MCAT

A comprehensive study of MCAT covering fundamental concepts and advanced applications.

Chemical and Physical FoundationsBiological and Biochemical FoundationsPsychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
Critical Analysis and Reasoning SkillsExperimental Design and Data InterpretationIntegrative Reasoning Across Disciplines
Applying MCAT Knowledge in Medical CareersTranslating Research to Patient CareInterpersonal Communication in Healthcare
Effective Study PlanningPractice Test MasteryTest-Day Stress Management
Chemical and Physica...Biological and Bioch...Psychological, Socia...Critical Analysis an...Experimental Design ...Integrative Reasonin...Applying MCAT Knowle...Translating Research...Interpersonal Commun...Effective Study Plan...Practice Test Master...Test-Day Stress Mana...
Basic Concepts

Chemical and Physical Foundations

Understanding the Building Blocks of Life

This section dives into the chemistry and physics concepts that underpin human biology and medicine. You'll explore atoms, molecules, the periodic table, and the principles that govern chemical reactions and physical processes in the body.

Key Concepts

  • Atomic structure and electron configuration
  • Chemical bonding and molecular interactions
  • Thermodynamics and kinetics
  • Fluids, gases, and pressure in biological systems

Why It Matters

A deep knowledge of these foundations helps explain how medicines work, how the heart pumps blood, and why oxygen is vital for life.

Quick Tips

  • Always relate chemical and physical principles to biological examples.
  • Practice with diagrams and equations for a visual understanding.

Key Formula

\[PV = nRT\]

Examples

  • Interpreting how blood pressure changes with vessel diameter using fluid dynamics.

  • Predicting the outcome of acid-base reactions in the blood.

In a Nutshell

Explores the chemistry and physics essential for understanding human biology.

Key Terms

Mole
A unit representing \(6.022 \times 10^{23}\) particles, used to quantify substances in chemistry.
Enthalpy
A measurement of energy in a thermodynamic system.
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Biological and Biochemical Foundations