Information about the MCAT test
On this page you will find useful information about the Medical education, links to all the Medical schools in Canada and the U.S., how to apply to a Medical School and information about the MCAT test.
This may include: how to study, how to get help, which product to buy, which service to use, the related web sites for the MCAT test and more.
At the end you must make the final decision. Please take your time and read the following information about the above test with care so you might save a lot of time and money at the end.

Some of the information presented here are from the MCAT Essential Booklet published by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). If you need more detailed information about the above test please check the related web sites.

I have tried to explain different topics with a very simple language so everybody can understand and analyze the information without any confusion. I have also made a short video in case some students are interested to see a sample of the online tutorials for the above test. Finally I have included some general Q&A's on the FAQ web page in case some students are interested to read them.

The information provided on this page and the other pages of this web site are come from my own personal views and my own personal experiences working with different students over many years. They are not intended to give credit to or to discredit any individual, any company, any institution, any organization, any product or any service.

Questions

1-If a student is interested in the M.D. profession, what she/he needs to do?

2-What is the MCAT test and Who needs it?

3-Who administer the MCAT test?

4-What is the content of the MCAT test?

5-What is a passing or a good score for the MCAT test?

6-How a student should study for the MCAT test?

7-What is a good study guide for the MCAT test?

8-Who runs the www.prepseminars.com and how this service can help students with the MCAT test?

9-What are the tutorial notes for the MCAT test?

10-Could students use the MCAT test tutorial notes to study for the other tests such as the OAT, the PCAT or the DAT?

11-What is the cost to buy the MCAT test tutorial booklet?

12-Application service for most Medical Colleges in the U.S. and some Medical Schools in Canada.

13-Anything else do students need to know about the MCAT test?

14-links to Canadian Medical Schools

15-links to the U.S. Medical Schools

16-Locations and dates for the MCAT group tutorial sessions

Answers

1-If a student is interested in the M.D. profession, what she/he needs to do?

A-For some common sense tips please click here.

B-Check the official web sites of the Medical Schools or Colleges yourself!!!

C-Talk to the admission office yourself, nobody can help you more than the people who they actually running a program and set the requirements for the admission to a Medical School!!!

D-Visit the Medical School of your choice yourself if it is possible!!!

E-Ask for the printed materials if they are not posted on their web sites!!!
You should ask for the past few years of statistics for the students that they have applied to that school or the students who they have been accepted to that school. These statistics and information could give you valuable information about the MCAT test scores needed, GPA's of the applicants, their academic background and etc.

F-Don't trust or believe what other people say until you hear the facts yourself from the official people from the admission office of a Medical School!!!

G-Choose a Medical School
There are many Medical Schools in Canada and the U.S. so you have many choices. I have made links to all of them at the end of this page.You need to narrow down your search to find a college that is the best for you. You need to look at many factors such as public or private college, location, tuition fees, loans and scholarships, length of the program, cost of living, college accreditation, admission requirements and etc.

H-Admission requirements
After you choose a Medical School to apply to, the next important thing is to look at the admission requirements for that college. Each Medical School has its own admission requirements so make sure you know exactly what they are. Here we are interested only in the MCAT test requirement.

If there is no MCAT test requirement for the Medical School that you are interested in then you don't need to read the following and I wish you the best of luck in pursuing your Medical education.
If the MCAT test is a part of admission requirements for that college and you need help with the MCAT test please read the following.

2-What is the MCAT test and Who needs it?
MCAT is stand for the Medical College Admission Test.

The majority of the Medical Schools in Canada and the U.S. (not all of them at this time) require the MCAT test as a part of their admission process.
Please check the links to the Medical Schools in Canada and the U.S. to see the specific admission requirements for the each college.

You may also use the MCAT test scores for the admission process to the Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Veterinary Medical Colleges and Podiatric Schools.
(Allopathic Schools are the same as the Medical Schools). Please check the web sites for the above schools for more details.

If the MCAT test is required for the Medical School or another Health Professional School of your choice then you need to take the test before applying to that school and get the highest possible score on it.

3-Who administer the MCAT test?
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) conducts the MCAT test.
For the official web site and the latest information about the MCAT test regarding registration, fees, dates, location of test centers, how to write the test, scores, test content, time for each section of the test, official practice test and etc. please visit the web site: MCAT

4-What is the content of the MCAT test?
For the details about the test please look at the MCAT Essential Booklet by going to the web site: MCAT

The MCAT test has 4 parts:
A-Biological Sciences
B-Physical Sciences
C-Verbal Reasoning
D-Writing Sample

A-Biological Sciences section
Covers topics in Biology and Organic Chemistry. It has 7 passages and each passage could have 4-7 questions. There are 13 independent questions in this section and they are not related to any passages in this section. All questions are in the form of multiple-choice.

B-Physical Sciences section
Covers topics in Physics and General Chemistry. It has 7 passages and each passage could have 4-7 questions. There are 13 independent questions in this section and they are not related to any passages in this section. All questions are in the form of multiple-choice.

C-Verbal Reasoning
Test your ability to understand, evaluate and apply the information presented in the passages. There are 7 passages with 5-7 questions for each passage. The topics of the passages could come from Humanities, Social Sciences and Natural sciences. All questions are in the form of multiple-choice.

D-Writing Sample
There are 2 essays to write based on the topics that they will be given to you during the MCAT test. There is a 30 minutes time limit for the each essay. There is a list of the topics for the Writing Sample section of the MCAT test. To see the list click here.

Please click here to see a detailed breakdown of the topics for Biological Sciences and Physical Sciences sections of the MCAT test.
Please note that this list was first published by AAMC after the latest changes to the MCAT test in 2003 and it was posted on the MCAT web site but it has been removed since then.

5-What is a passing or a good score for the MCAT test?
This depends on the Medical School of your choice. You need to check with each Medical School that you are interested in to see what is an acceptable score for them.

The score range is 1-15 for the Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences and Verbal Reasoning sections of the MCAT test.

The writing sample score range is 1-6 and then converted to an alphabetic scale with the range of the J (the lowest score) to T (the highest score).

For the details about how the MCAT test being scored please see the MCAT Essential Booklet.
The higher your MCAT test score is the better chance for the admission to a Medical School.
Please note that the MCAT test score is only one of the admission requirements and you need to pay attention to all the admission requirements to a Medical School.

6-How a student should study for the MCAT test?
Please take one or more of the official MCAT practice tests that are on the MCAT web site before you do anything else.

