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General Chemistry Topics:
- Electronic Structure and Periodic Table
  - Electronic structure
    - Orbital structure of hydrogen atom, principal quantum number n, number of electrons per orbital
    - Ground state, excited states
    - Absorption and emission spectra
    - Quantum numbers l, m, s, and number of quantum states (electrons) per orbital
    - Common names and geometric shapes for orbitals s, p, d
    - Conventional notation for electronic structure
    - Bohr atom
    - Effective nuclear charge
  - The periodic table: classification of elements into groups by electronic structure; physical and chemical properties of elements
    - Alkali metals
    - Alkaline earth metals
    - Halogens
    - Noble gases
    - Transition metals
    - Representative elements
    - Metals and nonmetals
    - Oxygen group
  - The periodic table: variations of chemical properties with group and row
    - Electronic structure
      - the representative elements
      - the noble gases
      - transition metals
    - Valence electrons
    - First and second ionization energies
      - definition
      - prediction from electronic structure for elements in different groups or rows
    - Electron affinity
      - definition
      - variation with group and row
    - Electronegativity
      - definition
      - comparative values for some representative elements and important groups
    - Electron shells and the sizes of atoms
- Bonding
  - The ionic bond (electrostatic forces between ions)
    - Electrostatic energy q 1 q 2 /r
    - Electrostatic energy lattice energy
    - Electrostatic force q 1 q 2 /r 2
  - The covalent bond
    - sigma and pi bonds
      - hybrid orbitals (sp 3 , sp 2 , sp and respective geometries)
      - valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory, predictions of shapes of molecules (e.g., NH 3 , H 2 O, CO 2 )
    - Lewis electron dot formulas
      - resonance structures
      - formal charge
      - Lewis acids and bases
    - Partial ionic character
      - role of electronegativity in determining charge distribution
      - dipole moment
- Phases and Phase Equilibria
  - Gas phase
    - Absolute temperature, K scale
    - Pressure, simple mercury barometer
    - Molar volume at 0 degrees Celcius and 1 atm = 22.4 L/mol
    - Ideal gas
      - definition
      - ideal gas law PV=nRT
        
