4 Tips to Prepare for the MCAT's New Natural Sciences QuestionsUS News
By Vipinjeet Sandhu 4 hours ago
The 2015 MCAT will feature natural sciences sections that are significantly different from those on the current exam, and one of the most obvious changes is the addition of biochemical concepts. The exam also shifts its focus to topics that are more relevant to the whole human body.
As you prepare to approach these revisions on the new test, keep the following four suggestions in mind to maximize your understanding:
1. Brush up on your biochemistry: The Association of American Medical Colleges and the MCAT place a significant emphasis on the chemistry of biological molecules. You will be expected to understand chemical reactions that occur within the body, particularly those related to central energy metabolism.
With the inclusion of biochemistry, a number of lab techniques that involve recombinant DNA are now testable. Ensure you review this material and complete an introductory biochemistry course before you take the new MCAT. The knowledge you gain from this preparation will be pivotal to your success.
2. Hone your understanding of molecular biology: The MCAT also emphasizes specific aspects of the molecular basis of biology. The specific enzymes and substrates of glycolysis and the Krebs cycle are now assessed, rather than solely their net yields, as was the case in the past. You must also know the molecular basis of antigen presentation.
The central dogma of molecular biology is far more detailed than before, but exam items do not exceed the current scope of a strong undergraduate molecular biology course. Taxonomy has been replaced by the modern understanding of genetics that is expected of physicians. This includes the actual molecular events that are the basis of genetic variability, such as meiosis and DNA replication errors.
One theme in this new section is the idea that cancer is a genetic disease caused by mutations in cell cycle controls. If you are currently enrolled in molecular biology classes, take careful notes in these areas. Revisiting your textbooks is also wise.
3. Master your knowledge of organ systems: The exam's detail surrounding organ systems has also increased. Students who complete a physiology course or a biology course that examines systems biology should be familiar with these topics. If necessary, supplement your course work to prepare.
Three specific systems are now tested in noticeably more depth. Respiratory subjects include the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory tract, as well as details of gas exchange and its effects on pH. Knowledge of the immune system now includes antigen processing and the "life stories" of lymphocytes: where in the body they are created, how they become foreign-reactive and self-tolerant, and how they respond to invaders. The muscular system's topics now include the role of calcium within myocytes, red and white muscle types and oxygen debt.
4. Seek connections between subjects: Integration of knowledge is a major theme on the 2015 MCAT. Medical schools often feature the dissolution of boundaries between the sciences, and the new MCAT has responded accordingly.
As has always been the case, preparation and advanced planning are the keys to success on the new MCAT. In many ways, the test resembles medical school. It requires you to direct your gaze down to the molecular world, up to the systems level and across discipline and system divisions.
Vipinjeet Sandhu is a professional MCAT tutor and contributing writer for Varsity Tutors. He earned his bachelor's degree in neuroscience and behavior from Columbia College of Columbia University. He holds an M.D. from St. George's University School of Medicine.
http://news.yahoo.com/4-tips-prepare-mcats-natural-sciences-questions-143000561.html
New SMAC quizzes available.
