  1. The Kaplan Method for CARS Passages
    1. Scan
    2. Read
    3. Label
    4. Reflect
  2. Reverse-Engineering the Author’s Outline
    1. Scratch Paper Strategy
    2. What to Label
    3. How to Highlight
  3. Practicing the Strategy
    1. Sample Passage
    2. Analysis
    3. Example Outlines
Dissecting Arguments
  1. Domains of Discourse
    1. Potential Confusions
    2. Where Does Logic Fit?
  2. Concepts: The Basic Elements of Logic
    1. Relations of Ideas
  3. Claims: The Bearers of Truth Value
    1. Consistency and Conflict
    2. Support
  4. Arguments: Conclusions and Evidence
    1. Counterarguments
    2. Inferences
    3. Strengthening and Weakening
Formal Logic
  1. The Logic of Conditionals
    1. Representing Conditionals
    2. Necessary vs. Sufficient Conditions
    3. Forming the Contrapositive
  2. Applications of Conditionals
    1. One Form, Many Functions
    2. Justification vs. Causation
    3. Logical Translations
  3. Analogical Reasoning
    1. Similarity, Revisited
    2. Arguments from Analogy
    3. Extrapolation and Integration
Understanding Passages
  1. Varieties of Passages
    1. Humanities
    2. Social Sciences
  2. Support in Passages
    1. Categories of Support
  3. Anticipating Questions
Question and Answer Strategy
  1. Kaplan Method for CARS Questions
    1. Assess
    2. Plan
    3. Execute
    4. Answer
  2. Wrong Answer Pathologies
    1. Faulty Use of Detail (FUD)
    2. Out of Scope (OS)
    3. Opposite
    4. Distortion
  3. Signs of a Healthy Answer
    1. Appropriate Scope
    2. Author Agreement
    3. Weaker Is Usually Better
Question Types I: Foundations of Comprehension Questions
  1. Main Idea Questions
    1. Sample Question Stems
    2. Strategy
    3. Worked ExampleA Psychology Passage
  2. Detail Questions
    1. Sample Question Stems
    2. Strategy
    3. Worked ExamplesAn Arts Passage
  3. Function Questions
    1. Sample Question Stems
    2. Strategy
    3. Worked ExampleAn Ethics Passage
  4. Definition-in-Context Questions
    1. Sample Question Stems
    2. Strategy
    3. Worked ExampleA History Passage
Question Types II: Reasoning Within the Text Questions
  1. Inference Questions
    1. Sample Question Stems
    2. Strategy
    3. Worked ExamplesA History Passage
  2. StrengthenWeaken (Within the Passage) Questions
    1. Sample Question Stems
    2. Strategy
    3. Worked ExamplesAn Ethics Passage
  3. Other Reasoning Within the Text Questions
    1. Clarification
    2. Weakness
    3. Paradox
Question Types III: Reasoning Beyond the Text Questions
  1. Apply Questions
    1. Sample Question Stems
    2. Strategy
    3. Worked ExamplesA Psychology Passage
  2. StrengthenWeaken (Beyond the Passage) Questions
    1. Sample Question Stems
    2. Strategy
    3. Worked ExamplesAn Arts Passage
  3. Other Reasoning Beyond the Text Questions
    1. Probable Hypothesis
    2. Alternative Explanation
    3. Passage Alteration
Effective Review of CARS
  1. 12.1 Learning from Your Mistakes
    1. Why I Missed It Sheets
  2. Thinking like the Testmaker: Post-Phrasing
    1. Improving Your Timing
      1. Pacing Guidelines
      2. Managing Question Timing
    2. Building Endurance
    3. Enhancing Your Vocabulary
      1. Reading Plan
Atomic Structure
  1. Subatomic Particles
    1. Protons
    2. Neutrons
    3. Electrons
  2. Atomic Mass vs. Atomic Weight
    1. Atomic Mass
    2. Atomic Weight
  3. Rutherford, Planck, and Bohr
    1. Bohr Model
    2. Applications of the Bohr Model
  4. Quantum Mechanical Model of Atoms
    1. Quantum Numbers
    2. Electron Configurations
    3. Hund’s Rule
    4. Valence Electrons
The Periodic Table
  1. The Periodic Table
  2. Types of Elements
    1. Metals
    2. Nonmetals
    3. Metalloids
  3. Periodic Properties of the Elements
    1. Atomic and Ionic Radii