        Boyle's law
        
        Charles' law
        
        Avogadro's law
    - Kinetic molecular theory of gases
    - Deviation of real-gas behavior from ideal gas law
      - qualitative
      - quantitative (Van der Waals' equation)
    - Partial pressure, mole fraction
    - Dalton's law relating partial pressure to composition
  - Liquid phase: intermolecular forces
    - Hydrogen bonding
    - Dipole interactions
    - Van der Waals' forces (London dispersion forces)
  - Phase equilibria
    - Phase changes and phase diagrams
    - Freezing point, melting point, boiling point, condensation point
    - Molality
    - Colligative properties
      - vapor pressure lowering (Raoult's law)
      - boiling point elevation ( T b = K b *m)
      - freezing point depression ( T f = -K f *m)
      - osmotic pressure
    - Colloids
    - Henry's Law
- Stoichiometry
  - Molecular weight
  - Empirical formula versus molecular formula
  - Metric units commonly used in the context of chemistry
  - Description of composition by % mass
  - Mole concept; Avagadro's number
  - Definition of density
  - Oxidation number
    - common oxidizing and reducing agents
    - disproportionation reactions
    - redox titration
  - Description of reactions by chemical equations
    - conventions for writing chemical equations
    - balancing equations, including oxidation-reduction equations
    - limiting reactants
    - theoretical yields
- Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry
  - Energy changes in chemical reactions- thermochemistry
    - Thermodynamic system, state function
    - Conservation of energy
    - Endothermic/exothermic reactions
      - enthalpy H and standard heats of reaction and formation
      - Hess' law of heat summation
    - Bond dissociation energy as related to heats of formation
    - Measurement of heat changes (calorimetry), heat capacity, specific heat capacity (specific heat of water = 4.184 J/g k)
    - Entropy as a measure of "disorder"; relative entropy for gas, liquid, and crystal states
    - Free energy G
    - Spontaneous reactions and G
  - Thermodynamics
    - Zeroth law (concept of temperature)
    - First law ( E = q + w, conservation of energy)
    - Equivalence of mechanical, chemical, electrical and thermal energy units
    - Second law (concept of entropy)
    - Temperature scales, conversion
    - Heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation)
    - Heat of fusion, heat of vaporization
    - PV diagram (work done = area under or enclosed by curve)
    - Calorimetry
- Rate Processes in Chemical Reactions - Kinetics and Equlibrium
  - Reaction rates
  - Dependence of reaction rate upon concentration of reactants; rate law
    - rate constant
    - reaction order
  - Rate determining step
  - Dependence of reaction rate on temperature
  - activation energy
  - activated complex or transition state
  - interpretation of energy profiles showing energies of reactants and products, activation energy, H for the reaction
  - Arrhenius equation
  - Kinetic control versus thermodynamic control of a reaction
  - Catalysts; the special case of enzyme catalysis
  - Equilibrium in reversible chemical reactions
    - Law of Mass Action
    - the equilibrium constant
    - application of LeChatelier's principle
  - Relationship of the equilibrium constant and standard free energy change
- Solution Chemistry
  - Ions in solution
    - Anion, cation (common names, formulas and charges for familiar ions; e.g., NH 4 + , ammonium; PO 4 3- , phosphate; SO 4 2- , sulfate)
    - Hydration, the hydronium ion
  - Solubility
    - Units of concentration (e.g., molarity)
    - Solubility product constant, the equilibrium expression
    - Common-ion effect, its use in laboratory separations
    - Complex ion formation
    - Complex ions and solubility
    - Solubility and pH
- Acids/Bases
  - Acid / base equilibria
    - Bronsted definition of acid, base
    - Ionization of water
      - Kw, its approximate value (Kw = [H+][OH-] = 1*10^-14 at 25 C)
      - definition of pH; pH of pure water
    - Conjugate acids and bases (e.g., amino acids)
    - Strong acids and bases (common examples, e.g., nitric, sulfuric)
    - Weak acids and bases (common examples, e.g. acetic, benzoic)
      - dissociation of weak acids and bases with or without added salt
      - hydrolysis of salts of weak acids or bases
      - calculation of pH of solutions of salts of weak acids or bases
    - Equilibrium constants Ka and Kb: pKa, pKb
    - Buffers
      - definition and concepts (common buffer systems)
      - influence on titration curves
  - Titration
    - Indicators
    - Neutralization
    - Interpretation of titration curves
    - Redox titration
- Electrochemistry
  - Electrolytic cell
    - electrolysis
    - anode, cathode
    - electrolyte
    - Faraday's law relating amount of elements deposited (or gas liberated) at an electrode to current
    - electron flow; oxidation, and reduction at the electrodes
  - Galvanic or voltaic cell
    - half reactions
    - reduction potentials; cell potential
    - direction of electron flow
Organic Chemistry Topics
- The Covalent Bond
  - sigma and pi bonds
    - hybrid orbitals: sp3, sp2, sp and respective geometries
    - valence shell electron pair repulsion and the prediction of shapes of molecules (e.g., NH3, H2O, CO2)
    - structural formulas for molecules involving H, C, N, O, F, S, P, Si, Cl
    - delocalized electrons and resonance in ions and molecules
  - Multiple bonding
    - its effect on bond length and bond energies
    - rigidity in molecular structure
  - Stereochemistry of covalently bonded molecules
    - isomers
      - structural isomers
      - stereoisomers (e.g. diastereomers, enantiomers, cis/trans isomers)
      - conformational isomers
    - polarization of light, specific rotation
    - absolute and relative configuration
      - conventions for writing R and S forms
      - conventions for writing E and Z forms
    - racemic mixtures, separation of enantiomers by biological means
- Molecular Structure and Spectra
  - Absorption spectroscopy
    - infrared region
      - intramolecular vibrations and rotations
      - recognizing common characteristic group absorptions, fingerprint region
    - visible region
      - absorption in visible region gives complementary color (e.g., carotene)
      - effect of structural changes on absorption (e.g., indicators)
    - ultraviolet region
      - pi-electron and non-bonding electron transition
      - conjugated systems
  - Mass spectroscopy: m/e ratio, parent peak
  - NMR spectroscopy
    - protons in a magnetic field; equivalent protons
    - spin-spin splitting
- Separations and Purifications
  - Extraction (Distribution of Solute Between Two Immiscible Solvents
  - Distillation
  - Chromatography (Basic Principles Involved in Separation Process)
    - Gas-liquid chromatography
    - Paper chromatography
    - Thin-layer chromotography
  - Recrystalization (Solvent Choice from Solubility Data)
- Hydrocarbons
  - Aliphatic - alkanes
    - Description
      - nomenclature
      - physical properties
    - Important reactions
      - combustion
      - substitution reactions with halogens, etc.
    - General principles
      - stability of free radicals; chain reaction mechanism; inhibition
      - ring strain in cyclic compounds
      - bicyclic molecules
- Oxygen Containing Compounds
  - Alcohols
    - Description
      - nomenclature
      - physical properties
      - infrared absorption of OH group
    - Important reactions
      - substitution reactions: SN1 or SN2, depending on alcohol and derived alkyl halide
      - oxidation
      - pinacol rearrangement in polyhydroxyalcohols; synthetic uses
      - protection of alcohols
      - reactions with SOCl2 and PBr3
      - preparation of mesylates and tosylates
      - esterification
      - inorganic esters
    - General principles
      - hydrogen bonding
      - acidity of alcohols compared to other classes of oxygen-containing compounds
      - effect of chain branching on physical properties
  - Aldehydes and ketones
    - Description
      - nomenclature
      - physical properties
      - infrared absorption of C=O bond
    - Important reactions
      - nucleophilic addition reactions at C=O bond
        
