A Complete List of MCAT Topics 

Are you ready to conquer the MCAT exam and kickstart your journey to becoming a medical professional? Then get ready to take on the challenge of mastering the complete list of MCAT topics! The MCAT is a rigorous and comprehensive exam designed to assess your knowledge and skills in several subjects, from biology and chemistry to psychology and critical analysis. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a complete breakdown of every MCAT topic you need to know, giving you the edge you need to succeed on test day. So, buckle up and get ready to dive deep into the world of MCAT topics, and let’s make your medical dreams a reality!

What To Expect From MCAT Exam

The MCAT exam is a crucial step in becoming a medical professional. While it may seem daunting, it’s important to approach the exam with a positive attitude and a clear understanding of what to expect. Familiarizing yourself with the complete list of MCAT topics is essential to the preparation process. Doing so will give you a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, and be better equipped to perform well on the exam. In addition, knowing what to expect from the MCAT exam and studying the full range of MCAT topics will not only boost your confidence but also ensure that you’re well-prepared to tackle any question that comes your way. 

 

MCAT Subject Breakdown

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

This section evaluates an examinee’s knowledge of the scientific principles that govern living organisms at the molecular and cellular levels. It covers topics such as biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, and anatomy and provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental building blocks of life.

Here’re 3 main sub-topics in this section:

• Biochemistry

In this section, students will learn about the different types of molecules that are critical for the proper functioning of living organisms, such as proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. For example, students will explore the structure and function of proteins, including the different types of amino acids that make up these molecules and the different levels of protein structure. Additionally, they will learn about the different types of enzymes and how they function as catalysts in biological reactions. Biochemistry is also essential for understanding the metabolism of different types of molecules, such as the breakdown of carbohydrates and the synthesis of lipids. 

Here’s a breakdown of the key topics tested in this section:

1. Structure and function of proteins: This topic covers the basic structure of amino acids, the different types of protein structures (primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary), and the relationship between protein structure and function. Students are expected to understand how changes in protein structure can affect its function and how proteins interact with other molecules in the body.
2. Enzymes and enzyme kinetics: This topic covers the basics of enzyme function, including how enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions, the factors that affect enzyme activity (such as pH, temperature, and substrate concentration), and how enzymes are regulated. Students are expected to understand enzyme kinetics principles, including Michaelis-Menten kinetics and enzyme inhibition.
3. Carbohydrates and lipids: This topic covers the basics of carbohydrate and lipid biochemistry, including their structures, functions, and metabolic pathways. Students must understand how carbohydrates and lipids are used for energy storage and as building blocks for other biomolecules.

• Biology

Biology is one of the most extensive subjects in the MCAT, covering cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and more. This subject breakdown requires a deep understanding of concepts such as mitosis and meiosis, protein synthesis, and gene expression. It also involves studying the human body, including the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, and the interplay between them. For example, understanding the structure of DNA and how it replicates is crucial to understanding genetics and how it applies to human health. Furthermore, ecology topics require a strong understanding of interactions between organisms and their environment, which can help you tackle questions about ecosystems and the balance of nature.

Familiarizing yourself with common laboratory techniques such as gel electrophoresis, PCR, and DNA sequencing can also help you succeed in the MCAT Biology section.

Here is a breakdown of the key topics tested in this section:

1. Genetics and molecular biology: This topic covers the basic principles of genetics, including Mendelian genetics, inheritance patterns, genetic variation, and gene expression. Students should understand the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription, and translation. This section also covers the basics of gene regulation, including epigenetics and genetic engineering.
2. Anatomy and physiology: This topic covers the structure and function of the human body, including the organ systems and their interconnections. Students are expected to understand the mechanisms of homeostasis and the basic principles of cellular respiration, metabolism, and nutrition.
3. Evolution and ecology: This topic covers the basic principles of evolution, including natural selection, genetic drift, and speciation. Test takers should understand the basics of ecology, including population dynamics, community interactions, and ecosystem processes.

