Sample MCAT Syllabus

This syllabus provides a full, in-depth overview of all major topics covered on the MCAT. It is split into 32 sessions, each covering a different set of topics. In between each session, you are expected to spend time engaging in the material on your own. You should aim to complete all assigned homework before each session. Your tutor will work with you to clarify challenging concepts, work through practice questions, and reinforce proper exam techniques.
The Berkeley Review Home Study Materials Biology Part I (Physiology), Biology Part II (Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology), BR Orgo Chem II ExamKrackers Study Guide Set 10th Edition Biology I, Biology II, Chemistry, Physics, Psych/Soc Kaplan Psychology/Sociology Kaplan Biochemistry Review UWorld membership 1800 questions AAMC MCAT Prep Online-only bundle
Khan Academy Jack Westin CARS
EK 1001 Chemistry and Physics 2002 Understandable these are for the ‘old’ test, but they are purely discrete questions that help with math calculations (stoich, unit conversions, acid base, mechanics, fluids, waves, circuits) and that has been the number one pitfall for students on this test.

Session Breakdown

This 32 session sample syllabus is a comprehensive look at our MCAT programming. Depending on where you are in your process, you may require less or more time with these materials.

1

Prep for Session 1

Homework:

Read Chapters 1-5 and answer end of chapter questions in Kaplan Biochem. Kaplan has great end of chapter reviews and they should be crucial for your studying and summarizing.

north_east
2

Biochemistry, Biomolecules

In Session

  • Fats, proteins, carbs- know what they are, look like (carbs long: nomenclature, stereochemistry)
  • Enzyme kinetics- core equations, types of inhibition
  • Carbs: Glycolysis, fermentation in humans and yeast
  • Carbs: Glycolysis, fermentation in humans and yeast
  • Carbs: Gluconegenesis
  • Carbs: Krebs cycle
  • Carbs: ETC
  • Carbs: Pentos phosphate pathway, PPP
  • Carbs: Glycogenolysis

Homework

  • Berkeley Review Biology II, Section 7: Metabolic Components, Passages 1,2,6,8,19,11,15
  • Berkeley Review Orgo Chem II, Section 6: Carbohydrates, p. 97-107, Passages 1-5
  • Kaplan Biology, Chapters 9-10 + end of chapter questions
  • ExamKrackers Biology I, Molecules, Lecture 1, In-lecture questions and 30 min exam in back
3

Session 2

In Session: Biochemistry, Biopathways

  1.  

1. Fats: Beta-oxidation

2. Fats: Ketone synthesis and metabolism

3. Protein: Urea cycle

Homework:

1. Kaplan Biochemistry, Chapters 8, 10, 11

2. Berkeley Review Biology II, Section 7: Metabolic Components, Passages 3,4,9,13,14

3. ExamKrackers Biology I, Type Lecture 3, 30 min exam in back

4

Session 3

In Session: Chemistry, Atomic Chemistry

1. Quantum chem: periodic trends, quantum numbers, Vsper, formal charge, oxidation, color theory, Planck’s equation, photoelectric effect

2. Stoichiometry: unit conversion, dilution, limiting reagant


Homework:

1. ExamKrackers Chemistry, Lecture 1, Read if necessary + questions + 30 min exam

2. ExamKrackers 1001 Chem, Lecture 1-157

3. UWorld 25 x Biochem, Be sure to share your account information with your tutor.

5

Session 4

In Session: Physics, Mechanics

1. Translational motion

2. Forces: Newton’s 3 Laws, Law of gravitation

3. Energy: torque, work, kinetic and potential energy

4. Machines and power: lever, pulley, inclined plane

Homework:

1. ExamKrackers Physics, Lecture 1 + Lecture 2, Do in lecture questions + 30 min exams

2. ExamKrackers 1001 Physics, Lecture 1-3, 1-380, feel free to do every other question

6

Session 5

In Session: Biology, Genetics

1. Central dogma

2. Mendelian genetics

3. Hardy Weinburg

Homework:

1. Kaplan Biochem, Chapters 6 + 7

2. Berkley Review Biology 2, Section 10, passages 1-5, 9, 10

3. Berkley Review Biology 2, Section 9, passages 1-3, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15

4. ExamKrackers Biology 1, Lecture 2, 30 min exam

7

Session 6

In Session: Biology, Genetics/Lab Techniques

1. PCR

2. Restriction enzymes

3. Cloning

4. Sequencing

5. Knockout

6. Blot: southern, northern, western

7. DNA microarray

8. PAGE: Native, Denaturing, Reducing

 

Homework:

1. ExamKrackers Biology I, Lecture 4, (Read 4.4, great lab techniques section!), do only passage 3 in 30 min exam

8

Session 7

In Session: Chemistry, Kinetics & Thermodynamics

1. Kinetics: Rate law

2. Thermo

3. State functions (delta h, g, s)

4. Laws of thermodynamics (3), emphasis: U=Q+W, W=-PV

5. Calorimetry (this is math intensive)

 

Homework:

1. ExamKrackers Chemistry, Lecture 4, 30 min exam

2. ExamKrackers 1001 Chem, # 228-273, 296-438, 579-619

9

Session 8

In Session: Biology, Cell Biology

1. Eukaryote: organelles, structure, plasma membrane

2. Microbiology

3. Prokaryotes, bacteria, experiments with e. Coli, circular DNA

4. Viruses (E.g. HIV)


Homework:

1. Berkeley Review Biology 2, Section 6, page 63, Passage 4, 7, 10-15

2. ExamKrackers Biology 2, Lecture 1, 30 min exam

3. UWorld Biology

10

Session 9

In Session: Physics, Fluids

1. Fluids at rest

2. Buoyancy

3. Pascal’s Law

4. Pressure units

5. Fluids in motion

6. Continuity equation

7. Bernoulli

8. Poiseuille’s Law


Homework:

1. ExamKrackers Physics, Lecture 3, 30 min exam

2. ExamKrackers 1001 Physics, 510-610

3. UWorld CARS, 25 questions

11

Session 10

In Session: Chemistry, Gases and Solutions

1. Gases: Ideal gas law, Non-ideal gas law, Partial pressure

2. Solutions: Solubility rules, Solubility constant, Colligative properties


Homework:

1. ExamKrackers General Chemistry, Lecture 5, 30 min exam

2. ExamKrackers 1001 Chemistry, 158-227, 274-295, 439-568

3. Kaplan Psychology, Chapters 1-3, finish the psych book before starting to test (Kaplan Quizlet deck, Anki)

12

Session 11

In Session: Chemistry, CARS, Acids and Bases

1. Acids and bases

2. Ka, Kb, Kw, pH,pOH

3. Strong acids, strong bases

4. Amino acids

5. Buffers and titrations

6. Henderson Hasselbalch


Homework:

1. ExamKrackers Chemistry, Chapter 7, 30 min exam

2. Kaplan Psychology, Chapters 4-7

13

Session 12

In Session: Systems, Endocrine

1. Memorize table- ExamKrackers

2. Peptide v. Steroid

3. Effector organs

4. Reproduction


Homework:

1. Berkeley Review Biology I, Section 5, passage 7, 8, 11, 13, 14

2. ExamKrackers Biology 2, Lecture 3, 30 min exam

3. Kaplan Psychology, Chapters 8-10

14

Session 13

Topic

Organic Chemistry

Subtopic

Orgo 1

In-session topics

  1. Nomenclature

  2. Stereochemistry

  3. SN1

  4. SN2

Homework:


Book

ExamKrackers Chemistry

Chapter and/or page numbers

Lecture 2

Assignment detail

30 min exam

Book

ExamKrackers Biology 2

Chapter and/or page numbers

Lecture 3

Assignment detail

30 min exams; for extra practice, check out EK 1001 Orgo

Book

Kaplan Psychology

Chapter and/or page numbers

Chapters 11-12

Assignment detail

After this session U world psych should be readily employed.  25 x psych every week.
15

Session 14

Topic

Systems

Subtopic

Circulatory, respiratory system, and immune system

In-session topics

  1. Circulatory system

    1. blood pressure

    2. anatomy

    3. fluid equations

    4. acids and bases

  2. Respiratory system

    1. Gas exchange

    2. Acids and bases

  3. Immune system

    1. B cells vs T cells

    2. MHCI vs MHC II

Homework:


Book

Berkeley Review Biology I

Chapter and/or page numbers

Section 2, passage 1, 3, 5, 7-10, 11, 13-15

Assignment detail

 

Book

Berkeley Review Biology I

Chapter and/or page numbers

Section 5, passage 2-4, 6, 9, 10

Assignment detail

 

Book

ExamKrackers Biology 2

Chapter and/or page numbers

Lecture 4

Assignment detail

30 min exams

Book

ExamKrackers Psychology

Chapter and/or page numbers

Lecture 1

Assignment detail

30 min exam
16

Session 15

Topic

Systems

Subtopic

GI and Renal (metabolism)

In-session topics

  1. GI

    1. Fats: how fats are metabolized through the GI system

    2. Carbs: how carbs are metabolized

    3. Proteins: how proteins are metabolized

  2. Renal

    1. Hormones, link back to endocrine system

    2. Angiotensin renin pathway

    3. Blood pressure

Homework:


Book

Berkeley Review Biology I

Chapter and/or page numbers

Section 3, passage 2, 3, 5-8, 10, 12, 13

Assignment detail

 

Book

ExamKrackers Biology 2

Chapter and/or page numbers

Lecture 5

Assignment detail

30 min exam

Book

ExamKrackers Psychology

Chapter and/or page numbers

Lecture 2

Assignment detail

30 min exam
17

Session 16

Topic

Physics

Subtopic

E/M

In-session topics

  1. Equations for E/M

  2. Circuits

Homework:


Book

ExamKrackers Physics

Chapter and/or page numbers

Lecture 4

Assignment detail

30 min exam

Book

ExamKrackers Physics 1001

Chapter and/or page numbers

761-894

Assignment detail

 

Book

ExamKrackers Psychology

Chapter and/or page numbers

Lecture 3

Assignment detail

30 min exam
18

Session 17

Topic

Physics

Subtopic

Electrochem

In-session topics

  1. 2 types of cells

    1. voltaic

    2. electrolytic

  2. Nernst equation

Homework:


Book

ExamKrackers Chemistry

Chapter and/or page numbers

Chapter 6 (Electrochemistry)

Assignment detail

30 min exam

Book

ExamKrackers Chemistry 1001

Chapter and/or page numbers

861-1001

Assignment detail

 

Book

ExamKrackers Psychology

Chapter and/or page numbers

Lecture 4

Assignment detail

30 min exam; After this point UWorld chem can be started at 25x chunks. 
19

Session 18

Topic

Systems

Subtopic

Nervous System

In-session topics

  1. Action potential

  2. Cell resting membrane- controlled by ion concentration

  3. Anatomy

    1. Central

    2. Peripheral

    3. Parasympathetic

    4. Sympathetic (connect to Endocrine system)

Homework:


Book

ExamKrackers Biology II

Chapter and/or page numbers

Lecture 2

Assignment detail

30 min exam

Book

Berkeley Review Biology I

Chapter and/or page numbers

Section 1 Passage 1, 3-6, 7, 12-14

Assignment detail

 

Book

ExamKrackers Psychology

Chapter and/or page numbers

Lecture 5

Assignment detail

30 min exam 

Book

AAMC Official Practice Questions

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

Earliest practice test half test; 120 questions, 30 questions/ 4 sections 
20

Session 19

Topic

Systems, Practice Test Review, CARS mini-lesson

Subtopic

Muscles

In-session topics

  1. Muscle contraction cycle

Homework:


Book

ExamKrackers Biology II

Chapter and/or page numbers

Lecture 6

Assignment detail

30 min exam

Book

UWorld Biology

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

All of biology has been covered and you can start using all UWorld biology, nothing unchecked
21

Session 20

Topic

Organic Chemistry

Subtopic

Orgo 2

In-session topics

  1. Carbonyl Chemistry

Homework:


Book

ExamKrackers Chemistry

Chapter and/or page numbers

Lecture 3

Assignment detail

30 min exam

Book

Berkeley Review Orgo II

Chapter and/or page numbers

Section 5, passage 3, 6, 10, 12 + discretes at the end

Assignment detail

  
22

Session 21

Topic

Physics

Subtopic

Waves

In-session topics

  1. Sound

    1. Ultrasound

  2. Light

    1. Properties

    2. Lenses

    3. Mirrors

Homework:


Book

ExamKrackers Physics

Chapter and/or page numbers

Lecture 5

Assignment detail

30 min exam

Book

ExamKrackers Physics 1001

Chapter and/or page numbers

636-760, 895-1001

Assignment detail

  

Book

UWorld Physics

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

After this point U world physics can be started at 25x chunks.  
23

Session 22

Topic

Organic Chemistry

Subtopic

Orgo 3 (lab techniques)

In-session topics

  1. Purification

    1. Column chromatography

    2. Distillation

    3. Extraction and washes

    4. Crystallization

  2. Identification

    1. NMR

    2. IR

    3. Mass-spec

    4. X-ray crystallography

Homework:


Book

ExamKrackers Biology II

Chapter and/or page numbers

Lecture 4

Assignment detail

Spectroscopy

Book

Berkeley Review, Orgo II

Chapter and/or page numbers

Section 8, passage 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13 + discretes at end

Assignment detail

  
24

Session 23

Topic

Practice Testing

Subtopic

  

In-session topics

  1. CARS strategy revisited and general comprehensive review before starting section banks

Homework:


Book

AAMC Chem/Phys section bank

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

100 questions, break into 2x 50 questions

 

Book

UWorld

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

UWorld should be used every week at 25x question chunks alternating topics.
25

Session 24

Topic

Practice Testing

Subtopic

  

In-session topics

  1. Review of AAMC Chem/Psych

Homework:


Book

AAMC Bio, Biochem section bank

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

100 questions, break into 2x 50 questions

 

Book

UWorld

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

UWorld should be used every week at 25x question chunks alternating topics.
26

Session 25

Topic

Practice Testing

Subtopic

  

In-session topics

Review of AAMC Bio, Biochem

Homework:


Book

AAMC CARS section bank

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

120 questions, break into 2x 60 questions

 

Book

UWorld

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

UWorld should be used every week at 25x question chunks alternating topics.
27

Session 26

Topic

Practice Testing

Subtopic

  

In-session topics

  1. Review of AAMC CARS, remind students that the psych section bank will be extensive and thus many things should be memorized at this point

Homework:


Book

AAMC Psych section bank

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

100 questions, break into 2x 50 questions

 

Book

UWorld

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

UWorld should be used every week at 25x question chunks alternating topics.
28

Session 27

Topic

Practice Testing

Subtopic

  

In-session topics

  1. Review of AAMC Psych

Homework:


Book

AAMC CARS question pack 2

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

As needed

Book

UWorld

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

UWorld should be used every week at 25x question chunks alternating topics.
29

Session 28

Topic

Practice Testing

Subtopic

  

In-session topics

  1. Review of AAMC CARS question pack 2

Homework:


Book

AAMC Sample Test 1

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

  

Book

UWorld

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

UWorld should be used every week at 25x question chunks alternating topics.
30

Session 29

Topic

Practice Testing

Subtopic

  

In-session topics

  1. Review of Sample Test 1

Homework:


Book

Practice Test 1

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

  

Book

UWorld

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

UWorld should be used every week at 25x question chunks alternating topics.
31

Session 30

Topic

Practice Testing

Subtopic

  

In-session topics

  1. Review of Practice Test 1

Homework:


Book

Practice Test 2

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

  

Book

UWorld

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

UWorld should be used every week at 25x question chunks alternating topics.
32

Session 31

Topic

Practice Testing

Subtopic

  

In-session topics

  1. Review of Practice Test 2

Homework:


Book

Practice Test 3

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

  

Book

UWorld

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

UWorld should be used every week at 25x question chunks alternating topics.
33

Session 32

Topic

Practice Testing

Subtopic

  

In-session topics

  1. Review of Practice Test 3

Homework:


Book

As needed

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

  

Book

UWorld

Chapter and/or page numbers

  

Assignment detail

UWorld should be used every week at 25x question chunks alternating topics.

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