You will find out where you stand by looking at the result of the official practice test before you start to look for getting help for the test (before buying a study guide or using a tutoring service).

You have already spent a few years at a university or a college and you have taken some Science, Math and English courses. You should have an idea where the problem is or if you need help or not.
If you are happy with your scores from the official practice test then you are OK.
If you think that you need help then you have to sit down and decide how to study for the MCAT test.

You have a few options:
A-Study from your text books that you have used for the first 2 years of university and college courses for the Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Physics and English.

B-Buy a study guide for the MCAT test from a bookstore or over the internet and study on your own.

C-Attend a tutorial class for the MCAT test in person or use an online tutorial service.

D-Use a combination of the above

The questions on the MCAT test come in two forms:
1-Questions that they are related to the contents of a passage that it has been given on the test.
You should be able to answer these questions from the information provided in the related passage without rely too much on your memory.
Please note that some questions will ask you about the idea behind the passage or the message of the passage. You need to look at the passage as a whole or you need to understand what the passage trying to tell you to be able to answer these type of the questions.

2-Independent questions that they are not related to any passage from the test and you need to recall the information from your memory.
Please note that all the questions for the Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences and Verbal Reasoning sections of the MCAT test are in the form of multiple-choice questions.

Here are some tips for how to study for the each section:

A-For the Chemistry and Physics sections of the MCAT test you will usually get 2 types of questions:
1-Theoretical and Concept questions
These questions do not involve any calculations and you need to extract the answer from the passages.
For the independent questions you need to recall the information and the answers from your memory.
I have explained some stuff about the memorization vs understanding on the FAQ web page in case you are interested to read them.

2-Calculation questions
To answer these type of questions you need to understand what the question is asking you.
You need to remember the concepts, equations and formulas from your memory and then choose and set up the correct formulas for the calculations.
You need good math skills for the calculation part as you can not use calculators during the MCAT test.
Some equations and formulas might be given to you but don't count on it. You will get a periodic table of the elements.

B-For the Organic Chemistry and Biology sections of the MCAT test you will get mostly theoretical and concept questions. The answer to these questions can be found in the passages of the MCAT test or you need to recall them from your memory (for independent questions).

Here I will go over 4 very simple questions for the Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics and Biology to explain how you need to study for these parts of the MCAT test.

Question 1 (Biology)
An example of a structural polymer made entirely of unmodified glucose repeat units?
A-lignin
B-starch
C-chitin
D-cellulose
E-glycogen

The information that you need to answer this question:
a-You need to know some information about the 4 major macromolecules from the Biology.

b-You need to know some information about the polymers from the Biology.

c-Pay attention to the key words such as "structural", "entirely", "unmodified" and what they mean here.

d-You need to remember some information about the 5 choices given here from your understanding of the Biology or from your memory.

Question 2 (Chemistry)
As the bond order of a bond increases, the bond energy ________and the bond length __________?
A.decrease, decrease
B.increase, decrease
C.decrease, increase
D.increase, increase
E.More information is needed to answer this question

The information that you need to answer this question:
a-You need to know some information about the bond order.

b-You need to know some information about the energy of a bond.

c-You need to know some information about the bond length.

d-You need to know the relationship between the bond order, bond energy and bond length.

Question 3 (Organic Chemistry)
Whether a reaction will proceed via an Sn1 or an Sn2
process depends on:
A-the reaction conditions
B-the structure of the products
C-the structure of the reactants
D-all of the above
E-A and C

The information that you need to answer this question:
a-You need to know some information about the 4 major reactions Sn1, Sn2, E1 and E2

b-You need to know some information about the differences between the above reactions.

c-Pay attention to the key word"reaction conditions" and make sure you understand what it means here.

d-Conditions of a reaction could be related to:
i-the structure of the Alkyl Halides and Alcohols (primary, secondary and tertiary)
ii- Solvent (protic or aprotic)
iii-Tempreture (high or low)
iv-Nucleophile or Base (strong, weak, large or small)

Question 4 (Physics)
A swimmer jumps off of a diving board into a swimming pool. As she falls toward the water:
A-her velocity increases, but her acceleration remains constant.
B-her velocity increases because her acceleration increases.
C-her velocity remains constant because her acceleration is zero.
D-her velocity remains constant because her acceleration is constant.

Here you need the basic knowledge about the velocity, acceleration, free fall and gravity to answer this question.

Now you can see that if you haven't studied the above subjects before the MCAT test or you have never seen or heard these names or terminology you will never be able to answer these type of questions. The answers will not pop into your head by staring at the questions for hours or days!!!!!!!!

Please note that these are the simplest questions that I have used here. You should expect to get more complex questions in the tutorial notes and also on the actual MCAT test.

I will let you to answer these questions on your own as a practice, so go get your notes, text books, study guides, tutorial notes or whatever you are trying to study from for the MCAT test and find the answers. Good luck.

C-To answer questions from the Verbal Reasoning section of the MCAT test you need to be a fast reader. You will get 7 passages and then following each passage you have to answer 5-7 questions about the contents of that passage.
You need to read the passage first, retain and analyze some of the information mentioned in that passage and then you must answer the questions based on the materials from the passage.
Sometimes you have to go back and forth between the passage and the questions a few times in order to get the correct answer so manage your time.
Here you don't need to study any materials before the test. The passages could be on any scientific or non-scientific topics and you can not really study for them from any notes or any text books. The only thing that you can do is to practice to read faster but there is no short cut here.

The following are good ways to practice:
a-Read a few paragraphs from a science related magazine, newspaper or book.
b-Close your eyes and try to remember what you have read or try to understand and analyze what was the message of the paragraph.
c-Ask somebody to ask you a few questions from the contents of the paragraphs to see if you can remember any information from them.
d-If you remember some information then you will do fine with more practice (Please read F).

D-Please note that you can not use calculators during any section of the MCAT test (the same for the other tests such as the OAT, the DAT and the PCAT). You need to do all the calculations in your head and with your math skills.
When you are studying for the MCAT test make sure you are not using calculators in any way so you can get use to the idea.

E-For the Writing Sample section of the MCAT test you need to practice.
You should use the notes that you have from your first year university English class to refresh your memory about the major rules of writing (introduction, body, conclusion, spell and grammar) and then start practicing by writing about different topics.

There is a list of the topics for the Writing Sample section of the MCAT. Please click here to see the list.