• Organic Chemistry

It encompasses various topics, such as bonding and molecular structure, stereochemistry and isomerism, and reactions and mechanisms. By mastering the principles of Organic Chemistry, you can have a deeper understanding of how living organisms function and interact with their environment.

For example, Organic Chemistry plays a critical role in studying biomolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. These molecules are essential building blocks of life and perform various functions, such as energy storage and structural support. By studying Organic Chemistry, you can gain insights into how these biomolecules interact with each other and contribute to the overall function of living systems.

Moreover, Organic Chemistry is essential for studying metabolic pathways, a series of chemical reactions that occur in living organisms. These pathways involve the conversion of one molecule to another, and their proper functioning is critical for maintaining cellular processes. Understanding the chemical principles of these pathways is crucial for interpreting experimental data and making accurate predictions about the behavior of living organisms.

Here’s a breakdown of the key topics tested in this section:

1. Bonding and molecular structure: This topic covers the basics of chemical bonding, including covalent, ionic, and hydrogen bonding, as well as the structure and properties of organic molecules. You should understand the various types of chemical bonds that hold molecules together and how these bonds affect the properties of organic compounds.
2. Stereochemistry and isomerism: This topic covers the principles of stereochemistry and isomerism, including chiral molecules, enantiomers, diastereomers, and stereoisomers. You should know the relationship between molecular structure and biological function and how the chirality of molecules can affect their biological activity.
3. Reactions and mechanisms: This topic covers the basic types of organic reactions and mechanisms, including substitution, elimination, addition, and oxidation-reduction reactions. MCAT candidates must understand the basic principles of organic reaction mechanisms and how to apply these principles to predict the outcome of a reaction.

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

This section covers a wide range of topics, from atomic structure and periodicity to electricity and magnetism and how they relate to biological systems. The questions on this section require a strong foundation in both chemistry and physics, making it an essential area to study for those planning to pursue a medical career.

Here’re 3 main sub-topics in this section:

• General Chemistry

General Chemistry provides a foundation for understanding the underlying principles of biochemistry and other related sciences. For instance, General Chemistry helps students understand the behavior of atoms, ions, and molecules in different chemical reactions. It also explores the relationship between energy and matter, and how they interact to form the building blocks of biological systems.

Additionally, General Chemistry topics, such as stoichiometry and thermodynamics, are essential for understanding the principles of equilibrium and kinetics, which play a critical role in biochemical reactions. Understanding the behavior of chemicals at the molecular level can help students predict and explain the reactions that take place in living organisms.

Moreover, General Chemistry is essential for the MCAT and other areas of study, including medicine, pharmacy, and chemical engineering.

Here is a breakdown of these topics:

1. Atomic structure and periodicity: This topic covers the basics of atomic structure, including the composition of atoms, electron configuration, and periodic trends in the periodic table. You should know how atomic structure affects chemical properties and reactivity.
2. Stoichiometry and thermodynamics: This topic covers the principles of stoichiometry and thermodynamics, including the laws of thermodynamics, the relationships between energy and work, and the use of equations to calculate thermodynamic properties such as enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy. You should understand how to use these principles to solve problems related to chemical reactions and energy changes.
3. Chemical kinetics and equilibrium: This topic covers the basics of chemical kinetics, including reaction rates, rate laws, and reaction mechanisms. Students must understand how to use this knowledge to calculate reaction rates and to predict how different factors such as temperature, pressure, and concentration affect reaction rates. The topic of chemical equilibrium covers the principles of equilibrium, including the equilibrium constant, Le Chatelier’s principle, and acid-base equilibria.

• Physics

The Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems relies heavily on physics principles to explore the physical mechanisms behind biological processes. This section covers various topics such as fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, optics, and electromagnetic phenomena. By mastering these topics, test takers can answer complex questions about biological systems’ physical properties. For instance, they may be asked to calculate the blood flow velocity in a particular artery, determine the energy required to transport a molecule across a cell membrane or analyze the optical properties of the human eye. With sufficient practice and study, test takers can confidently approach these questions and even enjoy the challenge of applying physics concepts to real-world scenarios. Additionally, mastering the physics section can open doors to future studies and career paths, as physics is a fundamental subject in many fields, such as medicine, engineering, and biophysics.

