The SDN (Unofficial) AAMC Content Outline for the MCAT

(Link to the official .pdf version from the AAMC)

Note: This content outline is the direct product of the combined work of many individual users on Student Doctor Network. This guide is meant to serve as
It is the original author's hope that someday soon, every one of these terms will have full definitions freely available to any student needing to study for th
that you have studied and have yet to study in an easy format (.xls). If you would like to use this guide, click on File -> Download as -> Micr

The 5 sheets represent the 5 areas of content from the AAMC: (1) Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, (2) Chemical and Physical Fou
(3) Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior, (4) Scientific Inquiry and Reasoning Skills, and (5) Critical Analysis and Reasonin

Please note this guide, in general, does not have the AAMC abbreviations (BC, OC, etc.) that guides depth of content knowledge for the exam. This was for
will happily grant you access or you can repost one with them included. This guide has also not been extensively edited and may contain spelling &
... but you already knew that: you're a wicked smart premed, and you will indubitably well if you know and understand all of these topics. Bonam Fortunam

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

1A. Structure and function of proteins and their constituent Amino Acids
i. Amino Acids
Description
- Absolute Configuration at the position
- Amino acids as dipolar ions
- Classifications

Reactions
- Sulfur linkage for cysteine & cystine
- Peptide linkage: polypeptides & proteins
- Hydrolysis
ii. Protein Structure
Structure
- 1 structure of proteins
- 2 structure of proteins
- 3 structure of proteins

- 4 structure of proteins
Confirmational Stability
- Denaturing and folding
- Hydrophobic interactions
- Solvation layer (entropy)
Separation Techniques
- Isolelectric point
- Electrophoresis
 iii. Non-Enzymatic Protein Function
Binding
Immune system
Motors
iv. Enzyme Structure and Function
Function of enzymes in catalyzing biological reactions
Enzyme classification by reaction type
Reduction of activation energy
Substrates and enzyme specificity
Active Site Model
Induced-fit Model
Mechanism of catalysis
- Cofactors
- Coenzymes
- Water-soluble vitamins
Effects of local conditions on enzyme activity
v. Control of Enzyme Activity
Kinetics
- General (catalysis)
- Michaelis-Menten
- Cooperativity
Feedback regulation
Inhibition types:
- Competitive
- Non-competitive
- Mixed
- Uncompetitive
Regulatory enzymes
- Allosteric enzymes
- Covalently-modified enzymes
- Zymogen

1B. Transmission of genetic information from the gene to the protein

i. Nucleic Acid Structure and Function
Description
Nucleotides and nucleosides
- Sugar phosphate backbones
- Pyrimidine, purine residues
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA): double helix, Watson-Crick model of
Base pairing specificity: A with T, G with C
Function in transmission of genetic information
DNA denaturation, reannealing, hybridization
ii. DNA Replication
 Mechanism of replication: separation of strands, specific coupling
Semi-conservative nature of replication
Specific enzymes involved in replication
Replicating the ends of DNA molecules
iii. Repair of DNA
Repair during replication
Repair of mutations
iv. Genetic Code
Centra Dogma: DNA -> RNA -> Protein
Triplet code
Codon-anticodon relationship
Degenerate code, wobble pairing
Missense, nonsense codons
Initiation, termination codons
Messenger RNA (mRNA)
v. Transcription
Transfer RNA (tRNA); ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
Mechanism of transcription
mRNA processing in eukaryotes, introns, exons
Ribozymes, spliceosomes, small nuclear ribonuclearproteins (snRN
Functional and evolutionary importance of introns
vi. Translation
Roles of mRNA, tRNA, rRNA
Role and structure of ribosomes
Initiation, termination co-factors
Post-translational modification of proteins
vii. Eukaryotic Chromosome Organization
Chromosomal proteins
Single copy v. repetitive DNA
Supercoiling
Heterochromatin vs. euchromatin
Telomeres, centromeres
viii. Control of Gene Expession in Prokaryotes
Operon Concept, Jacob-Monod Model
Gene repression in bacteria
Positive control in bacteria
ix. Control of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes
Transcriptional regulation
DNA binding proteins, transcription factors
Gene amplification and duplication
Post-transcriptional control, basic concept of splicing (introns, exo
Cancer as a failure of normal cellular controls, oncogenes, tumor s
Regulation of chromatin structure
 DNA methylation
Role of non-coding RNAs
x. Recombinant DNA and Biotechnology
Gene Cloning
Restriction enzymes
DNA libraries
Generation of cDNA
Hybridization
Expressing cloned genes
Polymerase chain reaction
Gel electrophoresis and Southern blotting
DNA sequencing
Analyzing gene expression
Determining gene function
Stem cells
Practical applications of DNA technology: medical applications, hu
Safety and ethics of DNA technology

1C. Transmission of heritable information from generation to generation and the processes that increase genetic div
i. Evidence that DNA is Genetic Material
ii. Mendelian Concepts
Phenotype and genotype
Gene
Locus
Allele: single and multiple
Homozygosity and heterozygosity
Wild-type
Recessiveness
Complete dominance
Co-dominance
Incomplete dominance, leakage, penetrance, expressivity
Hybridization: viability
Gene pool
iii. Meosis and Other Factors Affecting Genetic Variability
Significance of meosis
Important differences between meosis and mitosis
Segregation of genes
- Independent assortment
- Linkage
- Recombination
 - Sex-linked characteristics
- Very few genes on Y chromosome
- Sex deterimination
- Cytoplasmic/extranuclar inheritance
Mutation
- General concept of mutation error in DN
- Types of mutations: random, translation err
- Advantageous vs. deleterious mutations
- Inborn errors of metabolism
- Relationship of mutagens to carcinogens
Genetic drif
Synapsis or crossing-over mechanism for increasing genetic divers
iv. Analytic Methods
Hardy-Weinberg Principle
Testcross (Backcross; concepts of parental, F1, and F2 generations)
Gene mapping: crossover frequencies
Biometry: statistical methods
v. Evolution
Natural Selection
- Fitness concept
- Selection by differntial reproduction
- Concepts of natural and group selection
- Evolutionary success as increase in percent
Speciation
- Polymorphism
- Adaptation and specialization
- Inbreeding
- Outbreeding
- Bottlenecks
Evolutionary time as measured by gradual random changes in gen

1D. Principles of bioenergetics and fuel molecule metabolism

i. Principles of Bioenergetics
Bioenergetics/thermodynamics
- Free energy/Keq

- Concentration

- Endothermic/exothermic reactions
- Free energy: G
- Spontaneous reactions and G
 Phosphoryl group transfers and ATP
- ATP hydrolysis G<<0
- ATP group transfers
Biological oxidation-reductions
- Half-reactions
- Soluble electron carriers
- Flavoproteins
ii. Carbohydrates
Description
- Nomenclature and classification, common
- Absolute configuration
- Cyclic structure and confirmation of hexose
- Epimers and anomers
Hydrolysis of the glycoside linkage
Monosaccharides
Disaccharides
Polysaccharides
iii. Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, and the Pentose Phosphate Pathway
Glycloysis (aerobic), substrates and products
- Feeder pathways: glycogen, starch metabo
Fermentation (anerobic glycolysis)
Gluconeogenesis
Pentose Phosphate Pathway
Net molecular and energetic results of respiration processes
iv. Principles of Metabolic Regulation
Regulation of metabolic pathways
- Maintenance of dynamic steady state
Regulation of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis
Metabolism of glycogen
Regulation of glycogen synthesis and breakdown
- Allosteric and homronal control
Analysis of metabolic control
vii. Citric Acid Cycle
Acetyl-CoA production
Reactions of the cycle, substrates and products
Regulations of the cycle
Net molecular and energetic results of the respiration processes
viii. Metabolism of Fatty Acids and Proteins
Description of fatty acids
Digestion, mobilization, and transport of fats
Oxidation of fatty acids
- Saturated fats
- Unsaturated fats
 Ketone bodies
Anabolism of fats
Non-template synthesis: biosynthesis of lipids and polysaccharides
Metabolism of proteins
ix. Oxidative Phosphorylation
Electron transport chains and oxidative phosphorylation, substrate
Electron transfer in mitochondria
- NADH, NADPH
- Flavoproteins
- Cytochromes
ATP Synthase, chemiosmotic coupling
- Proton motive force
Net molecular and energetic results of respiration processes
Regulation of oxidative phosphorylation
Mitochondria, apoptosis, oxidative stress
x. Hormonal Regulation and Integration of Metabolism
Higher level integration of hormone structure and funxtion
Tissue specific metabolism
Hormonal regulation of fuel metabolism
Obesity and regulation of body mass