    2. Ionization Energy
    3. Electron Affinity
    4. Electronegativity
  4. The Chemistry of Groups
    1. Alkali Metals (IA)
    2. Alkaline Earth Metals (IIA)
    3. Chalcogens (VIA)
    4. Halogens (VIIA)
    5. Noble Gases (VIIIA)
    6. Transition Metals (B)
Bonding and Chemical Interactions
  1. Bonding
    1. The Octet Rule Types of Bonds
  2. Ionic Bonds
  3. Covalent Bonds
    1. Properties of Covalent Compounds
    2. Coordinate Covalent Bonds
    3. Covalent Bond Notation
    4. Geometry and Polarity
    5. Atomic and Molecular Orbitals
  4. Intermolecular Forces
    1. London Dispersion Forces
    2. DipoleDipole Interactions
    3. Hydrogen Bonds
Compounds and Stoichiometry
  1. Molecules and Moles
    1. Molecular Weight
    2. Mole
    3. Equivalent Weight
  2. Representation of Compounds
    1. Law of Constant Composition
    2. Empirical and Molecular Formulas
    3. Percent Composition
  3. Types of Chemical Reactions
    1. Combination Reactions
    2. Decomposition Reactions
    3. Combustion Reactions
    4. Single-Displacement Reactions
    5. Double-Displacement Reactions
    6. Neutralization Reactions
  4. Balancing Chemical Equations
  5. Applications of Stoichiometry
    1. Limiting Reagent
    2. Yield
  6. Ions
    1. Cations and Anions
    2. Ion Charges
    3. Electrolytes
Chemical Kinetics
  1. Chemical Kinetics
    1. Reaction Mechanisms
    2. Molecular Basis of Chemical Reactions
    3. Factors Affecting Reaction Rate
  2. Reaction Rates
    1. Definition of Rate
    2. Determination of Rate Law
    3. Reaction Orders
Equilibrium
  1. Equilibrium
    1. Dynamic Equilibria and Reversibility
    2. Law of Mass Action
    3. Reaction Quotient
    4. Properties of the Law of Mass Action
  2. Le Châtelier’s Principle
    1. Changes in Concentration
    2. Changes in Pressure (and Volume)
    3. Changes in Temperature
  3. Kinetic and Thermodynamic Control
Thermochemistry
  1. Systems and Processes
    1. Thermodynamic Terminology
  2. States and State Functions
    1. Overview
    2. Phase Changes
    3. Phase Diagrams
  3. Heat
    1. Overview
    2. Constant-Pressure and Constant-Volume Calorimetry
    3. Heating Curves
  4. Enthalpy
    1. Standard Heat of Formation
    2. Standard Heat of Reaction
    3. Hess’s Law
    4. Bond Dissociation Energy
    5. Standard Heat of Combustion
  5. Entropy
  6. Gibbs Free Energy
    1. Overview
    2. Standard Gibbs Free Energy
    3. Free Energy, Keq, and Q
The Gas Phase
  1. The Gas Phase
    1. Variables
  2. Ideal Gases
    1. Ideal Gas Law
    2. Special Cases
    3. Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressures
    4. Henry’s Law
  3. Kinetic Molecular Theory
    1. Assumptions
    2. Applications
  4. Real Gases
    1. Deviations Due to Pressure
    2. Deviations Due to Temperature
    3. Van der Waals Equation of State
Solutions
  1. Nature of Solutions
    1. Solvation
    2. Solubility
    3. Aqueous Solutions
    4. Complex Ion Formation
  2. Concentration
    1. Units of Concentration
    2. Dilution
  3. Solution Equilibria
    1. Solubility Product Constants
    2. Common Ion Effects
  4. Colligative Properties
    1. Raoult’s Law
    2. Boiling Point Elevation
    3. Freezing Point Depression
    4. Osmotic Pressure
Acids and Bases
  1. Definitions
    1. Arrhenius
    2. BrønstedLowry
    3. Lewis
    4. Amphoteric Species
    5. AcidBase Nomenclature
  2. Properties
    1. Autoionization of Water and Hydrogen Ion Equilibria
    2. Strong Acids and Bases
    3. Weak Acids and Bases
    4. Conjugate AcidBase Pairs
    5. Applications of Ka and Kb
    6. Salt Formation
  3. Polyvalence and Normality
  4. Titration and Buffers
    1. General Principles
    2. Strong Acid and Strong Base
    3. Weak Acid and Strong Base
    4. Strong Acid and Weak Base
    5. Weak Acid and Weak Base
