Courses in biology primarily involve the study of all things living, such as human beings, plants and animals. Students planning to take the MCAT will need a thorough understanding of the biological sciences namely microbiology, molecular biology including the structure and function of enzymes as well as DNA replication, repair, and function. This test may also cover DNA techniques and gene expression. Taking a course in human anatomy and physiology which offers a lab is essential, and a full year of organic chemistry. Human anatomy and physiology studies the function and structure of the body, including all of its organ systems such as the lymphatic, respiratory and cardiovascular.
Physics is the study of energy and matter. It also studies how each interacts with the another. This section of the exam is 70 minutes long and covers basic concepts including: equilibrium, motion, gravity, sound, waves, momentum, light and electromagnetism. A physics course lasting one full year will prepare students for this portion of the MCAT.
Students expecting to obtain good MCAT scores need chemistry courses covering a minimum of two years, one each of general chemistry and organic chemistry. General chemistry classes provide knowledge and understanding of the basics: the periodic table of elements, structure of electrons, bonding types, the different phases of matter, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, solution chemistry, acids and bases. Organic chemistry is completely devoted to the study of carbon and the derivatives of carbon. Organic chemistry is very important to premedical students because carbon has bonding characteristics that other elements do not have, making it extremely essential to living organisms, like animals and humans.
MCAT content includes verbal reasoning questions, which test candidates may find quite complex. Good preparation is necessary. Verbal reasoning deals with "your ability to understand, evaluate and apply information and arguments in prose style," according to the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). Prose style refers to all writing, except poetry. An essay is a good example of prose style. Students may prepare for this section of the exam by taking courses in the area of liberal arts: philosophy, English literature and composition, logic, critical thinking, and history. (Reference 2)
Students are also required to complete two essays. This portion of the exam tests proper use of syntax, grammar, punctuation as well as the ability to construct a thesis or main idea. Development and how ideas are presented are also assessed.
It is important to understand that while the MCAT does not specifically cover math, it is necessary for the coursework involved in physics as well as chemistry. Preparatory math courses include algebra and a complete year of calculus. While certain medical schools do not require calculus for admission, it is often a prerequisite to taking certain physics courses.