Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (Chem/Phys)
What is tested on the Chem/Phys Section
The AAMC uses this section to test students on their ability to solve problems by combining knowledge of chemical and physical concepts (Foundational Concepts 4-5) with scientific inquiry and reasoning skills (1-4)
How is this section designed?
How is this section designed?
Subjects Tested
• Biochemistry: 25%
• General Biology: 5%
• General Chemistry: 30%
• Organic Chemistry: 15%
• Physics: 25%
• General Biology: 5%
• General Chemistry: 30%
• Organic Chemistry: 15%
• Physics: 25%
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 4 (40%)
This Foundational Concept emphasizes physical and chemical principles and how they apply to the way complex living organisms transport materials, sense their environment, process signals, and respond to changes.
Content Categories
Content Categories
Content Category 4A
(5%)
Translational motion, forces, work, energy, and equilibrium in living systems.
Content Category 4B
(7%)
Importance of fluids for the circulation of blood, gas movement, and gas exchange.
Content Category 4E
(12%)
Atoms, nuclear decay, electronic structure, and atomic chemical behavior.
Foundational Concept 5 (60%)
This Foundational Concept outlines how chemical interactions and reactions between biomolecules form the basis of the molecular dynamics needed to support living systems.
Content Categories
Content Categories
Content Category 5D
(25%)
Structure, function, and reactivity of biologically relevant molecules.
How can I prepare for the MCAT?
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