    6. Polyvalent Acids and Bases
    7. Buffers
OxidationReduction Reactions
  1. OxidationReduction Reactions
    1. Oxidation and Reduction
    2. Assigning Oxidation Numbers
    3. Balancing OxidationReduction Reactions
  2. Net Ionic Equations
    1. Overview
    2. Disproportionation Reactions
    3. OxidationReduction Titrations
Electrochemistry
  1. Electrochemical Cells
    1. Galvanic (Voltaic) Cells
    2. Electrolytic Cells
    3. Concentration Cells
    4. Rechargeable Cells
    5. Electrode Charge Designations
  2. Cell Potentials
    1. Reduction Potentials
    2. The Electromotive Force
  3. Electromotive Force and Thermodynamics
    1. Gibbs Free Energy
    2. Reaction Quotients
    3. Equilibria
Glossary
Nomenclature
  1. IUPAC Naming Conventions
    1. Naming Steps
  2. Hydrocarbons and Alcohols
    1. Alkanes
    2. Alkenes and Alkynes
    3. Alcohols
  3. Aldehydes and Ketones
    1. Aldehydes
    2. Ketones
  4. Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives
    1. Carboxylic Acids
    2. Esters
    3. Amides
    4. Anhydrides
  5. Summary of Functional Groups
Isomers
  1. Structural Isomers
  2. Stereoisomers
    1. Conformational Isomers
    2. Configurational Isomers
  3. Relative and Absolute Configurations
    1. (E) and (Z) Forms
    2. (R) and (S) Forms
    3. Fischer Projections
Bonding
  1. Atomic Orbitals and Quantum Numbers
  2. Molecular Orbitals
    1. σ and π Bonds
  3. Hybridization
    1. sp3
    2. sp2
    3. sp
    4. Resonance
Analyzing Organic Reactions
  1. Acids and Bases
    1. Definitions
    2. Acid and Base Strength
    3. Common Functional Groups
  2. Nucleophiles, Electrophiles, and Leaving Groups
    1. Nucleophiles
    2. Electrophiles
    3. Leaving Groups
    4. Nucleophilic Substitution Reactions
  3. OxidationReduction Reactions
    1. Oxidizing Agents and Reactions
    2. Reducing Agents and Reactions
  4. Chemoselectivity
    1. Reactive Locations
    2. Steric Protection
  5. Steps to Problem-Solving
    1. Example Reactions
Alcohols
  1. Description and Properties
    1. Nomenclature
    2. Physical Properties
  2. Reactions of Alcohols
    1. Oxidation Reactions
    2. Mesylates and Tosylates
    3. Protecting Groups
  3. Reactions of Phenols
    1. Quinones and Hydroxyquinones
    2. Ubiquinone
Aldehydes and Ketones I: Electrophilicity and OxidationReduction
  1. Description and Properties
    1. Nomenclature
    2. Physical Properties
    3. Formation
  2. Nucleophilic Addition Reactions
    1. Hydration
    2. Acetals and Hemiacetals
    3. Imines and Enamines
    4. Cyanohydrins
  3. OxidationReduction Reactions
    1. Oxidation of Aldehydes
    2. Reduction by Hydride Reagents
Aldehyde and Ketones II: Enolates
  1. General Principles
    1. Acidity of α-Hydrogens
    2. Steric Hindrance
  2. Enolate Chemistry
    1. KetoEnol Tautomerization
    2. Kinetic and Thermodynamic Enolates
    3. Enamines
  3. Aldol Condensation
    1. The Retro-Aldol Reaction
Carboxylic Acids
  1. Description and Properties
    1. Nomenclature
    2. Physical Properties
  2. Reactions of Carboxylic Acids
    1. Synthesis of Carboxylic Acids
    2. Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution
    3. Reduction
    4. Decarboxylation
    5. Saponification
Carboxylic Acid Derivatives
  1. Amides, Esters, and Anhydrides
    1. Descriptions
  2. Reactivity Principles
    1. Relative Reactivity of Derivatives
    2. Steric Effects
    3. Electronic Effects
    4. Strain in Cyclic Derivatives
  3. Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution Reactions
    1. Anhydride Cleavage
    2. Transesterification
    3. Hydrolysis of Amides
Nitrogen- and Phosphorus-Containing Compounds
  1. Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins
    1. Description
    2. Properties
  2. Synthesis of α-Amino Acids
