Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (Bio/Biochem)
What is tested on the Bio/Biochem Section
The AAMC uses this section to test students on their ability to solve problems by combining knowledge of biological and biochemical concepts (Foundational Concepts 1-3) with scientific inquiry and reasoning skills (1-4)
How is this section designed?
How is this section designed?
Subjects Tested
• Biochemistry: 25%
• General Biology: 65%
• General Chemistry: 5%
• Organic Chemistry: 5%
• General Biology: 65%
• General Chemistry: 5%
• Organic Chemistry: 5%
Timing and Structure
• 95 Minutes
• 59 Questions Total
• 10 Passages (4-6 questions each)
• 15 Discrete Questions
• 59 Questions Total
• 10 Passages (4-6 questions each)
• 15 Discrete Questions
Scientific Inquiry and Reasoning Skills
SIRS1
Knowledge of Scientific Concepts and Principle
▪ Demonstrating understanding of scientific concepts and principles.
▪ Identifying the relationships between closely related concepts.
▪ Identifying the relationships between closely related concepts.
SIRS2
Scientific Reasoning and Problem-Solving
▪ Reasoning about scientific principles, theories, and models.
▪ Analyzing and evaluating scientific explanations and predictions.
▪ Analyzing and evaluating scientific explanations and predictions.
SIRS3
Reasoning About the Design and Execution of Research
▪ Demonstrating understanding of important components of scientific research.
▪ Reasoning about ethical issues in research.
▪ Reasoning about ethical issues in research.
SIRS4
Data-Based and Statistical Reasoning
▪ Interpreting patterns in data presented in tables, figures, and graphs.
▪ Reasoning about data and drawing conclusions from them.
▪ Reasoning about data and drawing conclusions from them.
Foundational Concept 1 (55%)
This Foundational Concept includes an assessment of biomolecules and their unique chemical and structural properties that define their roles in maintaining cellular function such as gene expression and metabolism
Content Categories
Content Categories
Content Category 1A
(16%)
Structure and function of proteins and their constituent amino acids.
Content Category 1B
(18%)
Transmission of genetic information from the gene to the protein.
Content Category 1C
(6%)
Transmission of heritable information from generation to generation and the processes that increase genetic diversity.
Foundational Concept 2
(20%)
This Foundational Concept covers how biomolecules can assemble into larger structures such as cells and organs to carry out the function of living organisms.
Content Categories
Content Categories
Content Category 2A
(11%)
Assemblies of molecules, cells, and groups of cells within single cellular and multicellular organisms.
Content Category 2B
(4%)
The structure, growth, physiology, and genetics of prokaryotes and viruses.
Content Category 2C
(5%)
Processes of cell division, differentiation, and specialization.
Foundational Concept 3
(25%)
This Foundational Concept integrates complex systems of tissues and organ systems to sense the internal and external environment in order to maintain homeostasis.
Content Categories
Content Categories
Content Category 3A
(10%)
Structure and functions of the nervous and endocrine systems and ways these systems coordinate the organ systems.
Content Category 3B
(15%)
Structure and integrative functions of the main organ systems.
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