2A: Assemblies of molecules, cells, and groups of cells within single cellular and multicellular organs
i. Plasma Membrane General function in cell containment
Composition of membranes
- Lipid components

- Protein components
- Fluid mosaic model
Membrane dynamics
Solute transport across membranes
- Thermodynamic considerations
- Osmosis

- Passive transport
- Active transport

Membrane channels
Membrane potential
Membrane receptors
Exocytosis and endocytosis
Intercellular junctions
 - Gap junctions
- Tight junctions
- Desmosomes
ii. Membrane-Bound Organelles and Defining Characteristics of Eukaryotic Cells
Defining characteristics of eukaryotic cells: membrane bound nucleu
Nucleus
- Compartmentalization, storage of genetic inf
- Nucleolus: location and function
- Nuclear envelope, nuclear pores
Mitochondria
- Site of ATP production
- Inner and outer membrane structure
- self replication
Lysosomes: membrane-bound vesicles containing hydrolytic enzyme
Endoplasmic reticulum
- Rough and smooth components
- Rough endoplasmic reticulum site of ribosom
- Double membrane structure
- Role in membrane biosynthesis
- Role in biosynthesis of secreted proteins
Golgi apparatus: general structure and role in packaging and secretio
Peroxisomes: organelles that collect peroxides
iii. Cytoskeleton
General function in cell support and movement
Microfilaments: composition and role in cleavage and contractility
Microtubules: composition and role in support and transport
Intermediate filaments, role in support
Composition and function of cilia and flagella
Centrioles, microtubule organizing centers
iv. Tissues Formed From Eukaryotic Cells
Epithelial cells
Connective tissue cells

2B: The structure, growth, physiology, and genetics of prokaryotes and viruses
i. Cell Theory
History and development
Impact on biology
ii. Classification and Structure of Prokaryotic Cells
Prokaryotic domains
- Archaea
- Bacteria
Major classifications of bacteria by shape
- Bacilli (rod-shaped)
 - Spirilli (spiral-shaped)
- Cocci (spherical)
Lack of nuclear membrane and mitotic apparatus
Lack of typical eukaryotic organelles
Presence of cell wall in bacteria
Flagellar propulsion, mechanism
iii. Growth and Physiology of Prokaryotic Cells
Reproduction by fission
High degree of genetic adaptability, acquisition of antibiotic resistanc
Exponential growth
Existence of anaerobic and aerobic variants
Parasitic and symbiotic
Chemotaxis
iv. Genetics of Prokaryotic Cells
Existence of plasmids, extragenomic DNA
Transformation: incorporation into bacterial genome of DNA fragmen
Conjugation
Transposons (also present in eukaryotic cells)
v. Virus Structure
General structural characteristics (nucleic acid and protein, envelope
Lack organelles and nucleus
Structural aspects of typical bacteriophage
Genomic content RNA or DNA
Size relative to bacteria and eukaryotic cells
vi. Viral Life Cycle
Self-replicating biological units that must reproduce within specific h
Generalized phage and animal virus life cycles
- Attachment to host, penetration of cell me
- Use of host synthetic mechanism to replica
- Self-assembly and release of new viral parti
Transduction: transfer of genetic material by viruses
Retrovirus life cycle: integration into host DNA, reverse transcriptase
Prions and viroids: subviral particles

2C: Processes of cell division, differentiation, and specialization

i. Mitosis
Mitotic process: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, interpha
Mitotic structures
- Centrioles, asters, spindles
- Chromatids, centromeres, kinetochores
- Nuclear membrane breakdown and reorga
- Mechanisms of chromosome movement
Phases of cell cycle: G0, G1, S, G2, M
 Growth arrest
Control of cell cycle
Loss of cell cycle controls in cancer cells
ii. Biosignaling
Oncogenes, apoptosis
iii. Reproductive system
Gametogenesis by meiosis
Ovum and sperm
- Differences in formation
- Differences in morphology
- Relative contribution to next generation
Reproductive sequence: fertilization; implantation; development; bir
iv. Embryogenesis
Stages of early development (order and general features of each)
- Fertilization
- Cleavage
- Blastula formation
- Gastrulation

- Neurulation
Major structures arising out of primary germ layers
Neural crest
Environmentgene interaction in development
v. Mechanisms of Development
Cell specialization
- Determination
- Differentiation
- Tissue types
Cellcell communication in development
Cell migration
Pluripotency: stem cells
Gene regulation in development
Programmed cell death
Existence of regenerative capacity in various species
Senescence and aging

3A: Structure and functions of the nervous and endocrine systems and ways in which these systems coordinate the orga
i. Nervous System: Structure and Function
Major functions
- High level control and integration of body s
- Adaptive capability to external influences
Organization of vertebrate nervous system
 Sensor and effector neurons
Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems: antagonistic con
Reflexes
- Feedback loop, reflex arc
- Role of spinal cord and supraspinal circuits
Integration with endocrine system: feedback control
ii. Nerve cell
Cell body: site of nucleus, organelles
Dendrites: branched extensions of cell body
Axon: structure and function
Myelin sheath, Schwann cells, insulation of axon
Nodes of Ranvier: propagation of nerve impulse along axon
Synapse: site of impulse propagation between cells
Synaptic activity: transmitter molecules
Resting potential: electrochemical gradient
Action potential
- Threshold, all-or-none
- Sodium/potassium pump
Excitatory and inhibitory nerve fibers: summation, frequency of firin
Glial cells, neuroglia
iii. Electrochemistry
Concentration cell: direction of electron flow, Nernst equation
iv. Biosignalling
Gated ion channels
- Voltage gated
- Ligand gated
Receptor enzymes
G protein-coupled receptors
v. Lipids
Description; structure
- Steroids
- Terpenes and terpenoids
vi. Endocrine System: Hormones and Their Sources
Function of endocrine system: specific chemical control at cell, tissue
Definitions of endocrine gland, hormone
Major endocrine glands: names, locations, products
Major types of hormones
Neuroendrocrinology relation between neurons and hormonal sys
vii. Endocrine System: Mechanisms of Hormone Action
Cellular mechanisms of hormone action
Transport of hormones: blood supply
Specificity of hormones: target tissue
Integration with nervous system: feedback control
 Regulation by second messengers

3B: Structure and integrative functions of the main organ systems

i. Respiratory system
General function
- Gas exchange, thermoregulation
- Protection against disease: particulate matt
Structure of lungs and alveoli
Breathing mechanisms
- Diaphragm, rib cage, differential pressure
- Resiliency and surface tension effects
Thermoregulation: nasal and tracheal capillary beds; evaporation, pa
Particulate filtration: nasal hairs, mucus/cilia system in lungs
Alveolar gas exchange
- Diffusion, differential partial pressure
- Henry's Law
pH control
Regulation by nervous control
- CO2 sensitivity
ii. Circulatory system
Functions: circulation of oxygen, nutrients, hormones, ions and fluids
Four-chambered heart: structure and function
Endothelial cells
Systolic and diastolic pressure
Pulmonary and systemic circulation
Arterial and venous systems (arteries, arterioles, venules, veins)
- Structural and functional differences
- Pressure and flow characteristics
Capillary beds
- Mechanisms of gas and solute exchange
- Mechanism of heat exchange
- Source of peripheral resistance
Composition of blood
- Plasma, chemicals, blood cells
- Erythrocyte production and destruction; sp
- Regulation of plasma volume
Coagulation, clotting mechanisms
Oxygen transport by blood
- Hemoglobin, hematocrit
- Oxygen content
- Oxygen affinity
Carbon dioxide transport and level in blood
Nervous and endocrine control
iii. Lymphatic system
Structure of lymphatic system
Major Functions
- Equalization of fluid distribution
- Transport of proteins and large glycerides
- Production of lymphocytes involved in imm
- Return of materials to the blood
iv. Immune system
Innate (non-specific) vs. adaptive (specific) immunity
Adaptive immune system cells
- T lymphocytes
- B lymphocytes
Innate immune system cells
- Macrophages
- Lymphocytes
Tissues
- Bone marrow
- Spleen
- Thymus
- Lymph nodes