Here’s a breakdown of the key topics tested in this section:

1. Mechanics and kinematics: This topic covers the basic principles of motion and force, including Newton’s laws of motion, momentum, energy, and work. Students are expected to understand how these concepts apply to biological systems, such as the mechanics of the cardiovascular system or the biomechanics of movement.
2. Electricity and magnetism: This topic covers the basics of electrical circuits, electromagnetic waves, and electromagnetic radiation. You should know the principles of electric charge, voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, electromagnetic waves and radiation properties.
3. Waves and optics: This topic covers the properties of waves, including sound and light waves, and the principles of optics. Students are expected to understand how waves behave and how you can use them to model biological systems, such as the properties of sound in the auditory system or the properties of light in the visual system.

• Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry covers a wide range of topics, from chemical bonding to chemical reactions. One of the main reasons that Organic Chemistry is essential for the MCAT is that it is the foundation of biochemistry. As such, this subject will help you better understand the structure and function of complex biomolecules like carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Additionally, Organic Chemistry is an essential component of the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems. For example, you might be asked to interpret graphs that describe the relationship between pH and enzyme activity or to analyze reaction mechanisms for complex biological processes like photosynthesis.

Here’s a breakdown of the key topics tested in this section:

1. Bonding and molecular structure: This topic covers the fundamental concepts of bonding, including covalent bonds, ionic bonds, and hydrogen bonds. You should understand the nature of molecular orbitals and the factors that determine the stability of molecules.
2. Stereochemistry and isomerism: This topic covers the basics of stereochemistry, including chiral molecules, enantiomers, diastereomers, and meso compounds. Students must know d the principles of stereoisomerism and the relationship between structure and properties of stereoisomers.
3. Reactions and mechanisms: This topic covers the basic principles of organic reactions and reaction mechanisms. You need to understand the principles of acid-base chemistry, nucleophilic substitution, elimination, addition, and rearrangement reactions. They are also expected to understand the principles of reaction mechanisms, including reaction intermediates and rate-determining steps.

Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

This section of the MCAT exam delves into the mechanisms and processes that underlie behavior, including how social structures and institutions shape individual and collective behavior, the biological basis of cognition and emotion, and the role of learning and memory in shaping behavior. It provides a unique and important perspective on the intersection of psychology, sociology, and biology, and is an essential component of any comprehensive MCAT preparation. 

• Psychology

This section covers learning and memory, motivation, emotion, sensation, and perception, as well as abnormal psychology. By studying these concepts, in-depth, students can understand how they influence human behavior and how they can be applied in real-life scenarios.

For instance, the social psychology component of the MCAT Psychology section covers topics such as social influence, group dynamics, and communication, providing insights into how individuals behave in different social settings. Understanding these concepts can help students develop strong communication skills, essential for success in many fields, including business, law, and healthcare.

The MCAT Psychology section also covers developmental psychology, which examines how individuals develop physically, socially, and cognitively over their lifespan. Understanding the developmental stages and changes can be helpful in a wide range of professions, from education to healthcare.

Here’s a breakdown of the key topics tested in the psychology section of the MCAT:

1. Biological bases of behavior: This topic covers the basic anatomy and physiology of the nervous system, including the structure and function of neurons, synapses, and neural networks. Students are expected to understand how the brain and nervous system are involved in behavior, cognition, and emotion and how different neurotransmitters and hormones affect the brain.
2. Sensation and perception: This topic covers the basic principles of sensation and perception, including the processing of sensory information by the brain. Students should understand the different sensory modalities (such as vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell) and how sensory information is integrated and interpreted by the brain.
3. Learning and memory: This topic covers the basic principles of learning and memory, including classical and operant conditioning, observational learning, and long-term memory. Students are expected to understand the different types of memory (such as working memory and declarative memory), and how memory is encoded, stored, and retrieved by the brain.