        acetal, hemiacetal
        
        imine, enamine
      - reactions at adjacent positions
        
        haloform reactions
        
        aldol condensation
        
        oxidation
      - 1,3-dicarbonyls: internal H-bonding
      - keto-enol tautomerism
      - organometallic reagents
      - Wolff-Kishner reaction
      - Grignard reagents
    - General principles
      - effect of substituents on reactivity of C=O; steric hindrance
      - acidity of alpha H; carbanions
      - alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyls - resonance structures
  - Carboxylic acids
    - Description
      - nomenclature
      - physical properties and solubility
      - infrared absorption
    - Important reactions
      - carboxyl group reactions
        
        nucleophilic attack
        
        reduction
        
        decarboxylation
        
        esterification
      - reactions at 2 position
        
        halogenation
        
        substitution reactions
    - General principles
      - H bonding
      - dimerization
      - acidity of the carboxyl group
      - inductive effect of substituents
      - resonance stability of carboxylate anion
  - Acid derivatives (acid chlorides, anhydrides, amides, esters)
    - Description
      - nomenclature
      - physical properties
      - infrared absorption
    - Important reactions
      - preparation of acid derivatives
      - nucleophilic substitution
      - Hofmann rearrangement
      - transesterification
      - hydrolysis of fats and glycerides (saponification)
      - hydrolysis of amides
    - General principles
      - relative reactivity of acid derivatives
      - steric effects
      - electronic effects
      - strain (e.g., beta-lactams)
  - Keto acids and esters
    - Description; nomenclature
    - Important reactions
      - decarboxylation
      - acetoacetic ester synthesis
    - General principles
      - acidity of alpha hydrogen and beta-keto ester
      - keto-enol tautomerism
- Amines
  - Description
    - nomenclature
    - stereochemistry and physical properties
    - infrared absorption
  - Major reactions
    - amide formation
    - reactions with nitrous acid
    - alkylation
    - Hoffman elimination
  - General principles
    - basicity
    - stabilization of adjacent carbonium ions (carbocations)
    - effect of substituents on basicity of aromatic amines
- Biological Molecules
  - Carbohydrate
    - Description
      - nomenclature and classification, common names
      - absolute configuration
      - cyclic structure and conformations of hexoses
      - epimers and anomers
    - Hydrolysis of the glycoside linkage
    - Reactions of Monosaccharides
      - Description
      - absolute configuration at the alpha position
      - amino acids as dipolar ions classification
      - classification
        