Concept of antigen and antibody

Antigen presentation
Clonal selection
Antigen-antibody recognition
Structure of antibody molecule
Recognition of self vs. non-self, autoimmune diseases
Major histocompatibility complex
v. Digestive system
Ingestion
- Saliva as lubrication and source of enzymes
- Ingestion; esophagus, transport function
Stomach
- Storage and churning of food
- Low pH, gastric juice, mucal protection aga
- Production of digestive enzymes, site of dig
- Structure (gross)
Liver
- Structural relationship of liver within gastro
- Production of bile
- Role in blood glucose regulation, detoxifica
Bile
- Storage in gall bladder
 - Function
Pancreas
- Production of enzymes
- Transport of enzymes to small intestine
Small intestine
- Absorption of food molecules and water
- Function and structure of villi
- Production of enzymes, site of digestion
- Neutralization of stomach acid
- Structure (anatomic subdivisions)
Large intestine
- Absorption of water
- bacterial flora
- Structure (gross)
Rectum: storage and elimination of waste, feces
Muscular control
- peristalsis
Endocrine control
- Hormones
- target tissues
Nervous control: the enteric nervous system
vi. Excretory system
Roles in homeostasis
- Blood pressure
- Osmoregulation
- acid/base balance
- Removal of soluble nitrogenous waste
Kidney structure
- cortex
-medulla
Nephron structure
- glomerulus
- Bowman's capsule
- proximal tubule
- Loop of Henle
- Distal tubule
- Collecting duct
Formation of urine
- Glomerular filtration
- Secretion and reabsorption of solutes
- Concentration of urine
- Counter-current multiplier mechanism
Storage and elimination: ureter, bladder, urethra
 Osmoregulation: capillary reabsorption of H2O, amino acids, glucose
Muscular control: sphincter muscle
vii. Reproductive system
Male and female reproductive structures and their functions
- gonads
- genetalia
- Differences between male and female stru
Hormonal control of reproduction
- Male and female sexual development
- Female reproductive cycle
- Pregnancy, parturition, lactation
- Integration with nervous control
viii. Muscular system
Important functions
- Support: mobility
- Peripheral circulatory assistance
- Thermoregulation (shivering reflex)
Structure of three basic muscle types: striated, smooth, cardiac
Muscle structure and control of contraction
- T-Tubule system
- Contractile apparatus
- Sarcoplasmic reticulum
- Fiber type
- Contractile velocity of different muscle typ
Regulation of cardiac muscle contraction
Oxygen debt: fatigue
Nervous control
- Motor neurons
- Neuromuscular junction, motor end plates
- Sympathetic and parasympathetic innervati
- Voluntary and involuntary muscles
ix. Specialized Cell - Muscle Cell
Structural characteristics of striated, smooth, and cardiac muscle
Abundant mitochondria in red muscle cells: ATP source
Organization of contractile elements: actin and myosin filaments, cro
Sarcomeres: I and A bands, M and Z lines, H zone
Presence of troponin and tropomyosin
Calcium regulation of contraction
x. Skeletal system
Functions
- Structural rigidity and support
- Calcium storage
- Physical protection
 Skeletal structure
- Specialization of bone types, structures
- Joint structures
- Endoskeleton vs. exoskeleton
Bone structure
- Calcium/protein matrix
- Cellular composition of bone
Cartilage: structure and function
Ligaments, tendons
Endocrine control
xi. Skin system
Structure
- Layer differentiation, cell types
- Relative impermeability to water
Functions in homeostasis and osmoregulation
Functions in thermoregulation
- Hair, erectile musculature
- Fat layer for insulation
- Sweat glands, location in dermis
- Vasoconstriction and vasodilation in surfac
Physical protection
- Nails, calluses, hair
- Protection against abrasion, disease organi
Hormonal control: sweating, vasodilation, and vasoconstriction
tline for the MCAT2015

Doctor Network. This guide is meant to serve as a "check off" list of every topic that is covered by the MCAT 2015 exam.
available to any student needing to study for the exam. Until then, this outline is meant to help you check
click on File -> Download as -> Microsoft Excel (.xls)

f Living Systems, (2) Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems,

Skills, and (5) Critical Analysis and Reasoning

content knowledge for the exam. This was for simplicity's sake, and if you want to add the information in, the original author (To be MD)
xtensively edited and may contain spelling & other errors. Always trust the official AAMC material over anything you find online.
understand all of these topics. Bonam Fortunam!

e Configuration at the position

acids as dipolar ions

- Acidic or Basic
- Hydrophobic or Hydrophilic

nkage for cysteine & cystine

linkage: polypeptides & proteins

ture of proteins
ture of proteins
ture of proteins
- Role of proline, cystine, hydrophobic bonding
ture of proteins

ring and folding

hobic interactions
n layer (entropy)
ng biological reactions

oluble vitamins
nzyme activity

tly-modified enzymes

hosphate backbones
ine, purine residues
ouble helix, Watson-Crick model of DNA structure

etic information
, hybridization
 ration of strands, specific coupling of free nucleic acids

RNA (rRNA)

s, introns, exons
l nuclear ribonuclearproteins (snRNPs), small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs)
portance of introns

ption factors

sic concept of splicing (introns, exons)

ellular controls, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes Regulation of chromatin structure
rn blotting

chnology: medical applications, human gene therapy, pharmaceuticals, forensic evidence, environmental cleanup, agriculture

processes that increase genetic diversity

e, penetrance, expressivity

meosis and mitosis

ndent assortment

- Single crossovers
- Double crossovers
- Synaptonemal complex
 - Tetrad
ed characteristics
w genes on Y chromosome

smic/extranuclar inheritance

concept of mutation error in DNA sequence

f mutations: random, translation error, transcription error, base substitution, inversion, addition, deletion, translocation, mispairin
ageous vs. deleterious mutations
errors of metabolism
nship of mutagens to carcinogens

anism for increasing genetic diversity

of parental, F1, and F2 generations)

n by differntial reproduction
ts of natural and group selection
nary success as increase in percent representation in the gene pool of the next generation

tion and specialization

by gradual random changes in genome

- Equilibrium constant
- Relationship of the equilibrium constant and G

- Le Chatelier's Principle
ermic/exothermic reactions

neous reactions and G

rolysis G<<0
up transfers

electron carriers

clature and classification, common names

e configuration
ructure and confirmation of hexoses
and anomers

and products
pathways: glycogen, starch metabolism

sults of respiration processes

nance of dynamic steady state

coneogenesis

s and breakdown
ic and homronal control

es and products

sults of the respiration processes

nsport of fats
 thesis of lipids and polysaccharides

xidative phosphorylation, substrates and products, general features of the pathway

motive force
sults of respiration processes

mone structure and funxtion

multicellular organs

- Phospholipids (and phosphatids)

- Steroids
- Waxes
components

dynamic considerations

- Colligative properties; osmotic pressure

- Sodium/potassium pump
 aryotic Cells
yotic cells: membrane bound nucleus, presence of organelles, mitotic division

tmentalization, storage of genetic information

us: location and function
envelope, nuclear pores

TP production
nd outer membrane structure

esicles containing hydrolytic enzymes

nd smooth components
ndoplasmic reticulum site of ribosomes
membrane structure
membrane biosynthesis
biosynthesis of secreted proteins
re and role in packaging and secretion
ect peroxides

and movement
d role in cleavage and contractility
ole in support and transport

a and flagella

od-shaped)
 spiral-shaped)

mitotic apparatus

ity, acquisition of antibiotic resistance

nto bacterial genome of DNA fragments from external medium

karyotic cells)

s (nucleic acid and protein, enveloped and nonenveloped)

hat must reproduce within specific host cell

rus life cycles
ment to host, penetration of cell membrane or cell wall, and entry of viral genetic material
host synthetic mechanism to replicate viral components
embly and release of new viral particles
material by viruses
into host DNA, reverse transcriptase, HIV

phase, anaphase, telophase, interphase

es, asters, spindles

tids, centromeres, kinetochores
membrane breakdown and reorganization
nisms of chromosome movement
 ces in formation
ces in morphology
contribution to next generation
tion; implantation; development; birth

der and general features of each)