• Sociology

The sociology section of the MCAT exam is not just about memorizing theories and concepts but focuses on practical applications and real-world scenarios. For instance, students may encounter questions about healthcare disparities among different social groups or the impact of social determinants on health outcomes. By studying these topics, students can better understand the complex issues facing healthcare providers today and become better equipped to address them in their future careers.

Furthermore, the sociology section of the MCAT exam encourages students to develop a broader perspective and a more comprehensive understanding of human behavior. This can be very beneficial for those who plan to work with diverse patient populations, as it can help them better understand and appreciate their patients’ unique experiences and perspectives. For example, a physician who has studied sociology may be better equipped to understand the cultural factors that influence a patient’s decision-making or the social barriers that may prevent them from accessing healthcare services.

Here’s a breakdown of the key topics tested in this section:

1. Social structures and stratification: This topic covers the basics of social structures and how they contribute to social stratification. Students are expected to understand how social stratification is related to factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, and social class and how these factors can affect opportunities and outcomes in life.
2. Socialization, identity, and interaction: This topic covers the basics of socialization and how it contributes to identity development. You’ll need to understand the role of socialization in shaping beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, and how identity can be influenced by factors such as culture, social norms, and group membership.
3. Social change, social institutions, and demography: This topic covers the basics of social change and how it relates to social institutions and demography. Students are expected to understand how social institutions such as family, education, and religion shape society and how demographic changes can affect society over time.

• Biology

This section covers various sub-topics, such as sensation and perception, learning and memory, and emotion and motivation. For instance, students will learn how neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin regulate mood and behavior and how the brain processes and responds to sensory stimuli.

Furthermore, the Biology Foundation of Behavior section explores how genetics influence behavior, focusing on how genes interact with the environment to produce specific traits. For example, students will learn about the role of epi-genetics in shaping behavior and how it can be influenced by environmental factors such as stress and diet.

Studying for this section can be exciting, as it involves delving into the latest research in the field of neuroscience and understanding how it applies to real-world scenarios. In addition, the knowledge gained from this section can also be applied in various fields such as psychology, medicine, and neuroscience, making it a valuable area of study for anyone interested in these fields. 

Here’s a breakdown of some of the key topics tested in this section:

1. The nervous system and behavior: This topic covers the basic structure and function of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. It also covers the different types of neurons, their functions, and how they communicate. Students are expected to understand the different regions of the brain and their roles in regulating behavior, including the limbic system, cerebral cortex, and brainstem.
2. Sensory processing and perception: This topic covers how sensory the nervous system processes information and how this information is used to create our perception of the world. Students are expected to understand the basic principles of sensation and perception, including how sensory information is transduced and processed by the brain.
3. Learning, memory, and cognition: This topic covers the basic principles of learning and memory, including classical and operant conditioning. It also covers higher-order cognitive processes, including attention, perception, and problem-solving. Students are expected to understand the neural basis of learning and memory and how they’re affected by different factors.

Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)

• Reading Comprehension

The section consists of passages on various topics, such as humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, followed by a series of questions that test the candidate’s understanding of the material.

Effective reading comprehension involves active engagement with the text, including identifying key ideas, making inferences, and analyzing the author’s arguments. By mastering these skills, test-takers can excel in the MCAT CARS section and become better critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and communicators in their future medical careers.

One way to improve reading comprehension is to read widely and often. This can include articles from reputable publications, academic texts, and even fiction. Additionally, taking notes, summarizing key points, and practicing timed reading exercises can help improve reading speed and comprehension.

For example, a passage in the MCAT CARS section may discuss the impact of technology on healthcare. To fully understand the author’s argument, a candidate must not only comprehend the technical jargon but also evaluate the author’s claims and evidence.