        acidic or basic
        
        hydrophobic or hydrophilic
  - Amino acids and proteins
    - Reactions
      - peptide linkage
      - hydrolysis
    - General principles
      - primary structure of proteins
      - secondary structure of proteins
  - Lipids
    - Description; structure
      - steroids
      - terpenes
      - triacyl glycerols
      - free fatty acids
  - Phosphorus compounds
    - Description
      - structure of phosphoric acids (anhydrides and esters)
    - Important reactions
      - Wittig reaction
Biology Topics
- Molecular Biology: Enzymes and Metabolism
  - Enzyme structure and function
    - Function of enzymes in catalyzing biological reactions
    - Reduction of activation energy
    - Substrates and enzyme specificity
  - Control of enzyme activity
    - Feedback inhibition
    - Competitive inhibition
    - Non-competitive inhibition
  - Basic metabolism
    - Glycolysis, anaerobic and aerobic, substrates and products
    - Krebs cycle, substrates and products, general features of the pathway
    - Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation, substrates and products, general features of the pathway
    - Metabolism of fats and proteins
- Molecular Biology: DNA and Protein Synthesis
  - DNA structure and function
    - DNA structure and function
      - Watson-Crick model of DNA; double helix
      - DNA composition: purine and pyrimidine bases, sugars, phosphate
      - Base pairing specificity: A with T, G with C
      - Function in transmission of genetic information
    - DNA replication
      - Mechanism of replication: separation of strands, specific coupling of free nucleic acids
      - Semi-conservative nature of replication
    - Repair of DNA
      - Repair during replication
      - Repair of mutations
    - Recombinant DNA
      - Restriction enzymes
      - Hybridization
      - Gene cloning
      - PCR
  - Protein synthesis
    - Genetic code
      - Central Dogma: DNA -> RNA -> protein
      - Codon-anticodon relationship
      - Missense, nonsense codons
      - Initiation, termination codons (function, codon sequences)
    - Transcription
      - mRNA composition and structure (RNA nucleotides, 5' cap, poly-A tail)
      - tRNA and rRNA composition and structure (e.g., RNA nucleotides)
      - Mechanism of transcription (RNA polymerase, promoters, primer not required)
    - Translation
      - Roles of mRNA, tRNA, rRNA
      - Role and structure of ribosomes
- Molecular Biology: Eukaryotes
  - Eukaryotic chromosome organization
    - Chromosomal proteins
    - Telomeres, centromeres
  - Control of gene expression in eukaryotes
    - Transcription regulation
    - DNA binding proteins, transcription factors
    - Cancer as a failure of normal cellular controls, oncogenes
    - Post-transcriptional control
- Genetics
  - Mendelian concepts
    - Phenotype and genotype
    - Gene
    - Locus
    - Allele: single and multiple
    - Homo- and heterozygosity
    - Wild type
    - Recessiveness
    - Complete dominance
    - Co-dominance
    - Incomplete dominance, leakage, penetrance, expressivity
    - Gene pool
  - Meiosis and genetic variability
    - Significance of meiosis
    - Important differences between meiosis and mitosis
    - Segregation of genes
      - Independent assortment
      - linkage
      - recombination
      - single crossovers
      - double crossovers
    - Sex-linked characteristics
      - very few genes on Y chromosome
      - sex determination
      - cytoplasmic inheritance
    - Mutation
      - general concept of mutation-error in DNA sequence
      - types of mutations: random, translation error, transcription error, base substitution, inversion, addition, deletion, translocation, mispairing
      - advantageous vs. deleterious mutation
      - inborn errors of metabolism
      - relationship of mutagens to carcinogens
  - Analytic methods
    - Hardy-Weinberg Principle
    - Test cross: back cross, concepts of parental, F1 and F2 generations
- Microbiology
  - Fungi
    - General characteristics
    - General aspects of life cycle
  - Virus structure
    - General structural characteristics (nucleic acid and protein, enveloped and nonenveloped)
    - Lack organelles, nucleus
    - Structural aspects of typical bacteriophage
    - Genomic content RNA or DNA
    - Size relative to bacteria and eukaryotic cells
  - Viral life cycle
    - Self-replicating biological units that must reproduce within specific host cell
    - Generalized phage and animal virus life cycles:
      - attachment to host, penetration of cell membrane or cell wall, and entry of viral genetic material
      - use of host synthetic mechanism to replicate viral components
      - self-assembly and release of new viral particles
    - Retrovirus life cycle: integration into host DNA
    - Transduction: transfer of genetic material by viruses
  - Prokaryotic cell: structure, bacteria
    - Lack of nuclear membrane, mitotic apparatus
    - Lack of typical eukaryotic organelles
    - Major classifications of bacteria by shape: bacilli (rod-shaped); spirilli (spiral shaped); cocci (spherical); eubacteria; archaea
    - Presence of cell wall in bacteria
    - Flagellar propulsion, mechanism
  - Prokaryotic cell: growth and physiology
    - Reproduction by fission
    - High degree of genetic adaptability, acquisition of antibiotic resistance
    - Exponential growth
    - Existence of anaerobic and aerobic variants
    - Parasitic and symbiotic
  - Prokaryotic cell: genetics
    - Existence of plasmids, extragenomic DNA, transfer by conjugation
    - Transformation: incorporation into bacterial genome of DNA fragments from external medium
    - Regulation of gene expression, coupling of transcription and translation