- First cell movements

- Formation of primary germ layers (endoderm, mesoderm, ectoderm)

rimary germ layers

n development

y in various species

h these systems coordinate the organ systems

el control and integration of body systems

e capability to external influences
ic nervous systems: antagonistic control

ck loop, reflex arc

spinal cord and supraspinal circuits
m: feedback control

sulation of axon
nerve impulse along axon
tion between cells

old, all-or-none
/potassium pump
ibers: summation, frequency of firing

lectron flow, Nernst equation

es and terpenoids

pecific chemical control at cell, tissue, and organ level

locations, products

between neurons and hormonal systems

: feedback control
hange, thermoregulation
on against disease: particulate matter

gm, rib cage, differential pressure

cy and surface tension effects
cheal capillary beds; evaporation, panting
mucus/cilia system in lungs

n, differential partial pressure

nutrients, hormones, ions and fluids, removal of metabolic waste

e and function

eries, arterioles, venules, veins)

ral and functional differences
e and flow characteristics

nisms of gas and solute exchange

nism of heat exchange
of peripheral resistance

chemicals, blood cells

cyte production and destruction; spleen, bone marrow
on of plasma volume

obin, hematocrit
ation of fluid distribution
rt of proteins and large glycerides
tion of lymphocytes involved in immune reactions
of materials to the blood

e (specific) immunity

utoimmune diseases

s lubrication and source of enzymes

n; esophagus, transport function

and churning of food

gastric juice, mucal protection against self-destruction
tion of digestive enzymes, site of digestion

ral relationship of liver within gastrointestinal system

blood glucose regulation, detoxification

in gall bladder
tion of enzymes
rt of enzymes to small intestine

tion of food molecules and water

n and structure of villi
tion of enzymes, site of digestion
zation of stomach acid
re (anatomic subdivisions)

tion of water

of waste, feces

vous system

l of soluble nitrogenous waste

ular filtration
on and reabsorption of solutes
tration of urine
-current multiplier mechanism
bladder, urethra
orption of H2O, amino acids, glucose, ions

ructures and their functions

ces between male and female structures

nd female sexual development

reproductive cycle
ncy, parturition, lactation
tion with nervous control

ral circulatory assistance

regulation (shivering reflex)
ypes: striated, smooth, cardiac

tile apparatus
asmic reticulum

tile velocity of different muscle types

muscular junction, motor end plates

hetic and parasympathetic innervation
ry and involuntary muscles

ated, smooth, and cardiac muscle

uscle cells: ATP source
ents: actin and myosin filaments, crossbridges, sliding filament model
M and Z lines, H zone

ral rigidity and support

zation of bone types, structures

eleton vs. exoskeleton

/protein matrix
composition of bone

fferentiation, cell types

impermeability to water
moregulation

ectile musculature
r for insulation
lands, location in dermis
nstriction and vasodilation in surface capillaries

alluses, hair
on against abrasion, disease organisms
odilation, and vasoconstriction
nything you find online.
ironmental cleanup, agriculture
deletion, translocation, mispairing
 https://aamc-orange.global.ssl.fastly.net/production/media/filer_public/f7/e5/f7e57fb2-44fa-4c00-

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

4A: Translational motion, forces, work, energy, and equilibrium in living systems
i. Translational Motion
Units and dimension
Vectors, components
Vector addition
Speed, velocity (average and instantaneous)
Acceleration
ii. Force
Newtons First Law, inertia
Newtons Second Law (F = ma)
Newtons Third Law, forces equal and opposite
Friction, static and kinetic
Center of mass
iii. Equilibrium
Vector analysis of forces acting on a point object
Torques, lever arms
iv. Work
Work done by a constant force: W = Fd cos
Mechanical advantage
Work Kinetic Energy Theorem
Conservative forces
v. Energy of Point Object Systems
Kinetic Energy: KE = mv^2; units
Potential Energy
- PE = mgh (gravitational, local)
- PE = kx2 (spring)
Power, units
Conservation of Energy
vi. Periodic Motion
Amplitude, frequency, phase
Transverse and longitudinal waves: wavelength and propagation

4B: Importance of fluids for the circulation of blood, gas movement, and gas exchange
i. Fluids
Density, specific gravity
Buoyancy, Archimedes Principle
Hydrostatic pressure
- Pascal's Law
- Hydrostatic pressure; P = gh (pressu
 Viscosity: Poiseuille Flow
Continuity equation (Av = constant)
Concept of turbulence at high velocities
Surface tension
Bernoullis equation
Venturi effect, pitot tube
ii. Circulatory system
Arterial and venous systems; pressure and flow characteristics
iii. Gas phase
Absolute temperature, (K) Kelvin Scale
Pressure, simple mercury barometer
Molar volume at 0C and 1 atm = 22.4 L/mol
Ideal gas
- Definition
-- Ideal Gas
Boyles Law:
Law: PVPV = nRT
= constant

- Charles Law: V/T = constant

- Avogadros Law: V/n = constant
Kinetic Molecular Theory of Gases
- Heat capacity at constant volume and
- Boltzmanns Constant
Deviation of real gas behavior from Ideal Gas Law
- Qualitative
- Quantitative (Van der Waals Equation
Partial pressure, mole fraction
Daltons Law relating partial pressure to composition

4C: Electrochemistry and electrical circuits and their elements

i. Electrostatics
Charge, conductors, charge conservation
Insulators
Coulombs Law
Electric field E
- field lines
- Field due to charge distribution
Electrostatic energy, electric potential at a point in space
ii. Circuit Elements
Current I = Q/t, sign conventions, units
Electromotive force, voltage
Resistance
- Ohms Law: I = V/R
- Resistors in series
- Resistors in parallel
 - Resistivity: = RA / L
Capacitance
- Parallel plate capacitor
- Energy of charged capacitor
- Capacitors in series
- Capacitors in parallel
- Dielectrics
Conductivity
- Metallic
- Electrolytic
Meters
iii. Magnetism
Definition of magnetic field B
Motion of charged particles in magnetic fields; Lorentz force
iv. Electrochemistry
Electrolytic cell
- Electrolysis
- Anode, cathode
-- Electrolyte
Faradays Law relating amount of elem
current
- Electron flow; oxidation, and reductio
Galvanic or Voltaic cells
- Half-reactions
- Reduction potentials; cell potential
- Direction of electron flow
Concentration cell
Batteries
- Electromotive force, Voltage
- Lead-storage batteries
- Nickel-cadmium batteries
v. Specialized Cell - Nerve Cell
Myelin sheath, Schwann cells, insulation of axon
Nodes of Ranvier: propagation of nerve impulse along axon

4D: How light and sound interact with matter

i. Sound
Production of sound
Relative speed of sound in solids, liquids, and gases
Intensity of sound, decibel units, log scale
Attenuation (Damping)
Doppler Effect: moving sound source or observer, reflection of s
Pitch
Resonance in pipes and strings
 Ultrasound
Shock waves
ii. Light, Electromagnetic Radiation
Concept of Interference; Young Double-slit Experiment
Thin films, diffraction grating, single-slit diffraction
Other diffraction phenomena, X-ray diffraction
Polarization of light: linear and circular
Properties of electromagnetic radiation
-- Velocity equals constant
Electromagnetic c, consists
radiation in vacuo of
fields; direction of propagation is perp
Classification of electromagnetic spectrum, photon energy E = h
Visual spectrum, color
iii. Molecular Structure and Absorption Spectra
Infrared region
- Intramolecular vibrations and rotatio
- Recognizing common characteristic gr
Visible region
- Absorption in visible region gives com
- Effect of structural changes on absorp
Ultraviolet region
- -Electron and non-bonding electron
- Conjugated systems
NMR spectroscopy
- Protons in a magnetic field; equivalen
- Spin-spin splitting
iv. Geometrical Optics
Reflection from plane surface: angle of incidence equals angle o
Refraction, refractive index n; Snells law: n1 sin 1 = n2 sin 2
Dispersion, change of index of refraction with wavelength
Conditions for total internal reflection
Spherical mirrors
- Center of curvature
- Focal length
- Real and virtual images
Thin lenses
- Converging and diverging lenses
- Use of formula 1/p + 1/q = 1/f, with s
- Lens strength, diopters
Combination of lenses
Lens aberration
Optical Instruments, including the human eye