The following are good ways to practice:
a-Once or twice a week sit down for one hour and try to write about one of the Writing Sample topics from the MCAT web site.
b-Let your parents, your sister, your brother or your friend read your essay.
c-Ask them to make comments about your writing skills (in all aspects such as spell, grammar, introduction, body conclusion, etc.).
d-After you find your writing weaknesses then you can work on those areas and improve them.
e-After a few weeks of practice you will see how you can progress in writing an essay.
There is no short cut here and you can only improve your writing skills with practice and over time (please read F)

F-Please be careful about the ads that they promise you to teach you how to write and how to read in a few days or in a few weeks.
You will learn the skills of how to read or how to write over many years especially if the English is not your first language.

There is no course or no book that can teach you how to write or how to read in a short period of time (a few days or a few weeks). In most of this kind of classes they will tell you exactly what you have learned in your first year university English courses.

You have already taken one or two English courses at the university or college and you have paid a lot of money for them so just use your notes from those classes to refresh your memory about the major reading and writing rules and then the rest is involve a lot of practicing.

7-What is a good study guide for the MCAT test?
This requires some research on your part. There are many books and study guides out there in the market for the MCAT test. You need to look at them and compare them to each other to see which one is the best for you.

Here are a few things to look for when you are choosing a study guide for the MCAT test:
A-The study guide must follows the outline set in the MCAT Essential Booklet for the different sections of the test.

B-The study guide must have both notes and practice tests with answers for the different sections of the test.

C-The study guide must have developed by the people who they know about the test and at least they have taken the MCAT test once or twice, so they know exactly what materials are covered for the test.

D-The study guide must be updated when there are new changes to the test.

E-Don't forget the famous phrase"don't judge a book by its cover". The contents of a study guide for the MCAT test is far more important than the appearance of the book or how colorful is the book. You need the contents to do well on the test not anything else.

8-Who runs the www.prepseminars.com and how this service can help students with the MCAT test?
This tutoring service is offered by David Hunt.

There are a few options for the students at this time. I am offering tutorial sessions for different sections of the MCAT test. The sessions are separated from each other to keep the cost down for the students. This way students don't need to attend all the sessions if they only have problem with a section of the MCAT test.

A-I have divided the tutorial sessions to 4 parts and students have the option to attend all or just one or two. Please note that for the each location and the each session if I do not get enough interested students (30 or more), that session will be cancelled.

i-The Chemistry tutorial sessions (please see #16 below)
ii-The Organic Chemistry tutorial sessions (please see #16 below)
iii-The Biology tutorial sessions (Please see #16 below)
iv-The Physics tutorial sessions (please see #16 below)
v-I do not offer any tutorial sessions for the Verbal Reasoning or the Writing essays sections of the test (please read #6 F above)

B-Online tutoring
I am working on this option right now and it is not ready yet. You can check the online tutoring page for the details.

C-Buy a tutorial booklet and study on your own
The study booklet has all the notes and all the practice tests for all sections of the MCAT test. All questions have detailed answers if they were needed.
The cost is $500. I will explain the details about the tutorial booklet below under separate headline.

9-What are the tutorial notes for the MCAT test?
I have put the tutorial notes in 8 booklets. The booklets have notes and practice questions with the answers for different sections of the MCAT test (Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Physics and English).
Some answers are in details as they needed explanations and some answers are short and self- explanatory.

Please note that there are no Writing Samples in these notes. There is a list of the Writing Samples on the MCAT web site in case you are interested to practice for this section of the test.

Here is the breakdown of the tutorial notes for different sections of the MCAT test:
A-Chemistry
There are 346 pages of the notes and 900 practice questions for the Chemistry section of the test. (There are 2 or 3 different sets of the notes from different instructors who they were teaching the in- class tutorial sessions over the years. I thought it is a good idea to look at the same topics from different points of view and also use different teaching styles)

B-Physics
There are 500 pages of the notes and 800 practice questions for Physics section of the test. (There are 2 or 3 different sets of the notes from different instructors who they were teaching the in- class tutorial sessions over the years. I thought it is a good idea to look at the same topics from different points of view and also use different teaching styles)

C-Biology
There are 700 pages of the notes and 650 practice questions for Biology section of the test. (There are 2 or 3 different sets of the notes from different instructors who they were teaching the in-class tutorial sessions over the years. I thought it is a good idea to look at the same topics from different points of view and also use different teaching styles)

D-Organic Chemistry
There are 400 pages of the notes and 600 practice questions for Organic Chemistry section of the test. (There are 2 or 3 different sets of the notes from different instructors who they were teaching the in-class tutorial sessions over the years. I thought it is a good idea to look at the same topics from different points of view and also use different teaching styles)

E-Verbal Reasoning
There are 500 pages of different passages and 400 practice questions for the Verbal Reasoning section of the test.

F-Biological and Physical Sciences practice tests
There are 800 pages of the passages and 700 practice tests for the Biological and Physical Sciences section of the test.

G-Every effort has been made to make sure these notes are free of any typo, spell or copying mistakes but as it goes with any book or printed material these notes may contains some unintentional mistakes (typo, spells, missing words and letters and copying problems).
If you do find such problems with the notes please bring it to David's attention in person, by the e-mail or by the phone and the mistake will be corrected at no expense to you.

10-Could students use the MCAT test tutorial notes to study for the other tests such as the OAT, the PCAT or the DAT?
First make sure you know what are the contents of each test. Please check the other pages on this web site for the information about the OAT, the DAT and the PCAT tests.

Here are the rules:
A-The format of the MCAT test is different than the PCAT, the OAT and the DAT tests.

The majority of the MCAT test questions are based on the passages that they will be provided to you during the test and you just need to extract the answers from those passages (You still need to recall important rules and equations from your memory to answer some of the Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physics questions on the MCAT test).

Also there are some independent questions on the MCAT test that you need to relay on your memory to answer them and they are not related to any passage.

B-The OAT test, the PCAT test and the DAT test are in the format of the multiple-choice questions and there are no passages for different sections of these tests (except for the Reading Comprehension sections of the above tests). Every question is independent of the other questions and you need to rely on your understanding of the subject matter and your memory to answer them.

C-You can use the Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Physics and English sections of the MCAT notes to study for the other tests but you should know that the MCAT notes cover the materials in more details.

D-You need the Verbal Ability section extra if you are taking the PCAT test. Please check the PCAT page on this web site for more details.

E-You need Perceptual Ability (PAT) notes extra if you are taking the DAT test (there are 2 different DAT tests, the American DAT test and the Canadian DAT test , Please check the DAT page on this web site for the details about the tests).