    1. Strecker Synthesis
    2. Gabriel Synthesis
  3. Phosphorus-Containing Compounds
    1. Description
    2. Properties
Spectroscopy
  1. Infrared Spectroscopy
    1. Intramolecular Vibrations and Rotations
    2. Characteristic Absorptions
  2. Ultraviolet Spectroscopy
    1. Electron Transitions
    2. Conjugated Systems
  3. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
    1. Proton NMR (1HNMR)
Separations and Purifications
  1. Solubility-Based Methods
    1. Extraction
    2. Other Methodsz
  2. Distillation
    1. Simple Distillation
    2. Vacuum Distillation
    3. Fractional Distillation
  3. Chromatography
    1. Thin-Layer and Paper Chromatography
    2. Column Chromatography
    3. Gas Chromatography
    4. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Glossary

α-Carbon , α-Hydrogen, α-State, Absolute conformation, Acetal, Achiral, Acid dissociation constant (Ka), Affinity chromatography, Aldol condensation, Aldehyde , Alkane , Amide , Amino acids , Amphoteric , Angle strain , Anhydride , Anti conformation , Antibonding orbital , Antiperiplanar, Axial, Azimuthal quantum number (l),
β-lactam, β-state, Bonding orbital,
Carbonyl, Carboxylic acid, Carboxylic acid derivative, Chemical properties, Chemical shift (δ), Chemoselectivity, Chiral, Chiral center, Chromatography, Cis, Cistrans, Column chromatography, Condensation reaction, Configuration, Configurational isomers , Conformational isomers , Conjugation , Constitutional isomers , Coordinate covalent bond , Coupling , Coupling constant (J) , Covalent , Cyanohydrin ,
d-orbital , Decarboxylation , Deprotection , Deprotonation , Deshielding , Developing chamber , Dialcohols , Diastereomers , Distillate , Distillation , Doublet , Downfield ,
Electron-donating , Electron-withdrawing , Electrophile , Eluent , Elute , Enantiomers , Enol , Equatorial , Ester , Extraction ,
Fingerprint region , Fischer esterification , Fischer projection , Flash column chromatography , Fractional distillation , Fraction ,
Gabriel (malonic-ester) synthesis , Gas chromatography (GC) , Gauche conformation , Geminal diol ,
Hemiacetal , Hemiketal , Heterolysis , High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) , Highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) , Hydride reagent , Hydrogen bonding , Hydrolysis , Hydroxyl group , Hydroxyquinone ,
Imine , Immiscible , Induction , Infrared (IR) spectroscopy , Inorganic phosphate (Pi) , Ion-exchange chromatography , Ionic , Isomers ,
Jones oxidation ,
Ketal , Ketone ,
Lactam , Lactone , Leaving group , Lewis acid , Lewis base , Lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) ,
Magnetic quantum number (ml) , Meso compound , Mesylate , Michael addition , Mobile phase , Molecular orbital , Multiplet ,
Newman projection , Node , Nonbonded strain , Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy , Nucleophiles , Nucleophilic acyl substitution ,
Optical isomers , Organic phosphates , Oxidation , Oxidation state , Oxidizing agent ,
p-orbital , Paper chromatography , Partitioning , Peptide bond , Phenol , Phosphodiester bond , Physical properties , Pi (π) Bond , Polarity , Polypeptide , Preparative thin-layer chromatography , Principal quantum number (n) , Protonation , Pyrophosphate (PPi) ,
Quinone ,
R group , Racemic mixture , Reduction , Relative configuration , Resonance , Resonance structure , Retro-aldol reaction , Reverse-phase chromatography , Retardation factor (Rf) , Ring strain ,
s-orbital , Saponification , Separatory funnel , Shielding , Sigma (σ) bond , Simple distillation , Size-exclusion chromatography , sp , sp2 , sp3 , Specific rotation ([α]) , Spectroscopy , Spin quantum number (ms) , Spotting , Staggered conformation , Stationary phase , Stereogenic , Stereoisomers , Steric hindrance , Steric protection , Strecker synthesis , Structural isomers , Substituent ,