- Generalized Eukaryotic Cell
  - Nucleus and Other Defining Characteristics
    - Defining characteristics (membrane bound nucleus, presence of organelles, mitotic division)
    - Nucleus (compartmentalization, storage of genetic information)
    - Nucleolus (location and function)
    - Nuclear envelope, nuclear pores
  - Membrane-bound Organelles
    - Mitochondria
      - site of ATP production
      - self-replication; have own DNA and ribosomes
      - inner and outer membrane
    - Lysosomes (vesicle containing hydrolytic enzymes)
    - Endoplasmic reticulum
      - rough (RER) and smooth (SER)
      - RER (site of ribosomes)
      - role in membrane biosynthesis: SER (lipids), RER (transmembrane proteins)
      - RER (role in biosynthesis of transmembrane and secreted proteins that cotranslationally targeted to RER by signal sequence)
    - Golgi apparatus (general structure; role in packaging, secretion, and modification of glycoprotein carbohydrates)
  - Plasma Membrane
    - General function in cell containment
    - Protein and lipid components, fluid mosaic model
    - Osmosis
    - Passive and active transport
    - Membrane channels
    - Sodium-potassium pump
    - Membrane receptors, cell signaling pathways, second messengers
    - Membrane potential
    - Exocytosis and endocytosis
    - Cell-cell communication (General concepts of cellular adhesion)
      - gap junctions
      - tight junctions
      - desmosomes
  - Cytoskeleton
    - General function in cell support and movement
    - Microfilaments (composition; role in cleavage and contractility)
    - Microtubules (composition; role in support and transport)
    - Intermediate filaments (role in support)
    - Composition and function of eukaryotic cilia and flagella
    - Centrioles, microtubule organizing centers
  - Cell Cycle and Mitosis
    - Interphase and mitosis (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase)
    - Mitotic structures and processes
      - centrioles, asters, spindles
      - chromatids, centromeres, kinetochores
      - nuclear membrane breakdown and reorganization
      - mechanisms of chromosome movement
    - Phases of cell cycle: G0, G1, S, G2, M
    - Growth arrest
  - Apoptosis (Programmed Cell Death)
- Specialized Eukaryotic Cells and Tissues
  - Nerve Cell/Neural
    - Cell body (site of nucleus and organelles)
    - Axon (structure, function)
    - Dendrites (structure, function)
    - Myelin sheath, Schwann cells, oligodendrocytes, insulation of axon
    - Nodes of Ranvier (role in propagation of nerve impulse along axon)
    - Synapse (site of impulse propagation between cells)
    - Synaptic activity
      - transmitter molecules
      - synaptic knobs
      - fatigue
      - propagation between cells without resistance loss
    - Resting potential (electrochemical gradient)
    - Action potential
      - threshold, all-or-none
      - sodium-potassium pump
    - Excitatory and inhibitory nerve fibers (summation, frequency of firing)
  - Muscle Cell/Contractile
    - Structural characteristics of striated, smooth, and cardiac muscle (old aamc topic)
    - Abundant mitochondria in red muscle cells (ATP source)
    - Organization of contractile elements (actin and myosin filaments, cross bridges, sliding filament model)
    - Calcium regulation of contraction, sarcoplasmic reticulum
    - Sarcomeres ("I" and "A" bands, "M" and "Z" lines, "H" zone - General structure only)
    - Presence of troponin and tropomyosin
  - Other specialized cell types
    - Epithelial cells (cell types, simple epithelium, stratified epithelium)
    - Endothelial cells
    - Connective tissue cells (major cell types, fiber types, loose vs. dense, cartilage, extracellular matrix)
- Nervous and Endocrine Systems
  - Endocrine system: Hormones
    - Function of endocrine system (specific chemical control at cell, tissue, and organ level)
    - Definition of endocrine gland, hormone
    - Major endocrine glands (names, locations, products)
    - Major types of hormones
  - Endocrine system: Mechanisms of hormone action
    - Cellular mechanisms of hormone action
    - Transport of hormones (bloodstream)
    - Specificity of hormones (target tissue)
    - Integration with nervous system (feedback control)
  - Nervous System: Structure and Function
    - Major functions
      - high-level control and integration of body systems
      - response to external influences
      - sensory input
      - integrative and cognitive abilities
    - Organization of vertebrate nervous system
    - Sensor and effector neurons
    - Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems (functions, antagonistic control)
    - Reflexes
      - feedback loop, reflex arc, effects on flexor and extensor muscles
      - role of spinal cord, brain
      - efferent control
  - Nervous System: Sensory Reception and Processing
    - Skin, proprioceptive, and somatic sensors
    - Olfaction, taste
    - Hearing
      - ear structure
      - mechanism of hearing
    - Vision
      - light receptors
      - eye structure
      - visual image processing
- Circulatory, Lymphatic, and Immune Systems
  - Circulatory System
    - Functions (circulation of oxygen, nutrients, hormones, ions, and fluids; removal of metabolic waste)
    - Role in thermoregulation
    - Four-chambered heart (structure, function)
    - Systolic and diastolic pressure
    - Pulmonary and systemic circulation
    - Arterial and venous systems (arteries, arterioles, venules, veins)
      - structural and functional differences
      - pressure and flow characteristics
    - Capillary beds
      - mechanisms of gas and solute exchange
      - mechanism of heat exchange
      - source of peripheral resistance (no longer tested)
    - Composition of blood