F-There are Quantitative Ability (math) sections on the tests such as the OAT, The DAT and the PCAT. If you are taking one of these tests then you need to study this section by using the relevant notes and practice tests. Please check the other pages on this web site for the details.

You will need some math skills for the MCAT test but you will not see any specific section or any specific question about the Quantitative Ability or Quantitative Reasoning on the test.

11-What is the cost to buy the MCAT test tutorial booklet?
The cost is $500 for the whole tutorial notes.
I prefer for the students to look at the tutorial notes in person before they make a purchase.
I have explained the reason on the FAQ web page in details. I have also posted some pictures of the tutorial notes on the photo web page so you can get an idea about these tutorial notes.

12-Application service to most Medical Colleges in the U.S. and some Medical schools in Canada
Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS) is a nonprofit centralized application service for applicants to the five Ontario medical schools in Canada: McMaster University, University of Ottawa, Queen's University, University of Toronto, and The University of Western Ontario.

Central application center for United States medical schools (AMCAS)

13-Anything else do students need to know about the MCAT test?
For general information about M.D. profession, Medical education, Medical Colleges, how to apply to a Medical College and for the latest information about the MCAT test regarding fees, dates, location of test centers, how to write the test, scores, test content, time for each section of the test, official practice tests, etc. please visit the following web sites:
American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC)
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
Writing Sample essays
A guide for understanding and using MCAT scores in admissions decisions
MCAT Interpretive Manual

14-Canadian Medical Schools
Alberta
University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Oral Health Sciences
University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine

British Columbia
University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine

Manitoba
University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine

Newfoundland
Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine

Nova Scotia
Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine

Ontario
McMaster University School of Medicine
University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine
Queen's University Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine
University of Western Ontario Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

Quebec
Universite Laval Faculty of Medicine
McGill University Faculty of Medicine
University of Montreal Faculty of Medicine
University of Sherbrooke Faculty of Medicine

Saskatchewan
University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine

15-The U.S. Medical schools
Alabama
University of Alabama School of Medicine
University of South Alabama College of Medicine

Arizona
University of Arizona College of Medicine

Arkansas
University of Arkansas College of Medicine

California
University of California - Davis School of Medicine
University of California - Irvine College of Medicine
University of California-Los Angeles School of Medicine
Drew University of Medicine and Science
University of California - San Diego School of Medicine
University of California - San Francisco School of Medicine
Loma Linda University School of Medicine
University of Southern California keck School of Medicine
Stanford University School of Medicine

Colorado
University of Colorado School of Medicine

Connecticut
University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Yale University School of Medicine

District of Columbia
George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Georgetown University School of Medicine
Howard University College of Medicine

Florida
University of Florida College of Medicine
University of Miami School of Medicine
University of South Florida College of Medicine

Georgia
Emory University School of Medicine
Medical College of Georgia School of Medicine
Mercer University School of Medicine
Morehouse School of Medicine

Hawaii
University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine

Illinois
University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Finch University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School
University of Illinois College of Medicine
Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Northwestern University Medical School
Rush Medical College
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

Indiana
Indiana University School of Medicine

Iowa
University of Iowa College of Medicine

Kansas
University of Kansas School of Medicine

Kentucky
University of Kentucky College of Medicine
University of Louisville School of Medicine

Louisiana
LSU-New Orleans School of Medicine
LSU-Shreveport School of Medicine
Tulane University School of Medicine

Maryland
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine

Massachusetts
Boston University School of Medicine
Harvard Medical School
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Tufts University School of Medicine

Michigan
University of Michigan Medical School
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Wayne State University School of Medicine

Minnesota
Mayo Medical School
University of Minnesota - Duluth School of Medicine
University of Minnesota Medical School

Mississippi
University of Mississippi School of Medicine

Missouri
University of Missouri - Columbia School of Medicine
University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Medicine
St. Louis University School of Medicine
Washington University School of Medicine

Nebraska
Creighton University School of Medicine
University of Nebraska College of Medicine

Nevada
University of Nevada School of Medicine

New Hampshire
Dartmouth Medical School

New Jersey
UMDNJ - New Jersey Medical School
UMDNJ - R. W. Johnson Medical School

New Mexico
University of New Mexico School of Medicine

New York
Albany Medical College
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
Cornell University Medical College
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
New York Medical College
New York University School of Medicine
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
SUNY - Brooklyn College of Medicine
SUNY - Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
SUNY - Stony Brook School of Medicine Health Sciences Center
SUNY - Syracuse College of Medicine

North Carolina
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Duke University School of Medicine
East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine

North Dakota
University of North Dakota School of Medicine

Ohio
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Medical College of Ohio
Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine
The Ohio State University College of Medicine & Public Health
Wright State University School of Medicine

Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine

Oregon
Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine

Pennsylvania
MCP Hahnemann University School of Medicine
Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Temple University School of Medicine

Puerto Rico
Universidad Central Del Caribe School of Medicine
Ponce School of Medicine
University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine

Rhode Island
Brown University School of Medicine

South Carolina
Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine
University of South Carolina School of Medicine

South Dakota
University of South Dakota School of Medicine

Tennessee
East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine
Meharry Medical College School of Medicine
University of Tennessee, Memphis College of Medicine
Vanderbilt School of Medicine

Texas
Baylor College of Medicine
Texas A & M University System Health Science Center College of Medicine
Texas Tech University School of Medicine Health Sciences Center
University of Texas, Galveston Medical Branch at Galveston
University of Texas, Houston Medical School at Houston
University of Texas, San Antonio Medical School at San Antonio
University of Texas, Southwestern Southwestern Medical School

Utah
University of Utah School of Medicine

Vermont
University of Vermont College of Medicine

Virginia
Eastern Virginia Medical School
VCU/MCV School of Medicine
University of Virginia School of Medicine

Washington
University of Washington School of Medicine

West Virginia
Marshall University School of Medicine
West Virginia University School of Medicine

Wisconsin
Medical College of Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin Medical School

Biological Sciences topics
Biology
Molecular Biology: Enzymes and Metabolism
A. ENZYME STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
i-Function of enzymes in catalyzing biological reactions ii-Reduction of activation energy
iii-Substrates and enzyme specificity

B. CONTROL OF ENZYME ACTIVITY
i-Feedback inhibition
ii-Competitive inhibition
iii-Non-competitive inhibition

C. BASIC METABOLISM
i-Glycolysis, anaerobic and aerobic, substrates and products
ii-Krebs cycle, substrates and products, general features of the pathway
iii-Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation, substrates, products and general features of the pathway
iv-Metabolism of fats and proteins

