MCAT topics as described by the AAMC for the current MCAT format are presented on this page. We begin with a summary of the main MCAT subjects and then we proceed with a detailed presentation of all possible MCAT topics (i.e. assumed knowledge for MCAT Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, Sociology, etc.).
To help you prepare for the exam, MCAT-prep.com has laid out comprehensive information on MCAT scores, topics covered, MCAT test dates, preparation advice and free MCAT sample questions.
Learn, review and practice to get a higher MCAT score with the most comprehensive and advanced MCAT books!
During the real MCAT, advanced-level topics - beyond the detailed list - will certainly be explored, typically within a passage. However, to correctly answer the question, only a combination of the assumed knowledge presented below and appropriate reasoning is required.
Subject | MCAT Outline of Topics: Summary | Difference in content between the pre-2015 MCAT and the current MCAT format |
---|---|---|
MCAT Biology |
DNA, genetics, evolution, biotechnology, eukaryotic cell, prokaryotes vs. eukaryotes, viruses, reproductive system, embryology, nervous system, endocrine system, circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, immune system, lymphatic system, muscular system, skin system and skeletal system | Removed: Bone growth and bone generation, pedigree analysis, origin of life Added: Biotechnology |
MCAT Biochemistry | Enzymes, bioenergetics, metabolic regulation, pentose phosphate pathway, lipid metabolism, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, nucleotides and nucleic acids, amino acids, peptides, proteins, protein structure and function, carbohydrates and lipids | Added: Pentose phosphate pathway, lipid metabolism, gluconeogenesis, more advanced enzyme kinetics (for example, although Keq, Km and Vmax were old MCAT topics, new exam topics also include: Kd, Ka, kcat, Ki, IC50) Note: Many MCAT Biochemistry topics were covered in the old MCAT in Biology and Organic Chemistry. |
MCAT Physics | Translational motion, force, equilibrium, work, energy, periodic motion, fluids, electrostatics, electromagnetic radiation, electrical circuits, circuit elements, light, magnetism, sound, matter, atoms, nuclear decay, electronic structure, atomic and chemical behavior, thermodynamics, optics | Removed: Momentum, solids (density, elastic properties, etc.), periodic motion (springs and pendulums) and wave characteristics (exception: spring potential energy), circular motion, alternating current |
MCAT Organic Chemistry | Key functional groups/compounds, nomenclature, stereochemistry, hybridization, nucleophilic substitution (not elimination), molecular structure and absorption spectra, aldehydes and ketones, alcohols, carboxylic acids, acid derivatives, mass spectrometry, polycyclic and heterocyclic aromatic compounds, phenols, separations and purifications | Removed: Simple organic compounds (e.g. alkanes, alkenes, alkynes), ethers (note: technically, alkenes, alkynes and ethers have not been on the AAMC official topic list since 2003), amines, acyl halides, recrystallization Added: polycyclic and heterocyclic aromatic compounds, phenols |
MCAT General Chemistry | Gas phase, electrochemistry, molecular structure, stoichiometry, acid/base equilibria, solubility, ions in solutions, titration, covalent bond, liquid phase, intermolecular forces, kinetics, equilibrium, water, molecules, thermochemistry | Removed:andnbsp;Phase Equilibriaandnbsp; (however, phase diagrams can still be tested) |
MCAT Psychology and Sociology | Sensory processing, the senses, perception, attention, cognition, consciousness, memory, language, emotion, stress, personality, psychological disorders, motivation, attitudes, beliefs, psychological, biological and social factors that affect behavior, personality, self and identity formation, prejudice and bias, stereotypes, social class, stratification, social mobility, poverty, culture, and health and healthcare disparities | Added: All topics in Psychology and Sociology |
The MCAT outline of topics includes subtopics as iterated by the AAMC.For the detailed list of subtopics, click on the relevant section below.
On the MCAT, mathematical concepts and techniques are required in these three sections -- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; and Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior.
For the detailed list of topics in the MCAT, click on the relevant section below.
Section 1: Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Section 2: MCAT CARS
Section 3: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Section 4: Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior
The MCAT will test your scientific inquiry and reasoning skills by using data.
Please note: although Math, Statistics and Research Methods are not actual topics under the current MCAT format and the AAMC does not recommend any specific college courses in these areas, you are expected to have been exposed to these topics sufficiently during your education in order to be adequately prepared for the MCAT.
For the detailed list of topics in the MCAT, click on the relevant section below.
Section 1: Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Section 2: MCAT CARS
Section 3: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Section 4: Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior
MCAT subjects in the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems section explained in detail. Click on the subjects below to view the complete list of topics.
Note: A periodic table will be provided during the exam
For the detailed list of topics in the MCAT, click on the relevant section below.
The MCAT CARS section will test your critical analysis and reasoning skills. The skills that will be tested in the MCAT CARS section are: foundations of comprehension, reasoning within the text and reasoning beyond the text.
The MCAT CARS passages will touch on the humanities and social sciences. The humanities include disciplines like architecture, art, dance, ethics, literature, music, philosophy, popular culture, religion, theater and studies of diverse cultures.
Social sciences include anthropology, archaeology, economics, education, geography, history, linguistics, political science, population health, psychology, sociology and studies of diverse cultures.
Disciplines | Percentage of Questions |
---|---|
Humanities |
50% |
Social Sciences | 50% |
Skills | Percentage of Questions |
---|---|
Foundations of Comprehension | 30% |
Reasoning Within the Text | 30% |
Reasoning Beyond the Text | 40% |
MCAT subjects in the Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems section explained in detail. Click on the subjects below to view the complete list of topics.
Note: A periodic table will be provided during the exam
MCAT highlights the importance of evidence-based approaches. Great weight is therefore put on psychological and sociological knowledge which is grounded on qualitative and quantitative research which was performed according to best current research practices. Therefore, students are likely going to be tested about:
Click on any of the MCAT subjects below to see the topics covered in the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section of the MCAT.