The Medical College - Page 4
Physical Sciences
This subtest seeks to measure an applicant's
comprehension of basic concepts and prob-
lem-solving ability in physics and chemistry.
(This may require an understanding and
ability to use basic college-level mathematical
concepts to solve some of the problems
in the physical sciences.) Of the 77 questions
making up this subtest, 62 are based on a
text that discusses a problem or situation that
may be presented in a prose, graphic, tab-
ular, or illustrative format. About ten problem
sets consisting of four to eight questions
each are associated with each such unit. In
addition, 15 questions unrelated to the text
are presented. The questions are not predicated
on an ability to memorize scientific
facts. Rather, they require knowledge of
constants and equations commonly used in
basic physics and chemistry
courses.
Physics
This segment of the physical sciences subtest
will judge your ability to utilize funda-
mental physics theories in solving problems (on
a noncalculus basis). Topics that you
should be familiar with include:
Mechanics: namely, concepts in equilibrium,
momentum, force, motion, gravita-
tion, translational motion, work, energy,
fluids, and solids.
Wave Motion: namely, wave characteristics,
periodic motion, and sound.
Electricity and Magnetism: namely, concepts in
electrostatics, electromagnetism,
and electric circuits.
Light and Optics: namely, concepts in visible
light and geometric optics.
Modern Physics: namely, concepts in atomic and
nuclear structure.
Chemistry
This segment of the physical science subtest
will judge your ability to apply fundamen-
tal theories of general chemistry to solving
problems. (Organic chemistry is included as
part of the biological sciences subtest.)
Topics you should be familiar with include:
Stoichiometry: namely, metric units, molecular
weight, Avogadro number, mole
concept, oxidation number, chemical equation
reactions.
Electronic Structure: namely, understanding the
complexities and dynamics of
chemical reactions, as well as the link between
quantum theories and physical
and chemical properties of elements and
compounds.
Bonding: namely, ionic and covalent bond
formation characteristics should be
understood so as to appreciate chemical and
physical properties of substances.
Phases: namely, understanding the concepts
involved in the dynamic phases of ele-
ments (gas, liquid, and solid) as well as phase
equilibria is necessary to respond
to some of the questions.
Solution Chemistry: namely, familiarity with
ions in solution, solubility, and pre-
cipitation reactions.
Acids and Bases: namely, the concepts
associated with acid/base equilibria and
acid/base titrations.
Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry: namely,
concepts associated with the
evolution and absorption of heat during a
reaction should be understood.
Rate of Chemical Reactions: namely, an
understanding of rate concepts and reac-
tion equilibrium is necessary.
Electrochemistry: namely, an understanding of
concepts in the analysis of gal-
vanic, electronic, or concentration
cells.
User Comments Add a comment…