      - plasma, chemicals, blood cells
      - erythrocyte production and destruction (spleen, bone marrow)
      - regulation of plasma volume
      - coagulation, clotting mechanisms, role of liver in production of clotting factors
    - Oxygen and carbon dioxide transport by blood
      - hemoglobin, hematocrit
      - oxygen content
      - oxygen affinity
    - Details of oxygen transport: biochemical characteristics of hemoglobin
      - modification of oxygen affinity
  - Lymphatic System
    - Major functions
      - equalization of fluid distribution
      - transport of proteins and large glycerides
      - production of lymphocytes involved in immune reactions
      - return of materials to the blood
      - Composition of lymph (similarity to blood plasma; substances transported)
      - Source of lymph (diffusion from capillaries by differential pressure)
      - Lymph nodes (activation of lymphocytes)
  - Immune system: Innate and Adaptive Systems
    - Cells and their basic functions
      - macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells, natural killer cells, dendritic cells
      - T-lymphocytes
      - B-lymphocytes, plasma cells
    - Tissues
      - bone marrow
      - spleen
      - thymus
      - lymph nodes
    - Basic aspects of innate immunity and inflammatory response
    - Concept of antigen and antibody
    - Structure of antibody molecule
    - Mechanism of stimulation by antigen; antigen presentation
    - General structure and function
      - gas exchange, thermoregulation
      - protection against disease, particulate matter
    - Breathing mechanisms
      - diaphragm, rib cage, differential pressure
      - resiliency and surface tension effects
    - Functions in homeostasis and osmoregulation
    - Functions in thermoregulation
      - hair, erectile musculature
      - fat layer for insulation
      - sweat glands, location in dermis
      - vasoconstriction and vasodilation in surface capillaries
    - Physical protection
      - nails, calluses, hair
      - protection against abrasion, disease organisms
    - Structure
      - layer differentiation, cell types, tissue types (epithelial, connective)
      - relative impermeability to water
- Respiratory System
- Skin System
- Digestive and Excretory Systems
  - Digestive System
    - Ingestion
      - saliva as lubrication and source of enzymes
      - epiglottal action
      - pharynx (function in swallowing)
      - esophagus (transport function)
    - Stomach
      - storage and churning of food
      - low pH, gastric juice, protection by mucus against self-destruction
      - production of digestive enzymes, site of digestion
      - structure (gross)
    - Liver
      - production of bile
      - role in nutrient metabolism, vitamin storage
      - role in blood glucose regulation, detoxification
      - structure (gross)
    - Bile
      - storage in gall bladder
      - function
    - Pancreas
      - production of enzymes, bicarbonate
      - transport of enzymes to small intestine
      - structure (gross)
    - Small intestine
      - absorption of food molecules and water
      - function and structure of villi
      - production of enzymes, site of digestion
      - neutralization of stomach acid
      - structure (anatomic subdivisions)
    - Large intestine
      - anatomic subdivisions (old topic)
      - absorption of water
      - bacterial flora
      - structure (gross)
    - Rectum (storage and elimination of waste, feces)
    - Muscular control
      - sphincter muscle
      - peristalsis
  - Excretory System
    - Roles in homeostasis
      - blood pressure
      - osmoregulation
      - acid-base balance
      - removal of soluble nitrogenous waste
    - Kidney structure
      - cortex
      - medulla
    - Nephron structure
      - glomerulus
      - Bowman's capsule
      - proximal tubule
      - loop of Henle
      - distal tubule
      - collecting duct
    - Formation of urine
      - glomerular filtration
      - secretion and reabsorption of solutes
      - concentration of urine
      - countercurrent multiplier mechanism (basic function)
    - Storage and elimination (ureter, bladder, urethra)
- Muscle and Skeletal Systems
  - Muscle System
    - Functions
      - support, mobility
      - peripheral circulatory assistance
      - thermoregulation (shivering reflex)
    - Structural characteristics of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscle; striated vs nonstriated
    - Nervous control
      - motor neurons
      - neuromuscular junctions, motor end plates
      - voluntary and involuntary muscles
      - sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation
  - Skeletal System
    - Functions
      - structural rigidity and support
      - calcium storage
      - physical protection
    - Skeletal structure
      - specialization of bone types, structures
      - joint structures
      - endoskeleton versus exoskeleton
    - Cartilage (structure and function)
    - Ligaments, tendons
    - Bone structure
      - calcium-protein matrix
      - bone growth (osteoblasts, osteoclasts)
- Reproductive System and Development
  - Reproductive System
    - Male and female reproductive structures and their functions
      - gonads
      - genitalia
      - differences between male and female structures
    - Gametogenesis by meiosis
    - Ovum and sperm
      - differences in formation
      - differences in morphology
      - relative contribution to next generation
    - Reproductive sequence (fertilization, implantation, development, birth)
  - Embryogenesis
    - Stages of early development (order and general features of each)
      - fertilization
      - cleavage
      - blastula formation
      - gastrulation
        