4E: Atoms, nuclear decay, electronic structure, and atomic chemical behavior
i. Atomic nucleus
Atomic number, atomic weight
Neutrons, protons, isotopes
Nuclear forces, binding energy
Radioactive decay
- , , decay
- Half-life, exponential decay, semi-log p
Mass spectrometer
ii. Electronic structure
Orbital structure of hydrogen atom, principal quantum number
Ground state, excited states
Absorption and emission line spectra
Use of Pauli Exclusion Principle
Paramagnetism and diamagnetism
Conventional notation for electronic structure
Bohr atom
Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
Effective nuclear charge
Photoelectric effect
iii. The Periodic Table - Classification of Elements into Groups by Electronic Structure
Alkali metals
Alkaline earth metals: their chemical characteristics
Halogens: their chemical characteristics
Noble gases: their physical and chemical characteristics
Transition metals
Representative elements
Metals and non-metals
Oxygen group
iv. The Periodic Table - Variations of Chemical Properties with Group and Row
Valence electrons
First and second ionization energy
- Definition
- Prediction from electronic structure fo
Electron affinity
- Definition
- Variation with group and row
Electronegativity
- Definition
- Comparative values for some represen
Electron shells and the sizes of atoms
Electron shells and the sizes of ions
v. Stoichiometry
Molecular weight
 Empirical versus molecular formula
Metric units commonly used in the context of chemistry
Description of composition by percent mass
Mole concept, Avogadros number NA
Definition of density
Oxidation number - Common oxidizing and reducing agen

- Disproportionation reactions
Description of reactions by chemical equations
- Conventions for writing chemical equ
- Balancing equations, including redox
- Limiting reactants
- Theoretical yields

5A: Unique nature of water and its solutions

i. Acid/Base Equilibria
BrnstedLowry definition of acid, base
Ionization of water - Kw, its approximate value (Kw = [H+
][OH] = 1014 at 25C, 1 atm)
- Definition of pH: pH of pure water
Conjugate acids and bases (e.g., NH4+ and NH3)
Strong acids and bases (e.g., nitric, sulfuric)
Weak acids and bases (e.g., acetic, benzoic)
- Dissociation of weak acids and bases w
- Hydrolysis of salts of weak acids or ba
- Calculation of pH of solutions of salts
Equilibrium constants Ka and Kb: pKa, pKb
Buffers
- Definition and concepts (common buf
- Influence on titration curves
ii. Ions in Solutions
Anion, cation: common names, formulas and charges for familia
Hydration, the hydronium ion
iii. Solubility
Units of concentration (e.g., molarity)
Solubility product constant; the equilibrium expression Ksp
Common-ion effect, its use in laboratory separations
- Complex ion formation
- Complex ions and solubility
- Solubility and pH
iv. Titration
Indicators
Neutralization
 Interpretation of the titration curves
Redox titration

5B: Nature of molecules and intermolecular interactions

i. Covalent Bond
Lewis Electron Dot formulas
- Resonance structures
- Formal charges
- Lewis acids and bases
Partial ionic character
- Role of electronegativity in determinin
- Dipole moment
and bonds , sp2
, sp, and respective geometries
- Valence shell electron pair repulsion a
- Structural formulas for molecules invo
- Delocalized electrons and resonance i
Multiple bonding
- Effect on bond length and bond energ
- Rigidity in molecular structure
Stereochemistry of covalently bonded molecules
- Isomers

- Polarization of light, specific rotation

- Absolute and relative configuration

ii. Liquid Phase - Intermolecular Forces

Hydrogen bonding
Dipole Interactions
Van der Waals Forces (London dispersion forces)

5C: Separation and purification methods

i. Separations and Purifications
Extraction: distribution of solute between two immiscible solve
Distillation
Chromatography: Basic principles involved in separation proces
- Column chromatography

- Paper chromatography
 - Thin-layer chromatography
Separation and purification of peptides and proteins
- Electrophoresis
- Quantitative analysis
- Chromatography

Racemic mixtures, separation of enantiomers

5D: Structure, function, and reactivity of biologically-relevant molecules

i. Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids
Nucleotides and nucleosides: composition
- Sugar phosphate backbone
- Pyrimidine, purine residues
Deoxyribonucleic acid: DNA; double helix
Chemistry
Other functions
ii. Amino Acids, Peptides, Proteins
Amino acids: description
- Absolute configuration at the positio
- Dipolar ions
- Classification

- Synthesis of -amino acids

Peptides and proteins: reactions

- Sulfur linkage for cysteine and cystine
- Peptide linkage: polypeptides and pro
- Hydrolysis
General Principles
- Primary structure of protein
- Secondary structure
- Tertiary structure
- Isoelectric point
iii. The Three-Dimensional Protein Structure
Conformational stability
- Hydrophobic interactions
- Solvation layer (entropy)
Quaternary structure
Denaturing and Folding
iv. Non-Enzymatic Protein Function
Binding
Immune system
Motor
v. Lipids
Description, types
- Storage

- Structural

- Signals/cofactors

vi. Carbohydrates
Description
- Nomenclature and classification, com
- Absolute configuration
- Cyclic structure and conformations of
- Epimers and anomers
Hydrolysis of the glycoside linkage
Keto-enol tautomerism of monosaccharides
Disaccharides
Polysaccharides
vii. Aldehydes and Ketones
Description
- Nomenclature
- Physical properties
Important reactions
- Nucleophilic addition reactions at C=O

- Oxidation of aldehydes
- Reactions at adjacent positions: enola

General principles
 - Effect of substituents on reactivity of C
- Acidity of -H; carbanions
viii. Alcohols
Description
- Nomenclature
- Physical properties (acidity, hydrogen
Important reactions
- Oxidation
- Substitution reactions: SN1 or SN2
- Protection of alcohols
- Preparation of mesylates and tosylate
ix. Carboxylic Acids
Description
- Nomenclature
- Physical properties
Important reactions
- Carboxyl group reactions

- Reactions at 2-position, substitution

x. Acid Derivatives (Anhydrides, Amides, Esters)
Description
- Nomenclature
- Physical properties
Important reactions
- Nucleophilic substitution
- Transesterification
- Hydrolysis of amides
General principles - Relative reactivity of acid derivatives

- Steric effects
- Electronic effects
- Strain (e.g., -lactams)
xi. Phenols
Oxidation and reduction (e.g., hydroquinones, ubiquinones): bio
xii. Polycyclic and Heterocyclic Aromatic Compounds
Biological aromatic heterocycles

5E: Principles of chemical thermodynamics and kinetics

i. Enzymes
Classification by reaction type
Mechanism
 - Substrates and enzyme specificity
- Active site model
- Induced-fit model
- Cofactors, coenzymes, and vitamins
Kinetics
- General (catalysis)
- MichaelisMenten
- Cooperativity
- Effects of local conditions on enzyme
Inhibition
Regulatory enzymes
- Allosteric
- Covalently modified
ii. Principles of Bioenergetics
Bioenergetics/thermodynamics
- Free energy/Keq
Important reactions - Concentration
Phosphorylation/ATP
- ATP hydrolysis G << 0
- ATP group transfers
Biological oxidationreduction
- Half-reactions
- Soluble electron carriers
- Flavoproteins
iii. Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions Thermochemistry, Thermodynamics
Thermodynamic system state function
Zeroth Law concept of temperature
First Law conservation of energy in thermodynamic processes
PV diagram: work done = area under or enclosed by curve
Second Law concept of entropy
- Entropy as a measure of disorder
- Relative entropy for gas, liquid, and cr
Measurement of heat changes (calorimetry), heat capacity, spe
Heat transfer conduction, convection, radiation
Endothermic/exothermic reactions
- Enthalpy, H, and standard heats of rea
- Hess Law of Heat Summation
Bond dissociation energy as related to heats of formation
Free energy: G
Spontaneous reactions and G
Coefficient of expansion
Heat of fusion, heat of vaporization
Phase diagram: pressure and temperature
iv. Rate Processes in Chemical Reactions - Kinetics and Equilibrium
Reaction rate
Dependence of reaction rate on concentration of reactants
- Rate law, rate constant
- Reaction order
Rate-determining step
Dependence of reaction rate upon temperature
- Activation energy