Tautomer , Tetramethylsilane (TMS) , Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) , Torsional strain , Tosylate , Totally eclipsed conformation , Trans , Transesterification , Triacylglycerols , Triplet ,
Ubiquinone , Ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy , Upfield ,
Vacuum distillation , Vicinal diol ,
Wash , Wavenumber ,
Zwitterion ,
Kinematics and Dynamics
  1. Units
    1. Fundamental Measurements
  2. Vectors and Scalars
    1. Vector Addition
    2. Vector Subtraction
    3. Multiplying Vectors by Scalars
    4. Multiplying Vectors by Other Vectors
  3. Displacement and Velocity
    1. Displacement
    2. Velocity
  4. Forces and Acceleration
    1. Forces
    2. Mass and Weight
    3. Acceleration
  5. Newton’s Laws
    1. First Law
    2. Second Law
    3. Third Law
  6. Motion with Constant Acceleration
    1. Linear Motion
    2. Projectile Motion
    3. Inclined Planes
    4. Circular Motion
  7. Mechanical Equilibrium
    1. Free Body Diagrams
    2. Translational Equilibrium
    3. Rotational Equilibrium
Work and Energy
  1. Energy
    1. Kinetic Energy
    2. Potential Energy
    3. Total Mechanical Energy
    4. Conservation of Mechanical Energy
  2. Work
    1. Force and Displacement
    2. Pressure and Volume
    3. Power
    4. orkEnergy Theorem
  3. Mechanical Advantage
    1. Pulleys
Thermodynamics
  1. Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics
    1. Temperature
    2. Thermal Expansion
  2. Systems
    1. System Types
    2. State Functions
  3. First Law of Thermodynamics
    1. Heat
    2. Thermodynamic Processes
  4. Second Law of Thermodynamics and Entropy
    1. Energy Dispersion
    2. Entropy
Fluids
  1. Characteristics of Fluids and Solids
    1. Density
    2. Pressure
  2. Hydrostatics
    1. Pascal’s Principle
    2. Archimedes’ Principle
    3. Molecular Forces in Liquids
  3. Fluid Dynamics
    1. Viscosity
    2. Laminar and Turbulent Flow
    3. Streamlines
    4. Bernoulli’s Equation
  4. Fluids in Physiology
    1. Circulatory System
    2. Respiratory System
Electrostatics and Magnetism
  1. Charges
    1. Insulators and Conductors
  2. Coulomb’s Law
    1. Electric Field
  3. Electrical Potential Energy
  4. Electrical Potential
  5. Special Cases in Electrostatics
    1. Equipotential Lines
    2. Electric Dipoles
  6. Magnetism
    1. Magnetic Fields
    2. Magnetic Forces
Circuits
  1. Current
    1. Conductivity
    2. Current
    3. Circuit Laws
  2. Resistance
    1. Properties of Resistors
    2. Ohm’s Law and Power
    3. Resistors in Series and Parallel
  3. Capacitance and Capacitors
    1. Properties of Capacitors
    2. Dielectric Materials
    3. Capacitors in Series and Parallel
  4. Meters
    1. Ammeters
    2. Voltmeters
    3. Ohmmeters
Waves and Sound
  1. General Wave Characteristics
    1. Transverse and Longitudinal Waves
    2. Describing Waves
    3. Phase
    4. Principle of Superposition
    5. Traveling and Standing Waves
    6. Resonance
  2. Sound
    1. Production of Sound
    2. Frequency and Pitch
    3. Intensity and Loudness of Sound
    4. Standing Waves
    5. Ultrasound
Light and Optics
  1. Electromagnetic Spectrum
    1. Electromagnetic Waves
    2. Color and the Visible Spectrum
  2. Geometrical Optics
    1. Reflection
    2. Refraction
    3. Lenses
    4. Dispersion
  3. Diffraction
    1. Single Slit
    2. SlitLens System
    3. Multiple Slits
    4. X-Ray Diffraction
  4. Polarization
    1. Plane-Polarized Light
    2. Circular Polarization
Atomic and Nuclear Phenomena
  1. The Photoelectric Effect
    1. Threshold Frequency
    2. Kinetic Energy of Ejected Electrons
  2. Absorption and Emission of Light
  3. Nuclear Binding Energy and Mass Defect
  4. Nuclear Reactions
    1. Fusion
    2. Fission
    3. Radioactive Decay