        first cell movements
        
        formation of primary germlayers (endoderm, mesoderm, ectoderm)
      - neurulation
    - Major structures arising out of primary germ layers
  - Developmental Mechanisms
    - Cell specialization
      - determination
      - differentiation
      - tissue types
    - Cell communication in development
    - Gene regulation in development
    - Programmed cell death
- Evolution
  - Evolution
    - Natural selection
      - fitness concept
      - selection by differential reproduction
      - concepts of natural and group selection
      - evolutionary success as increase in percent representation in the gene pool of the next generation
    - Speciation
      - definition of species
      - polymorphism
      - adaptation and specialization
      - concepts of ecological niche, competition
      - concept of population growth through competition
      - inbreeding
      - outbreeding
      - bottlenecks, genetic drift
      - divergent, parallel, and convergent evolution
      - Symbiotic relationships
        
        Parasitism
        
        Commensalism
        
        Mutualism
    - Relationship between ontogeny and phylogeny (Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny)
    - Evolutionary time as measured by gradual random changes in genome
    - Origin of life
  - Comparative anatomy
    - Chordate features
      - notochord
      - pharangeal pouches, brachial arches
      - dorsal nerve cord
    - Vertebrate phylogeny: vertebrate classes and relations to each other
Physics Topics
- Translational Motion
  - Dimensions (length or distance, time)
  - Vectors, components
  - Vector addition
  - Speed, velocity (average and instantaneous)
  - Acceleration
  - Freely falling bodies
- Force and Motion, Gravitation
  - Center of mass
  - Newton's first law, inertia
  - Newton's second law (F = ma)
  - Newton's third law, forces equal and opposite
  - Concept of a field
  - Law of gravitation (F = Gm1m2/r^2)
  - Uniform circular motion
  - Centripetal Force (F=mv 2 /r)
  - Weight
  - Friction, static and kinetic
  - Motion on an inclined plane
  - Analysis of pulley systems
  - Force
- Equilibrium and Momentum
  - Equilibrium
    - Concept of force, units
    - Translational equilibrium (Sum of Fi = 0)
    - Rotational equilibrium (Sum of Torque = 0)
    - Analysis of forces acting on an object
    - Newton's first law, inertia
    - Torques, lever arms
    - Weightlessness
  - Momentum
    - Momentum = mv
    - Impulse = Ft
    - Conservation of linear momentum
    - Elastic collisions
    - Inelastic collisions
- Work and Energy
  - Work
    - Derived units, sign conventions
    - Amount of work done in gravitational field is path-independent
    - Mechanical advantage
    - Work-kinetic energy theorem
    - Power
  - Energy
    - Kinetic energy: KE = 1/2 mv^2; units
    - Potential energy
      - PE = mgh (gravitational, local)
      - PE = 1/2kx^2 (spring)
      - PE = -GmM/r (gravitational, general)
    - Conservation of energy
    - Conservative forces
    - Power, units
- Waves and Periodic Motion
  - Periodic motion
    - Amplitude, period, frequency
    - Phase
    - Hooke's law, force F= -kx
    - Simple harmonic motion; displacement as a sinusoidal function of time
    - Motion of a pendulum
    - General periodic motion: velocity, amplitude
  - Wave Characteristics
    - Transverse and longitudinal waves
    - Wavelength, frequency, velocity
    - Amplitude, intensity
    - Supposition of waves, interference, addition
    - Resonance
    - Standing waves, nodes
    - Beat frequencies
    - Refraction and diffraction
- Sound
  - Production of sound
  - Relative speed of sound in solids, liquids and gases
  - Intensity of sound (decibel units, log scale)
  - Attenuation
  - Doppler effect (moving sound source or observer, reflection of sound from a moving object)
  - Pitch
  - Resonance in pipes and strings
  - Harmonics
  - Ultrasound
- Fluids and Solids
  - Fluids
    - Density, specific gravity
    - Buoyancy, Archimedes' principle
    - Hydrostatic pressure
      - Pascal's law
      - P = pgh (pressure vs. depth)
    - Viscosity: Poiseuille flow
    - Continuity equation (A v = constant)