- Use of the Arrhenius Equation

Kinetic control versus thermodynamic control of a reaction
Catalysts
Equilibrium in reversible chemical reactions
- Law of Mass Action
- Equilibrium Constant
- Application of Le Cha teliers Principle
Relationship of the equilibrium constant and G
blic/f7/e5/f7e57fb2-44fa-4c00-83dd-c17cee034c47/mcat2015-content.pdf

stantaneous)

al and opposite

on a point object

W = Fd cos

mgh (gravitational, local)

kx2 (spring)

ves: wavelength and propagation speed

ostatic pressure; P = gh (pressure vs. depth)

essure and flow characteristics

= 22.4 L/mol

Gas
es Law:
Law: PVPV = nRT
= constant

les Law: V/T = constant

adros Law: V/n = constant

capacity at constant volume and at constant pressure

zmanns Constant
rom Ideal Gas Law

ntitative (Van der Waals Equation)

ssure to composition

due to charge distribution

tential at a point in space

s Law: I = V/R
stors in series
stors in parallel
stivity: = RA / L

llel plate capacitor

gy of charged capacitor
citors in series
citors in parallel

magnetic fields; Lorentz force

days Law relating amount of elements deposited (or gas liberated) at an electrode to
nt
ron flow; oxidation, and reduction at the electrodes

uction potentials; cell potential

ction of electron flow

romotive force, Voltage

-storage batteries
el-cadmium batteries

nsulation of axon
of nerve impulse along axon

s, liquids, and gases

ource or observer, reflection of sound from a moving object

 Double-slit Experiment
ngle-slit diffraction
X-ray diffraction

city equals constant

romagnetic c, consists
radiation in vacuo of perpendicularly oscillating electric and magnetic
; direction of propagation is perpendicular to both
c spectrum, photon energy E = hf

molecular vibrations and rotations

gnizing common characteristic group absorptions, fingerprint region

rption in visible region gives complementary color (e.g., carotene)

t of structural changes on absorption (e.g., indicators)

ectron and non-bonding electron transitions

ugated systems

ons in a magnetic field; equivalent protons

-spin splitting

angle of incidence equals angle of reflection

nells law: n1 sin 1 = n2 sin 2
efraction with wavelength

er of curvature

and virtual images

erging and diverging lenses

of formula 1/p + 1/q = 1/f, with sign conventions
strength, diopters

he human eye
life, exponential decay, semi-log plots

om, principal quantum number n, number of electrons per orbital

ronic structure

ctronic Structure

mical characteristics

chemical characteristics

iction from electronic structure for elements in different groups or rows

ation with group and row

parative values for some representative elements and important groups

 the context of chemistry
percent mass

mon oxidizing and reducing agents

roportionation reactions
mical equations
entions for writing chemical equations
ncing equations, including redox equations
ting reactants
retical yields

ts approximate value (Kw = [H+

] = 1014 at 25C, 1 atm)
nition of pH: pH of pure water
, NH4+ and NH3)
ric, sulfuric)
tic, benzoic)
ociation of weak acids and bases with or without added salt
olysis of salts of weak acids or bases
ulation of pH of solutions of salts of weak acids or bases

nition and concepts (common buffer systems)

ence on titration curves

formulas and charges for familiar ions (e.g., NH4+ ammonium, PO43 phosphate, SO4 2 sulfate)

equilibrium expression Ksp

boratory separations
plex ion formation
plex ions and solubility
bility and pH
nance structures

s acids and bases

of electronegativity in determining charge distribution

nd respective geometries
nce shell electron pair repulsion and the prediction of shapes of molecules (e.g. NH3, H2O, CO2)
ctural formulas for molecules involving H, C, N, O, F, S, P, Si, Cl
calized electrons and resonance in ions and molecules

t on bond length and bond energies

dity in molecular structure
onded molecules

- Structural isomers
- Stereoisomers (e.g., diastereomers, enantiomers, cis/trans isomers)
- Conformational isomers
rization of light, specific rotation
lute and relative configuration
- Conventions for writing R and S forms
- Conventions for writing E and Z forms

dispersion forces)

e between two immiscible solvents

es involved in separation process

mn chromatography
- Gas-liquid chromatography
- High pressure liquid chromatography
r chromatography
-layer chromatography
eptides and proteins

ntitative analysis
matography
- Size-exclusion
- Ion-exchange
- Affinity
f enantiomers

r phosphate backbone
midine, purine residues

lute configuration at the position

- Acidic or basic
- Hydrophilic or hydrophobic
hesis of -amino acids
- Strecker Synthesis
- Gabriel Synthesis

ur linkage for cysteine and cystine

ide linkage: polypeptides and proteins

ary structure of protein

ndary structure
ary structure

ophobic interactions
ation layer (entropy)
 - Triacyl glycerols
- Free fatty acids: saponification

- Phospholipids and phosphatids

- Sphingolipids
- Waxes
als/cofactors
- Fat-soluble vitamins
- Steroids
- Prostaglandins

enclature and classification, common names

lute configuration
c structure and conformations of hexoses
mers and anomers

osaccharides

ical properties

eophilic addition reactions at C=O bond

- Acetal, hemiacetal
- Imine, enamine
- Hydride reagents
- Cyanohydrin
ation of aldehydes
tions at adjacent positions: enolate chemistry
- Keto-enol tautomerism (-racemization)
- Aldol condensation, retro-aldol
- Kinetic versus thermodynamic enolate
 t of substituents on reactivity of C=O; steric hindrance
ity of -H; carbanions

ical properties (acidity, hydrogen bonding)

titution reactions: SN1 or SN2

ection of alcohols
aration of mesylates and tosylates

ical properties

oxyl group reactions

- Amides (and lactam), esters (and lactone), anhydride formation
- Reduction
- Decarboxylation
tions at 2-position, substitution

ical properties

eophilic substitution
sesterification
olysis of amides
tive reactivity of acid derivatives

ronic effects
n (e.g., -lactams)

ydroquinones, ubiquinones): biological 2e redox centers

trates and enzyme specificity
e site model
ced-fit model
ctors, coenzymes, and vitamins

ral (catalysis)
aelisMenten

ts of local conditions on enzyme activity

lently modified

energy/Keq

hydrolysis G << 0
group transfers

ble electron carriers

modynamics

rgy in thermodynamic processes

under or enclosed by curve

opy as a measure of disorder

tive entropy for gas, liquid, and crystal states
(calorimetry), heat capacity, specific heat
vection, radiation

alpy, H, and standard heats of reaction and formation

Law of Heat Summation
ated to heats of formation
n concentration of reactants
law, rate constant

pon temperature
ation energy
-- Activated complex
Interpretation or transition
of energy profilesstate
showing energies of reactants, products,
activation energy, and H for the reaction
of the Arrhenius Equation
ynamic control of a reaction

cal reactions
of Mass Action
librium Constant
ication of Le Cha teliers Principle
constant and G
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6A: Sensing the environment

i. Sensory Processing
Sensation
- Treshold
- Weber's Law
- Signal detection theory
- Sensory adaptation
- Psychophysics
Sensory Receptors
- Sensory pathways
- Types of sensory receptor
ii. Vision
Structure and function of the eye
Visual Processing
- Visual pathways in the brain
- Parallel processing
- Feature detection
iii. Hearing
Structure and function of the ear
Auditory processing (e.g. auditory pathways in the brain)
Sensory reception by hair cells
iv. Other Senses
Somatosensation (e.g. pain perception)
Taste (e.g. taste buds/chemoreceptors that detect specific chemicals)
Smell
- Olfactory cells/chemoreceptors that detect specific chemicals
- Pheromones
- Olfactory pathways in the brain
Kinesthetic sense
Vestibular sense
v. Perception
Bottom-up/Top-down processing
Perceptual organization (e.g. depth, form, motion, constancy)
Gestalt principles