Mathematics
  1. Arithmetic and Significant Figures
    1. Scientific Notation
    2. Significant Figures
    3. Estimation
  2. Exponents and Logarithms
    1. Exponents
    2. Rules of Logarithms
    3. Common vs. Natural Logarithms
  3. Trigonometry
    1. Definitions and Relationships
    2. Common Values
  4. Problem-Solving
    1. Use of Relationships
    2. Conversions
    3. Unit Analysis
    4. Algebraic Systems
Reasoning About the Design and Execution of Research
  1. The Scientific Method
    1. The FINER Method
  2. Basic Science Research
    1. Controls
    2. Causality
    3. Error Sources
  3. Human Subjects Research
    1. Experimental Approach
    2. Observational Approach
    3. Error Sources
  4. Ethics
    1. Respect for Persons
    2. Justice
    3. Beneficence
  5. Research in the Real World
    1. Populations vs. Samples
    2. Generalizability
    3. Support for Interventions
Data-Based and Statistical Reasoning
  1. Measures of Central Tendency
    1. Mean
    2. Median
    3. Mode
  2. Distributions
    1. Normal Distributions
    2. Skewed Distributions
    3. Bimodal Distributions
  3. Measures of Distribution
    1. Range
    2. Interquartile Range
    3. Standard Deviation
    4. Outliers
  4. Probability
    1. Independence and Mutual Exclusivity
    2. Calculations
  5. Statistical Testing
    1. Hypothesis Testing
    2. Confidence Intervals
  6. Charts, Graphs, and Tables
    1. Types of Charts
    2. Graphs and Axes
    3. Interpreting Tables
  7. Applying Data
    1. Correlation and Causation
    2. In the Context of Scientific Knowledge
Summary
Item1234Total
Minutes95909595375
Passage109101039
Passage Questions44534444185
Discrete Questions15151545
Total Questions59535959230
Score118-132118-132118-132118-132472-528
Subect %
Subject1234Total
Biochemistry25%25%50
Biology5%65%5%75
General Chemistry30%5%35
Humanities50%50
Organic Chemistry15%5%20
Physics25%25
Psychology65%65
Social Sciences50%50
Sociology30%30
Total100%100%100%100%400
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Time95 Minutes
Format
  1. 59 questions
  2. 10 passages
  3. 44 questions are passage-based, and 15 are discrete (stand-alone) questions.
  4. Score between 118 and 132
What It Tests
  1. Biochemistry: 25%
  2. Biology: 5%
  3. General Chemistry: 30%
  4. Organic Chemistry: 15%
  5. Physics: 25%
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
Time90 minutes
Format
  1. 53 questions
  2. 9 passages
  3. All questions are passage-based. There are no discrete (stand-alone) questions.
  4. Score between 118 and 132
What It Tests Disciplines:
  1. Humanities: 50%
  2. Social Sciences: 50%
Skills:
  1. Foundations of Comprehension: 30%
  2. Reasoning Within the Text: 30%
  3. Reasoning Beyond the Text: 40%
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Time95 minutes
Format
  1. 59 questions
  2. 10 passages
  3. 44 questions are passage-based, and 15 are discrete (stand-alone) questions.
  4. Score between 118 and 132
What It Tests
  1. Biochemistry: 25%
  2. Biology: 65%
  3. General Chemistry: 5%
  4. Organic Chemistry: 5%
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
Time95 minutes
Format
  1. 59 questions
  2. 10 passages
  3. 44 questions are passage-based, and 15 are discrete (stand-alone) questions.
  4. Score between 118 and 132
What It Tests
  1. Biology: 5%
  2. Psychology: 65%
  3. Sociology: 30%
Total
Testing Time375 Minutes (6 hours, 15 minutes)
Questions230
Score472 to 528
SIRS
The MCAT also tests four Scientific Inquiry and Reasoning Skills (SIRS):
  1. Knowledge of Scientific Concepts and Principles (35% of questions)
  2. Scientific Reasoning and Problem-Solving (45% of questions)
  3. Reasoning About the Design and Execution of Research (10% of questions)
  4. Data-Based and Statistical Reasoning (10% of questions)