    - Concept of turbulence at high velocities
    - Surface tension
    - Bernoulli's equation
  - Solids
    - Density
    - Elastic properties (elementary properties)
    - Elastic limit
    - Thermal expansion coefficient
    - Shear
    - Compression
- Electrostatics and Electromagnetism
  - Electrostatics
    - Charge, conductors, charge conservation
    - Insulators
    - Coulomb's law (F = kq 1 q 2 /r 2 , sign conventions)
    - Electric field
      - field lines
      - field due to charge distribution
    - Potential difference, absolute potential at point in space
    - Equipotential lines
    - Electric dipole
      - definition of dipole
      - behavior in electric field
      - potential due to dipole
    - Electrostatic induction
    - Gauss' law
  - Magnetism
    - Definition of the magnetic field B
    - Existence and direction of force on charge moving in magnetic field
  - Electromagnetic Radiation (Light)
    - Properties of electromagnetic radiation (general properties only)
      - radiation velocity equals constant c, in vacuo
      - radiation consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are mutually perpendicular to each other and to the propagation direction
    - Classification of electromagnetic spectrum (radio, infrared, UV, X-rays, etc.)
- Electronic Circuit Elements
  - Circuit elements
    - Current (I = Q/ t, sign conventions, units)
    - Battery, electromotive force, voltage
    - Terminal potential, internal resistance of battery
    - Resistance
      - Ohm's law (I = V/R)
      - resistors in series
      - resistors in parallel
      - resistivity ( = RA/L)
    - Capacitance
      - concept of parallel-plate capacitor
      - energy of charged capacitor
      - capacitors in series
      - capacitors in parallel
      - dielectric
    - Discharge of a capacitor through a resistor
    - Conductivity theory
  - Circuits
    - Power in circuits (P = VI, P = I 2 R)
  - Alternating Currents and Reactive Circuits
    - Root-mean-square current
    - Root-mean-square voltage
- Light and Geometrical Optics
  - Light (Electromagnetic Radiation)
    - Concept of interference, Young double slit experiment
    - Thin films, diffraction grating, single slit diffraction
    - Other diffraction phenomena, X-ray diffraction
    - Polarization of light
    - Doppler effect (moving light source or observer)
    - Visual spectrum, color
      - energy
      - lasers
  - Geometrical Optics
    - Reflection from plane surface (angle of incidence equals angle of reflection)
    - Refraction, refractive index n, Snell's law (n 1 sin 1 = n 2 sin 2 )
    - Dispersion (change of index of refraction with wavelength)
    - Conditions for total internal reflection
    - Spherical mirrors
      - mirror curvature, radius, focal length
      - use of formula (1/p) + (1/q) = 1/f with sign conventions
      - real and virtual images
    - Thin lenses
      - converging and diverging lenses, focal length
      - use of formula (1/p) + (1/q) = 1/f, with sign conventions
      - real and virtual images
      - lens strength, diopters
      - lens aberration
    - Combination of lenses
    - Ray tracing
    - Optical instruments
- Atomic and Nuclear Structure (Physics portion)
  - Atomic Structure and Spectra
    - Emission spectrum of hydrogen (Bohr model)
    - Atomic energy levels
      - quantized energy levels for electrons
      - calculation of energy emitted or absorbed when an electron changes energy levels
  - Atomic Nucleus
    - Atomic number, atomic weight
    - Neutrons, protons, isotopes
    - Nuclear forces
    - Radioactive decay: alpha, beta, gamma, half-life, stability, exponential decay, semi-log plots
    - General nature of fission
    - General nature of fusion
    - Mass deficit, energy liberated, binding energy
Sociology and Psychology
- Sensing the environment
- Making sense of the environment
- Responding to the world
- Individual influences on behavior
- Social processes that influence human behavior
- Attitude and behavior change
- Self-identity
- Social thinking
- Social interactions
- Understanding social structure
- Demographic characteristics and processes
- Social inequality

MCAT topics

For CLI3711 MCAT preparation