6B: Making Sense of the Environment

i. Attention
Selective attention
Divided attention
ii. Cognition
 Information-processing model
Cognitive development
- Piaget's stages of cognitive development
- Cognitive changes in late adulthood
- Role of culture in cognitive development
- Influence of heredity and environment on cognitive developm
Biological factors that affect cognition
Problem solving and decision making
- Types of problem solving
- Barriers to effective problem solving
- Approaches to problem solving
- Heuristics and biases (e.g. overconfidence, belief perserveran
Intellectual functioning
- Theories of intelligence
- Influence of heredity and environment on intelligence
- Variations in intellectual ability
iii. Consciousness
States of consciousness
- Alertness
- Sleep
- Stages of sleep
- Sleep cycles and changes to sleep cycles
- Sleep and circadian rhythms
- Dreaming
- Sleep-wake disorders
- Hypnosis and meditation
Consciousness-altering drugs
- Types of consciousness-altering drugs and their effects on the
- Drug addiction and the reward pathway in the brain
iv. Memory
Encoding
- Process of encoding information
- Processes that aid in encoding memories
Storage
- Types of memory storage (e.g. sensory, working, long-term)
- Semantic networks and spreading activation
Retrieval
- Recall, recognition, and relearning
- Retrieval cues
- The role of emotion in retieving memories
- Processes that aid in retrieval
Forgetting
- Aging and memory
 - Memory dysfunction (e.g. Alzheimer's disease, Korsakoff's syn
- Decay
- Interference
- Memory construction and source monitoring
Changes in synaptic connections underlie memory and learning
- Neural plasticity
- Memory and learning
- Long-term potentiation
v. Language
Theories of language development (e.g. learning, Nativist, Interactionist)
Influence of language on cognition
Brain areas that control language and speech

6C: Responding to the world

i. Emotion
Three components of emotion (i.e. cognitive, physiological, behavioral)
Universal emotions (i.e. fear, angery, happiness, surprise, joy, disgust, and sadn
Adaptive role of emotion
Theories of emotion
- James-Lange theory
- Cannon-Bard theory
- Schachter-Singer theory
The role of biological processes in perceiving emotion
- Brain regions involved in the generation and experience of em
- The role of the limbic system in emotion
- Emotion and the automatic nervous system
- Physiological markers of emotion (signatures of emotion)
ii. Stress
The nature of stress
- Appraisal
- Different types of stressorys (e.g. cataclysmic events, persona
- Effects of stress on psychological functions
Stress outcomes/response to stressors
- Physiological
- Emotional
- Behavioral
Managing stress (e.g. exercise, relaxation, spirituality)

7A Individual Influences on Behavior

i. Biological Basis of Behavior
The nervous system
-Neurons (e.g. the reflex arc)
-Neurotransmitters
 -Structure and function of the peripheral nervous system
-Structure and function of the central nervous system
-The Brain

-The spinal cord

Neuronal communication and its influence on behavior (PSY)
Influence of neurotransmitters on behavior (PSY)
The endocrine system
-Components of the endocrine system
-Effects of the endocrine system on behavior
Behavioral genetics
-Genes, temperament, and heredity
-Adaptive value of traits and behaviors
-Interaction between heredity and environmental influences
Influence of genetic and environmental factors on the development of behaviors
-Experience and behavior (PSY)
-Regulatory genes and behavior (BIO)
-Genetically based behavioral variation in natural populations
Human physiological development (PSY)
-Prenatal development
-Motor development
-Developmental changes in adolescence
ii. Personality (PSY)
Theories of personality
-Psychoanalytic perspective
-Humanistic perspective
-Trait perspective
-Social cognitive perspective
-Biological perspective
-Behaviorist perspective
Situational approach to explaining behavior
iii. Psychological Disorders (PSY)
Understanding psychological disorders
-Biomedical vs. biopsychosocial approaches
-Classifying psychological disorders
-Rates of psychological disorders
Types of psychological disorders
-Anxiety disorders
-Obsessive-compulsive disorder
 -Somatic symptom and related disorders
-Bipolar and related disorders
-Depressive disorders
-Schizophrenia
-Dissociative disorders
-Personality disorders
Biological bases of nervous system disorders (PSY, BIO)
-Schizophrenia
-Depression
-Alzheimer's disease
-Parkinson's disease
-Stem cell-based therapy to regenerate neurons in the central ner
iv. Motivation (PSY)
Factors that influence motivation
-Instinct
-Arousal
-Drives (e.g., negative feedback systems) (PSY,BIO)
-Needs
Theories that explain how motivation affects human behavior
-Drive reduction theory
-Incentive theory
-Other theories (e.g., cognitive, need-based)
Biological and sociocultural motivators that regulate behavior (e.g., hunger, sex drive, s
v. Attitudes (PSY)
Components of attitudes (i.e., cognitive, affective, and behavioral)
The link between attitudes and behavior
-Processes by which behavior influences attitudes (e.g., foot-in-th
-Processes by which attitudes influence behavior
-Cognitive dissonance theory

7B. Social processes that influence human behavior

i. How the presence of others affexts individual behavior (PSY)
Social facilitation
Deindividuation
Bystander effect
Social loafing
Social control (SOC)
Peer pressure (PSY, SOC)
Conformity (PSY, SOC)
Obedience (PSY, SOC)
ii. Group decision-making Processes (PSY, SOC)
Group polarization (PSY)
Groupthink
 iii. Normative and Non-normative Behavior (SOC)
Social norms (PSY, SOC)
-Sanctions (SOC)
-Folkways, mores, and taboos (SOC)
-Anomie (SOC)
Deviance
-Perspectives on deviance (e.g., differential association, labeling th
Aspects of collective behavior (e.g., fads, mass hysteria, riots)
iv. Socialization (PSY, SOC)
Agents of socialization (e.g., the family, mass media, peers, workplace)

7C. Attitude and Behavior change

i. Habituation and Dishabituation (PSY)
ii.Associative Learning (PSY)
Classical Conditioning (PSY, BIO)
- Neutral, conditioned, and unconditioned stimuli
-Conditioned and unconditioned response
-Processes: acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery, general
Operant conditioning (PSY, BIO)
-Processes of shaping and extinction
-Types of reinforcement: positive, negative, primary, conditional
-Reinforcement schedules: fixed-ratio, variable-ratio, fixed-interv
-Punishment
-Escape and avoidance learning
The role of cognitive processes in associative learning
Biological processes that affect associative learning (e.g., biological predispositions, in
iii. Observational Learning (PSY)
Modeling
Biological processes that affect observational learning
-Mirror neurons
-Role of the brain in experiencing vicarious emotions
Applications of observational learning to explain individual behavior
iv. Theories of Attitude and Behavior Change (PSY)
Elaboration likelihood model
Social cognitive theory
Factors that affect attitude change (e.g., changing behavior, characteristics of the mess

8A. Self-identity
i. Self-Concept, Self-identity, and Social Identity (PSY, SOC)
The role of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and locus of control in self-concept and self-identi
Different types of identities (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, class)
ii. Formation of Identity (PSY, SOC)
Theories of identity development (e.g., gender, moral, psychosexual, social)
 Influence of social factors on identity formation
-Influence of Individuals (e.g., imitation, looking-glass self, role-ta
-Influence of groups (e.g., reference group)
Influence of culture and socialization on identity formation

8B. Social thinking

i. Attributing Behavior to Persons or Situations (PSY)
Attributional processes (e.g., fundamental attribution error, role of culture in attributio
How self-perceptions shape our perceptions of others
How perceptions of the environment shape our perceptions of others
ii. Prejudie and Bias (PSY, SOC)
Processes that contribute to prejudice
-Power, prestige, and class (SOC)
-the role of emotion in prejudice (PSY)
-the role of cognition in prejudice (PSY)
Stereotypes
Stigma (SOC)
Ethnocentrism (SOC)
-Ethnocentrism vs. cultural relativism
iii. Processes Related to Stereotypes (PSY)
Self-fulfilling prophecy
Stereotype threat

8C. Social Interactions

i. Elements of Social Interaction (PSY, SOC)
Status (SOC)
-Types of status (e.g., achieved, ascribed)
Role
-Role conflict and role strain (SOC)
-Role exit (SOC)
Groups
-Primary and secondary groups (SOC)
-in-group vs out-group
-Group size (e.g. dyads, triads) (SOC)
Networks (SOC)
Organizations (SOC)
-Formal organization
-Bureaucracy
-Characteristics of an ideal bureaucracy
-Perspectives on bureaucracy (e.g. iron law of o
ii. Self-presentation and Interacting with Others (PSY, SOC)
Expressing and detecting emotion
-the role of gender in the expression and detection of emotion
 -the role of culture in the expression and detection of emotion
Presentation of self
-Impression management
-Front stage vs. back stage self (Dramaturgical approach) (SOC)
Verbal and nonverbal communication
Animal signals and communication (PSY, BIO)
iii. Social Behavior (PSY)
Attraction
Aggression
Attachment
Altruism
Social support (PSY, SOC)
Biological explanations of social behavior in animals (PSY, BIO)
-Foraging behavior (BIO)
-Mating behavior and mate choice
-Applying game theory (BIO)
-Altruism
-Inclusive fitness (BIO)
iv. Discrimination (PSY, SOC)
Individual vs. institutional discrimination (SOC)
The relationship between prejudice and discrimination
How power, prestige, and class facilitate discrimination (SOC)