Here’s a breakdown of the key topics tested in this section:

1. Main idea and purpose: This topic covers the ability to identify the main idea of a passage and the author’s purpose in writing it. Students are expected to be able to identify the central argument and supporting details of a text and to understand the author’s intent in presenting the information.
2. Author’s tone and attitude: This topic covers the ability to identify the author’s tone and attitude towards the topic. Students must to be able to analyze the language used in the text to determine whether the author is expressing a positive or negative opinion and to understand how the author’s tone and attitude influence the overall message of the text.
3. Inference and implication: This topic covers the ability to make inferences and draw logical conclusions based on the information presented in the text. You’ll need to identify implied meanings, draw connections between different parts of the text, and use the information presented to make logical conclusions.

• Analytical Reasoning

This section measures students’ ability to analyze and comprehend complex written material. It involves carefully reading passages, identifying key concepts, and using logical reasoning to draw conclusions. This section tests a student’s understanding of the text and their ability to analyze and interpret it.

Moreover, analytical reasoning is a valuable skill that applies to various fields, including science, law, and business. In science, analytical reasoning is used to understand complex data, formulate hypotheses, and test theories. In law, lawyers use analytical reasoning to interpret legal texts and construct compelling arguments. In business, analysts use analytical reasoning to evaluate data and make informed decisions.

Students must practice analytical reasoning regularly to succeed in the MCAT CARS section. One way to do this is to read books, articles, and scientific papers widely and practice analyzing them. Students can also use logic games and puzzles to hone their analytical reasoning skills. Moreover, they can take practice tests to gauge their progress and identify improvement areas.

Here’s a breakdown of the key topics tested in this section:

1. Deductive and inductive reasoning: This topic covers the principles of deductive and inductive reasoning and how they can be used to evaluate arguments and draw conclusions. Students are expected to understand the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning and be able to identify examples of each.
2. Conditional and causal relationships: This topic covers the concepts of conditional and causal relationships and how they can be used to evaluate arguments and draw conclusions. Students are expected to understand how to identify conditional and causal relationships and how to use this knowledge to evaluate the validity of arguments.
3. Critical evaluation and synthesis: This topic covers the skills of critical evaluation and synthesis, including how to analyze and evaluate complex information, how to identify biases and assumptions, and how to synthesize information from multiple sources. Students must understand how to critically evaluate arguments and synthesize information from multiple sources to draw logical conclusions.

• Writing

This section evaluates students’ ability to read, analyze, and respond to complex written passages. This section focuses on three primary areas: thesis and argument development, organization and coherence, and style and mechanics. Here’s a breakdown of what is tested in each of these areas:

1. Thesis and argument development: This section assesses a student’s ability to come up with a clear and concise thesis statement and support it with strong arguments. Students are expected to read and analyze complex texts, identify the main ideas and arguments presented, and construct a persuasive response demonstrating their understanding of the author’s perspective.
2. Organization and coherence: This section evaluates a student’s ability to organize their thoughts logically and coherently present them. Students must structure their responses clearly and logically, with a well-defined introduction, body, and conclusion. The response should be easy to follow and have a logical flow.
3. Style and mechanics: This section assesses a student’s writing skill with proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Students are expected to demonstrate a good command of the English language and use appropriate vocabulary and syntax to convey their ideas. Additionally, they should use effective transitions, sentence structure, and tone to convey their message clearly.

Conclusion

The MCAT exam is a comprehensive assessment that covers a broad range of topics related to the natural sciences, social sciences, and critical analysis and reasoning skills. By familiarizing yourself with the complete list of MCAT topics, you can develop a deeper understanding of what is expected on the exam and prepare yourself for success. Remember, the key to acing the MCAT is staying focused, motivated, and committed to your studies. And if you ever need additional support or guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted MCAT expert like Jack Westin. With his years of experience and proven track record of success, he can help you develop a winning strategy that will lead you to success. So why wait? Contact Jack Westin today and get started on your MCAT journey!