Molecular Biology: DNA and Protein Synthesis
A. DNA STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
i-Watson-Crick model of DNA, double helix
ii-DNA composition: purine and pyrimidine bases, sugars, phosphate
iii-Base pairing specificity: A with T, G with C
iv-Function in transmission of genetic information

B. DNA REPLICATION
i-Mechanism of replication: separation of strands, specific coupling of free nucleic acids
ii-Semi-conservative nature of replication

C. REPAIR OF DNA
i-Repair during replication
ii-Repair of mutations

D. RECOMBINANT DNA
i-Restriction enzymes
ii-Hybridization
iii-Gene cloning

PROTEIN SYNTHESIS
A. GENETIC CODE
i-DNA to RNA to protein
ii-Codon-anticodon relationship
iii-Missense, nonsense codons
iv-Initiation, termination codons

B. TRANSCRIPTION
i-Messenger RNA
ii-tRNA, rRNA
iii-Mechanism of transcription

C. TRANSLATION
i-Roles of mRNA, tRNA, rRNA
ii-Role and structure of ribosomes

Molecular Biology: Eukaryotes
A. EUKARYOTIC CHROMOSOME ORGANIZATION i-Chromosomal proteins
ii-Telomeres, centromeres

B. CONTROL OF GENE EXPRESSION IN EUKARYOTES
i-Transcription regulation
ii-DNA binding proteins, transcription factors
iii-Cancer as a failure of normal cellular controls, oncogenes
iv-Post-transcriptional control (GEC)

Genetics
A. MENDELIAN CONCEPTS
i-Phenotype and genotype
ii-Gene
iii-Locus
iv-Allele: single and multiple
v-Homo- and heterozygosity
vi-Wild type
vii-Recessiveness
viii-Complete dominance
ix-Co-dominance
x-Incomplete dominance, leakage, penetrance, expressivity
xi-Gene pool

B. MEIOSIS AND GENETIC VARIABILITY
i-Significance of meiosis
ii-Important differences between meiosis and mitosis
iii-Segregation of genes
a-independent assortment
b-linkage
c-recombination
d-single crossovers
e-double crossovers
iv-Sex-linked characteristics
a-very few genes on Y chromosome
b-sex determination
c-cytoplasmic inheritance

Mutation
i-general concept of mutation-error in DNA sequence
ii-types of mutations: random, translation error, transcription error, base substitution, inversion, addition, deletion, translocation, mispairing
iii-advantageous vs. deleterious mutation
iv-inborn errors of metabolism
v-relationship of mutagens to carcinogens

C. ANALYTIC METHODS
i-Hardy-Weinberg Principle
ii-Test cross: back cross, concepts of parental, Fl and F2 generations

Microbiology
A. FUNGI
i-General characteristics
ii-General aspects of life cycle

B. VIRUS STRUCTURE
i-General structural characteristics, nucleic acid and protein
ii-Lack organelles, nucleus
iii-Structural aspects of typical bacteriophage
iv-Genomic content RNA or DNA
v-Size relative to bacteria and eukaryotic cells

C. VIRAL LIFE CYCLE
i-Self-replicating biological units that must reproduce within specific host cell
ii-Generalized phage and animal virus life cycles
a-attachment to host, penetration of cell membrane or cell wall, and entry of viral genetic material
b-use of host synthetic mechanism to replicate viral components
c-self-assembly and release of new viral particles
iii-Retrovirus life cycle: integration into host DNA
iv-Transduction: transfer of genetic material by viruses (MIC)

D. PROKARYOTIC CELL: STRUCTURE, BACTERIA i-Lack of nuclear membrane, mitotic apparatus
ii-Lack of typical eukaryotic organelles
iii-Major classifications of bacteria by shape, bacilli (rod-shaped), spirilli (spiral shaped), cocci (spherical), eubacteria; archaea
iv-Presence of cell wall in bacteria
v-Flagellar propulsion, mechanism

E. PROKARYOTIC CELL: GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGY
i-Reproduction by fission,
ii-High degree of genetic, adaptability, acquisition of antibiotic resistance,
iii-Exponential growth,
iv-Existence of anaerobic and aerobic variants,
v-Parasitic and symbiotic

F. PROKARYOTIC CELL: GENETICS
i-Existence of plasmids, extragenomic DNA
ii-Transformation: incorporation into bacterial genome of DNA fragments from external medium

Generalized Eukaryotic Cell
A. NUCLEUS
i-Defining characteristics: membrane bound nucleus, presence of organelles, meiotic division
ii-Nucleus: compartmentalization, storage of genetic information
iii-Nucleolus: location and function, Nuclear envelope, nuclear pores

B. MEMBRANE-BOUND ORGANELLES
i-Mitochondria
a-site of ATP production
b-self-replication
c-inner and outer membrane
ii-Lysosomes: membrane vesicle containing hydrolytic enzymes
iii-Endoplasmic reticulum:
a-rough and smooth components
b-rough endoplasmic, reticulum site of ribosomes
c-double membrane structure, role in membrane biosynthesis
d-role in biosynthesis of secreted proteins
iv-Golgi apparatus: general structure and role in packaging and secretion

C. PLASMA MEMBRANE
i-General function in cell containment
ii-Protein and lipid components, fluid mosaic model
iii-Osmosis
iv-Passive and active transport
v-Membrane channels
vi-Sodium/potassium pump
vii-Membrane receptors
viii-Membrane potential
ix-Exocytosis and endocytosis
x-Cell-cell communication (General concepts of cellular adhesion)
a-gap junctions
b-tight junctions
c-desmosomes

D. CYTOSKELETON
i-General function in cell support and movement
ii-Microfilaments: composition and role in cleavage and contractility
iii-Microtubules: composition and role in support and transport
iv-Intermediate filaments, role in support
v-Composition and function of eukaryotic cilia and flagella
vi-Centrioles, microtubule organizing centers

E. MITOSIS
i-Mitotic process: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, interphase
ii-Mitotic structures:
a-centrioles, asters, spindles
b-chromatids, centromeres, kinetochores
c-nuclear membrane breakdown and reorganization
d-mechanisms of chromosome movement
iii-Phases of cell cycle: G_o, G_i, S, G₂, M
iv-Growth arrest