9A. Understanding social structure

i. Theoretical Approaches (SOC)
Microsociology vs. macrosociology
Functionalism
Conflict Theory
Symbolic interactionism
Social constructionism
Exchange-rational choice
Feminist Theory
ii. Social Institutions (SOC)
Education
-Hidden curriculum
-Teacher expectancy
-Educational segregation and stratification
Family (PSY, SOC)
-Forms of kinship (SOC)
-Diversity in family forms
-Marriage and divorce
-Violence in the family (e.g. child abuse, elder abuse, spousal abus
Religion
 -Religiosity
-Types of religious organizations (e.g. churches, sects, cults)
-Religion and social change (e.g. modernization, secularization, fu
Government and economy
-Power andauthority
-comparative economic and political systems
-Division of labor
Health and medicine
-Medicalization
-The sick role
-Delivery of health care
-Illness experience
-Social epidemiology
iii. Culture (PSY, SOC)
Elements of culture (e.g. beliefs, language, rituals, symbols, values)
Material vs. symbolic culture (SOC)
Culture lag (SOC)
Culture shock (SOC)
Asssimiliation (SOC)
Multiculturalism (SOC)
Subcultures and countercultures (SOC)
Mass media and popular culture (SOC)
Evoution and human culture (PSY, BIO)
Transmission and diffusion (SOC)
9B. Demographic characteristics and processes
i. Demographic Structure of Society (PSY, SOC)
Age
-Aging and the life course
-Age cohorts (SOC)
-Social significance of aging
Gender
-Sex versus gender
-the social construction of gender (SOC)
-Gender segregation (SOC)
Race and ethnicity (SOC)
-The social construction of race
-Racialization
-Racial formation
Immigration status (SOC)
-Patterns of immigration
-Intersections with race and ethnicity
Sexual Orientation
ii. Demographic Shifts and Social Change (SOC)
 Theories of demographic change (i.e., Malthusian theory and demographic transiti
Population growth and decline (e.g., population projections, population pyramids)
Fertility, migration, and mortality
-Fertility and mortality rates (e.g., total, crude, age-specific)
-Patterns in fertility and mortality
-Push and pull factors in migration
Social movements
-Relative deprivation
-Organization of social movements
-Movement strategies and tactics
Globalization
-Factors contributing to globalization (e.g., communication techno
-Perspectives on globalization
-Social Changes in globalization (e.g. civil unrest, terrorism)
Urbanization
-Industrialization and urban growth
-Suburbanization and urban decline
-Gentrification and urban renewal

10A. Social Inequality

i. Spatial Inequality (SOC)
Residential segregation
Neighborhood safety and violence
Environmental justice (location and exposure to health risks)
ii. Social Clas (OSC)
Aspects of social stratification
-Social class and socioeconomic status
-Class consciousness and false consciousness
-Cultural capital and social capital
-Social reproduction
-Power, priviledge, and prestige
-Intersectionality (e.g., race, gender, age)
-Socioeconomic gradient in health
-Global inequalities
Patterns of social mobility
-Intergenerational and intragenerational mobility
-vertical and horizontal mobility
-Meritocracy
Poverty
-Relative and absolute poverty
-Social exclusion (segregation and isolation)
iii. Health Disparities (SOC) (e.g., class, gender, and race inequalities in health)
iv. Healthcare Disparities (SOC) (e.g., class, gender, and race inequalities in health care)
/filer_public/f7/e5/f7e57fb2-44fa-4c00-83dd-c17cee034c47/mcat2015-content.pdf

ways in the brain)

that detect specific chemicals)

receptors that detect specific chemicals.

m, motion, constancy)
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ate adulthood
nitive development
and environment on cognitive development

oblem solving

e.g. overconfidence, belief perserverance)

and environment on intelligence

p cycles and changes to sleep cycles

p and circadian rhythms

p-wake disorders

s-altering drugs and their effects on the nervous system and beh
e reward pathway in the brain

nformation
ncoding memories

age (e.g. sensory, working, long-term)

d spreading activation

d relearning

retieving memories
e.g. Alzheimer's disease, Korsakoff's syndrome)

and source monitoring

lie memory and learning

. learning, Nativist, Interactionist)

nitive, physiological, behavioral)

appiness, surprise, joy, disgust, and sadness)

eiving emotion
in the generation and experience of emotions
system in emotion
matic nervous system
of emotion (signatures of emotion)

ssorys (e.g. cataclysmic events, personal)

ychological functions

on, spirituality)
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of the central nervous system

-Forebrain
-Midbrain
-Hindbrain
-Lateralization of cortical functions
-Methods used in studying the brain

on behavior (PSY)

ocrine system
system on behavior

and behaviors
redity and environmental influences
tors on the development of behaviors

ehavior (BIO)
vioral variation in natural populations

s in adolescence

hosocial approaches
elated disorders

y to regenerate neurons in the central nervous system (BIO)

edback systems) (PSY,BIO)

ts human behavior

nitive, need-based)
regulate behavior (e.g., hunger, sex drive, substance addiction)

ective, and behavioral)

avior influences attitudes (e.g., foot-in-the-door phenomenon, role-playing effects)

tudes influence behavior
ce (e.g., differential association, labeling theory, strain theory)
ass hysteria, riots)

s media, peers, workplace)

nd unconditioned stimuli
ditioned response
extinction, spontaneous recovery, generalization, discrimination

d extinction
positive, negative, primary, conditional
es: fixed-ratio, variable-ratio, fixed-interval, variable-interval

learning (e.g., biological predispositions, instinctive drif) (PSY, BIO)

eriencing vicarious emotions

plain individual behavior

anging behavior, characteristics of the message and target, social factors)

cus of control in self-concept and self-identity (PSY)

icity, gender, age, sexual orientation, class)

der, moral, psychosexual, social)

 (e.g., imitation, looking-glass self, role-taking)
., reference group)
ntity formation

attribution error, role of culture in attributions)

our perceptions of others

rejudice (PSY)
prejudice (PSY)

ral relativism

hieved, ascribed)

groups (SOC)

riads) (SOC)

acteristics of an ideal bureaucracy

pectives on bureaucracy (e.g. iron law of oligarchy, McDonaldization)

e expression and detection of emotion

e expression and detection of emotion

ge self (Dramaturgical approach) (SOC)

r in animals (PSY, BIO)

discrimination
discrimination (SOC)

n and stratification

e.g. child abuse, elder abuse, spousal abuse) (SOC)

nizations (e.g. churches, sects, cults)
nge (e.g. modernization, secularization, fundamentalism)

and political systems

e, rituals, symbols, values)

of gender (SOC)

and ethnicity
lthusian theory and demographic transition)
lation projections, population pyramids)

ates (e.g., total, crude, age-specific)

globalization (e.g., communication technology, economic interdependence)

lization (e.g. civil unrest, terrorism)

rban growth
ban decline

sure to health risks)

onomic status
d false consciousness

ace, gender, age)

ntragenerational mobility

ation and isolation)

ualities in health)
nequalities in health care)
Skill 1. Knowlege of Scientific Concepts and Principles
-Demonstrating understanding of scientific concepts and principles
-Identifying the relationships between closely-related concepts

Skill 2. Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving

-Reasoning about scientific principles, theories, and models
-Analyzing and evaluating scientific explanations and predictions

Skill 3. Reasoning about the Design and Execution of Research

-Demonstrating understanding of important components of scientific research
-Reasoning about ethical issues in research

Skill 4. Data-Based and Statistical Reasoning

-Interpreting patterns in data presented in tables, figures, and graphs
-Reasoning about data and drawing conclusions from them
scientific research
Skill 1. Foundations of Comprehension
- Understanding the basic components of the text
- Inferring meaning from rhetorical devices, word choice, and text structure

Skill 2. Reasoning Within the Text

- Integrating different components of the text to increase comprehension

Skill 3. Reasoning Beyond the Text

- Applying or extrapolating ideas from the passage to new contexts
- Assessing the impact of introducing new factors, information, or conditions to ideas from the pas
and text structure

omprehension

contexts
tion, or conditions to ideas from the passage