Specialized Eukaryotic Cells and Tissues
A. NERVE CELL/NEURAL
i-Cell body: site of nucleus, organelles
ii-Axon: structure and function
iii-Dendrites: branched extensions of cell body
iv-Myelin sheath, Schwann cells, insulation of axon
v-Nodes of Ranvier: propagation of nerve impulse along axon
vi-Synapse: site of impulse propagation between cells
vii-Synaptic activity
a-transmitter molecules
b-synaptic knobs
c-fatigue
d-propagation between cells without resistance loss
viii-Resting potential: electrochemical gradient
ix-Action potential
a-threshold, all-or-none
b-sodium/potassium pump
x-Excitatory and inhibitory nerve fibers: summation, frequency of firing

B. MUSCLE CELL/CONTRACTILE
i-Structural characteristics of striated, smooth, and cardiac muscle
ii-Abundant mitochondria in red muscle cells-ATP source
iii-Organization of contractile elements: actin and myosin filaments, crossbridges, sliding filament model
iv-Calcium regulation of contraction
v-Sacromeres: "I" and "A" bands, "M" and "Z" lines, "H" zone (General structure only)
vi-Presence of troponin and tropomyosin
vii-Calcium regulation of contraction

C. OTHER SPECIALIZED CELL TYPES
i-Epithelial cells (cell types, simple epithelium, stratified epithelium)
ii-Endothelial cells
iii-Connective tissue cells (major cell types, fiber types, loose vs. dense, cartilage, extracellular matrix)

Nervous and Endocrine Systems
A. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM: HORMONES
i-Function of endocrine system: specific chemical control at cell, tissue, and organ level
ii-Definition of endocrine gland, hormone
iii-Major endocrine glands: names, locations, products
iv-Major types of hormones

B. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM: MECHANISMS OF HORMONE ACTION
i-Cellular mechanisms of hormone action
ii-Transport of hormones: blood supply
iii-Specificity of hormones: target tissue
iv-Integration with nervous system: feedback control

C. NERVOUS SYSTEM: STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIO
i-Major functions
a-high level control and integration of body system
b-adaptive capability to external influences
c-sensory input
d-integrative and cognitive ability
ii-Organization of vertebrate nervous system
iii-Sensor and effector neurons
iv-Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems: antagonistic control
v-Reflexes
a-feedback loop, reflex arc
b-role of spinal cord, brain
c-efferent control

D. NERVOUS SYSTEM: SENSORY RECEPTION AND PROCESSING
i-Skin, proprioceptive, and somatic sensors
ii-Olfaction, taste
iii-Hearin
a-ear structure
b-mechanism of hearing
iv-Vision
a-light receptors
b-eye structure
c-visual image processing

Circulatory, Lymphatic, and Immune Systems
A. CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
i-Functions: circulation of oxygen, nutrients, hormones ions and fluids, removal of metabolic waste
ii-Role in thermoregulation
iii-Four-chambered heart: structure and function
iv-Systolic and diastolic pressure
v-Pulmonary and systemic circulation
vi-Arterial and venous systems
a-structural and functional differences
b-pressure and flow characteristics
vii-Capillary beds
a-mechanisms of gas and solute exchange
b-mechanism of heat exchange
c-source of peripheral resistance
viii-Composition of blood
a-plasma, chemicals, blood cells
b-erythrocyte production and destruction; spleen, bone marrow
c-regulation of plasma volume
d-coagulation, clotting mechanisms
ix-Oxygen transport by blood
a-hemoglobin, hematocrit
b-oxygen content
c-oxygen affinity
x-Details of oxygen transport (biochemical characteristics of hemoglobin), modification of oxygen affinity

B. LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
Major functions
a-equalization of fluid distribution
b-transport of proteins and large glycerides
c-production of lymphocytes involved in immune reactions
d-return of materials to the blood
e-composition of lymph: similarity to blood plasma; substances transported
f-source of lymph: diffusion from capillaries by differential pressure
g-lymph nodes: activation of lymphocytes

C. IMMUNE SYSTEM
i-Cells
a-T-lymphocytes
b-B-lymphocytes
ii-Tissues
a-bone marrow
b-spleen
c-thymus
d-lymph nodes
iii-Concept of antigen and antibody
iv-Structure of antibody molecule
v-Mechanism of stimulation by antigen

Respiration System
A. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
i-General function
a-gas exchange, thermoregulation
b-protection against disease, particulate matter
ii-Breathing mechanisms
a-diaphragm, rib cage, differential pressure
b-resiliency and surface tension effects

Skin System
i-Functions in homeostasis and osmoregulation
ii-Functions in thermoregulation
a-hair, erectile musculature
b-fat layer for insulation
c-sweat glands, location in dermis
d-vasoconstriction and vasodilation in surface capillaries
iii-Physical protection
a-nails, calluses, hair
b-protection against abrasion, disease organisms
iv-Structure (detail structure)
a-layer differentiation
b-relative impermeability to water

Digestive System
i-Ingestion
a-saliva as lubrication and source of enzymes
b-epiglottal action
c-pharynx function in swallowing
d-esophagus, transport function
ii-Stomach
a-storage and churning of food
b-low pH, gastric juice, mucal protection against self-destruction
c-production of digestive enzymes, site of digestion
d-structure
iii-Liver
a-production of bile
b-role in nutrient metabolism, vitamin storage
c-role in blood glucose regulation, detoxification
d-gross structure
iv-Bile
a-storage in gall bladder
b-function
v-Pancreas
a-production of enzymes
b-transport of enzymes to small intestine
c-structure (gross)
vi-Small Intestine
a-absorption of food molecules
b-function and structure of villi
c-production of enzymes, site of digestion
d-neutralization of stomach acid
e-structure (gross)
vii-Large Intestine
a-anatomic subdivisions
b-absorption of water
c-bacterial flora
d-structure (gross)
viii-Rectum: storage and elimination of waste, feces
ix-Muscular control
a-sphincter muscle
b-peristalsis

Excretory System
i-Roles in homeostasis
a-blood pressure
b-osmoregulation
c-acid-base balance
d-removal of soluble nitrogenous waste
ii-Kidney structure
a-cortex
b-medulla
iii-Nephron structure
a-glomerulus
b-Bowman's capsule
c-proximal tubule
d-loop of Henle
e-distal tubule
f-collecting duct
iv-Formation of urine
a-glomerular filtration
b-secretion and reabsorption of solutes
c-concentration of urine
d-counter-current multiplier mechanism
v-Storage and elimination: ureter, bladder, urethra

Muscle System
i-Important functions
a-support, mobility
b-peripheral circulatory assistance
c-thermoregulation (shivering reflex)
ii-Structure of three basic muscle types: striated, smooth, cardiac
iii-Nervous control
a-motor neurons
b-neuromuscular junctions, motor end plates
c-voluntary and involuntary muscles
d-sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation

Skeletal System
i-Functions
a-structural rigidity and support
b-calcium storage
c-physical protection
ii-Skeletal structure
a-specialization of bone types, structures
b-joint structures
c-endo- vs. exoskeleton
iii-Cartilage: structure and function
iv-Ligaments, tendons
v-Bone structure
a-calcium/protein matrix
b-bone growth

Reproductive System and Development
A. REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
i-Male and female reproductive structures and their functions
a-gonads
b-genitalia
c-differences between male and female structures
ii-Gametogenesis by meiosis
iii-Ovum and sperm
a-differences in formation
b-differences in morphology
c-relative contribution to next generation
iv-Reproductive sequence: fertilization; implantation; development; birth

B. EMBRYOGENESIS
i-Stages of early development: order and general features of each
a-fertilization
b-cleavage
c-blastula formation
d-gastrulation
1- first cell movements
2-formation of primary germ layers: endoderm, mesoderm, ectoderm
e-neurulation
ii-Major structures arising out of primary germ layers

C. DEVELOPMENTAL MECHANISMS
i-Cell specialization
a-determination
b-differentiation
c-tissue types
ii-Cell communication in development
iii-Gene regulation in development
iv-Programmed cell death

Evolution
A. EVOLUTION
i-Natural selection
a-fitness concept
b-selection by differential reproduction
c-concepts of natural and group selection
d-evolutionary success as increase in percent representation in the gene pool of the next generation
ii-Speciation
a-definition of species
b-polymorphism
c-adaptation and specialization
d-concepts of ecological niche, competition
e-concept of population growth through competition
f-inbreeding
g-outbreeding
h-bottlenecks
i-divergent, parallel, and convergent evolution
j-symbiotic relationships
a-Parasitism
b-Commensalism
iii-Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny
iv-Evolutionary time as measured by gradual random changes in genome
v-Origin of life

B. COMPARATIVE ANATOMY
i-Chordate features,
a-notochord,
b-pharangeal pouches, brachial arches,
c-dorsal nerve cord,
ii-Vertebrate phylogeny: vertebrate classes and relations to each other

Biological Sciences
Organic Chemistry
The Covalent Bond
i-s and p bonds (No Alkenes)
a-hybrid orbitals: sp³, sp², sp and respective geometries b-valence shell electron pair repulsion and the prediction of shapes of molecules (e.g. NH₃, H₂0, C0₂)
c-structural formulas for molecules involving H, C, N, O, F, S, P, Si, Cl
d-delocalized electrons and resonance in ions and molecules
ii-Multiple bonding (No Alkenes)
a-its effect on bond length and bond energies
b-rigidity in molecular structure
iii-Stereochemistry of covalently bonded molecules
a-isomers
1-structural isomers
2-stereoisomers (e.g. diastereomers, enantiomers, cis/trans isomers)
3-conformational isomers
b-polarization of light, specific rotation
c-absolute and relative configuration
1-conventions for writing R and S forms
2-conventions for writing E and Z forms
d-racemic mixtures, separation of enantiomers by biological means

Molecular Structure and Spectra
i-Absorption spectroscopy
a-infrared region
1-intramolecular vibrations and rotations
2-recognizing common characteristic group absorptions, fingerprint region
b-visible region
1-absorption in visible region gives complementary color (e.g. carotene)
2-effect of structural changes on absorption (e.g. indicators)
c-ultraviolet region (No Alkenes)
1-p electron and non-bonding electron, transition
2-conjugated systems
ii-Mass spectroscopy: m/e ratio, parent peak
iii-NMR spectroscopy
a-protons in a magnetic field; equivalent protons
b-spin-spin splitting

Separations and Purifications
i-Extraction: distribution of solute between two immiscible solvents
ii-Distillation
iii-Chromatography-basic principles involved in separation process
a-column chromatography such as gas-liquid chromatography
b-paper chromatography
c-thin-layer chromatography
iv-Recrystalization; solvent choice from solubility data

Hydrocarbons
ALIPHATIC - ALKANES
i-Description
a-nomenclature
b-physical properties
ii-Important reactions
a-combustion
b-substitution reactions with halogens, etc..
iii-General principles
a-stability of free radicals, chain reaction mechanism; inhibition
b-ring strain in cyclic compounds
c-bicyclic molecules

Oxygen Containing Compounds
A. ALCOHOLS
i-Description
a-nomenclature
b-physical properties
c-infrared absorption of OH group
ii-Important reactions
a-substitution reactions: Sn1 or Sn2, depending on alcohol and derived alkyl, halide
b-oxidation
c-pinacol rearrangement in polyhydroxyalcohols; synthetic uses
d-protection of alcohols
e-reactions with SOCI₂ and PBr₃
f-preparation of mesylates and tosylates
g-esterification
h-inorganic esters
iii-General principles
a-hydrogen bonding
b-acidity of alcohols compared to other classes of oxygen-containing compounds
c-effect of chain branching on physical properties

B. ALDEHYDES AND KETONES
i-Description
a-nomenclature
b-physical properties
c-infrared absorption of C=0 bond
ii-Important reactions
a-nucleophilic addition reactions at C=0 bond
1-acetal, hemiacetal
2-imine, enamine
b-reactions at adjacent positions
1-haloform reactions
2-aldol condensation
3-oxidation
c-1,3-dicarbonyls: internal H-bonding
d-keto-enol tautonierism
e-organometallic reagents
f-acetoacetic ester syntheses
g-Wolff-Kishner reaction
h-Grignard reagents
iii-General principles
a-effect of substituents on reactivity of C=0; steric hindrance
b-acidity of α H; carbanions
c-α, β-unsaturated carbonyls, resonance structures

C. CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
i-Description
a-nomenclature
b-physical properties and solubility
c-infrared absorption
ii-Important reactions
a-carboxyl group reactions
1-nucleophilic attack
2-reduction
3-decarboxylation
4-esterification
b-reactions at 2 position
1-halogenation
2-substitution reactions
iii-General principles
a-H bonding
b-dimerization
c-acidity of the carboxyl group
d-inductive effect of substituents
e-resonance stability of carboxylate anion

D. ACID DERIVATIVES (ACID CHLORIDES, ANHYDRIDES, AMIDES, ESTERS)
i-Description
a-nomenclature
b-physical properties
c-infrared absorption
ii-Important reactions
a-preparation of acid derivatives
b-nucleophilic substitution
c-Hoffman degradation of amides; migration of aryl group
d-transesterification
e-hydrolysis of fats and glycerides (saponification)
f-hydrolysis of amides
iii-General principles
a-relative reactivity of acid derivatives
b-steric effects
c-electronic effects
d-strain (e.g. β-lactams)

E. KETO ACIDS AND ESTERS
i-Description; nomenclature
ii-Important reactions
a-decarboxylation
b-acetoacetic ester synthesis
iii-General principles
a-acidity of α hydrogen and β-keto ester
b-keto-enol tautomerism

Amines
i-Description
a-nomenclature
b-stereochemistry and physical properties
c-infrared absorption
ii-Major reactions
a-amide formation
b-reactions with nitrous acid
c-alkylation
d-Hoffman elimination
iii-General principles
a-basicity
b-stabilization of adjacent carbonium ions (carbocations) c-effect of substituents on basicity of aromatic amines

Biological Molecules
A. CARBOHYDRATE
i-Description,
a-nomenclature and classification, common names,
b-absolute configuration,
c-cyclic structure and conformations of hexoses,
d-epimers and anomers,
ii-Hydrolysis of the glycoside linkage

B. AMINO ACIDS AND PROTEINS
i-Description
a-absolute configuration at the α position
b-amino acids as dipolar ions classification
c-classification
1-acidic or basic
2-hydrophobic or hydrophilic
ii-Reactions
a-peptide linkage
b-hydrolysis
iii-General principles
a-1° structure of proteins
b-2° structure of proteins

C. LIPIDS
Description; structure
a-steroids
b-terpenes
c-triacyl glycerols
d-free fatty acids

D. PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS
i-Description
structure of phosphoric acids (anhydrides and esters)
ii-Important reactions
Wittig reaction

General Concepts in Organic Chemistry
A. CLASSIFICATION OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS ACCORDING TO FUNCTIONAL GROUPS

B. REACTIONS, REACTION MECHANISMS, AND THE PRINCIPLES INVOLVED (metabolic
enzyme-controlled reactions and pathways are not included in this topic area)

C. STRUCTURE AND STEREOCHEMISTRY OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

D. IUPAC NOMENCLATURE OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

E. MULTISTEP SYNTHESIS/RETROSYNTHESIS

Physical Sciences
General Chemistry
Electronic Structure and Periodic Table
A. ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE
i-Orbital structure of hydrogen atom, principal quantum number n, number of electrons per orbital
ii-Ground state, excited states
iii-Absorption and emission spectra
iv-Quantum numbers l, m_l ,m_s and number of quantum states (electrons) per orbital
v-Common names and geometric shapes for orbitals s, p, d
vi-Conventional notation for electronic structure
vii-Bohr atom
viii-Effective nuclear charge

B. THE PERIODIC TABLE: CLASSIFICATION OF ELEMENTS INTO GROUPS BY ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE
i-Alkali metals; their chemical characteristics
ii-Alkaline earth metals; their chemical characteristics
iii-Halogens; their chemical characteristics
iv-Noble gases; their physical and chemical characteristics
v-Transition metals
vi-Representative elements
vii-Metals and non-metals
viii-Oxygen group

C. THE PERIODIC TABLE: VARIATIONS OF CHEMICAL PROPERTIES WITH GROUP AND ROW
i-Electronic structure
a-the representative elements
b-the noble gases
c-transition metals
ii-Valence electrons
iii-First and second ionization energy
a-definition
b-prediction from electronic structure for elements in different groups or rows
iv-Electron affinity
a-definition
b-variation with group and row
v-Electronegativity
a-definition
b-comparative values for some representative elements and important groups
vi-Electron shells and the sizes of atoms

Bonding
A. THE IONIC BOND (ELECTROSTATIC FORCES BETWEEN IONS)
i-E=kQ₁Q₂/d
ii-E=lattice energy
iii-Force attraction = R(n+e)(n-e)/d²

B. THE COVALENT BOND
i-s and p bonds
a-hybrid orbitals: sp³, sp², sp and respective geometries
b-valence shell electron pair repulsion and the prediction of shapes of molecules (e.g NH₃, H₂O, CO₂ )
ii-Lewis electron dot formulas
a-resonance structures
b-formal change
c-Lewis acids and bases
iii-Partial ionic character
a-role of electronegativity in determining charge distribution
b-dipole moment

Phases and Phase Equilibria
A. GAS PHASE
i-Absolute temperature, K scale
ii-Pressure, simple mercury barometer
iii-Molar volume at 0°C and 1 atm = 22.4 mol/L
iv-Ideal gas
a-definition
b-ideal gas law PV=nRT
1-Boyle's law
2-Charles' law
3-Avogadro's number
v-Kinetic molecular theory of gases
vi-Deviation of real-gas behavior from ideal gas law
a-qualitative
b-quantitative (Van der Waals' equation)
vii-Partial pressure, mole fraction
viii-Dalton's law relating partial pressure to composition

B. LIQUID PHASE: INTERMOLECULAR FORCES
i-Hydrogen bonding,
ii-Dipole interactions,
iii-Van der Waals' forces (London dispersion forces)

C. PHASE EQUILIBRIA
i-Phase changes and phase diagrams
ii-Freezing point, melting point, boiling point
iii-Molality
iv-Colligative properties
a-vapor pressure lowering (Raoult's law)
b-boiling point elevation (T_b = k_bm)
c-freezing point depression (T_f = - k_fm)
d-osmotic pressure
v-Colloids
vi-Henry's Law

Stoichiometry
i-Molecular weight
ii-Empirical formula versus molecular formula
iii-Metric units commonly used in the context of chemistry
iv-Description of composition by % mass
v-Mole concept; Avagadro's number
vi-Definition of density
vii-Oxidation number
a-common oxidizing and reducing agents
b-disproportionation reactions
c-redox titration
viii-Description of reactions by chemical equations
a-conventions for writing chemical equations
b-balancing equations, including oxidation-reduction equations
c-limiting reactants
d-theoretical yields

Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry
A. ENERGY CHANGES IN CHEMICAL REACTIONS-THERMOCHEMISTRY
i-Thermodynamic system, state function
ii-Conservation of energy
iii-Endothermic/exothermic reactions
a-enthalpy H and standard heats of reaction and formation b-Hess' law of heat summation
iv-Bond dissociation energy as related to heats of formation
v-Measurement of heat changes (calorimetry); heat capacity; specific heat (specific heat of water =l cal/°C) vi-Entropy as a measure of &q