After the session I finally understood resonance structures of organic compounds. This is a high yield topic on the MCAT. I wish my college professor could teach as well as Uma.
Learn MCAT Chemistry (Chem/Phys) with Dr Uma Sharma
Strategy-first passage solving, fast no-calculator math, and targeted drills — with every session recorded for review.
I am a Certified Online Chemistry Tutor with a Doctorate and M.S. in Chemistry, teaching online for 17+ years.
Plan: baseline → core concepts → passage modeling → timed drills → error-log review — repeated until timing and accuracy stabilize.
Take a look at What the parents of students have to say or Session Reviews by students.
- Live 1-on-1 & small-group options; recordings provided
- Weekly passage sets & discrete drills with feedback
- No-calculator math shortcuts and unit handling
Trusted by families in the US, Canada, Middle East, India and beyond
The Learning Process with Dr Uma Sharma
- Build a clear understanding of fundamentals before timed work.
- Highly interactive sessions customized to your needs.
- All sessions recorded for review on any device.
- Practice quizzes aligned to the MCAT C/P chemistry skills.
Take a look at What the parents of students have to say or Session Reviews
About the MCAT Chem/Phys Section
The Exam
Section: Chemical & Physical Foundations of Living Systems (C/P)
Length: 95 minutes • Questions: 59
| # | Questions |
|---|---|
| 44 | Passage-based questions |
| 15 | Discrete questions |
| 59 | Total questions |
The MCAT C/P section presents around 10 passages and asks 4–7 questions from each, plus 15 stand-alone discrete questions. Items test chemistry, physics and biochemistry in the context of living systems, while constantly checking math, data interpretation and reasoning skills.
Calculator Policy
Calculators are not allowed on MCAT. We train fast mental math and dimensional analysis.
Scoring & Topic Weightage
The Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (C/P) section is scored from 118–132 on a scaled (equated) scale, with a center near 125. Your raw correct count is statistically equated across different versions of the exam—so it is not curved against other students on your specific test date. Your four section scores combine into a total MCAT score from 472–528.
Approximate topic emphasis within C/P:
| Percentage Weight | Topic |
|---|---|
| 30% | General Chemistry |
| 25% | Physics |
| 15% | Organic Chemistry |
| 25% | Biochemistry |
| 5% | Biology |
MCAT Chemistry — Frequently Asked Questions
What’s in the Chemical & Physical Foundations (C/P) section?
C/P blends General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and algebra-based Physics inside passages, with math/data analysis. ~10 passages (4–7 questions each) plus 15 discrete questions.
How is C/P scored?
You answer 59 questions in 95 minutes; the raw correct count is equated to a scaled score from 118–132. Your overall MCAT is the sum of four sections (472–528).
Are calculators allowed?
No. We train no-calculator shortcuts, dimensional analysis, and order-of-magnitude checks so math never becomes the bottleneck.
What materials do we use?
AAMC resources, curated third-party passages, and in-house drills. We track mistakes in a shared error log and recycle them in timed sets.
MCAT Student Reviews
MCAT Chemistry Classes with Dr Uma Sharma
Teaching Content. Nearly 26,000 hours of live classes and 25+ years’ experience, adapted for MCAT learners who already know basic chemistry but need test-level mastery.
Question Bank. Curated AAMC-style passages and discrete questions, organized by topic and difficulty, with a shared error log that we revisit in timed sets.
Detailed Notes. Concise concept sheets, worked examples and annotated passages, so you always know why an answer is right or wrong.
Intensive Review. As test day approaches, we shift into mixed-topic timed blocks, full-length simulations and performance reviews to close final gaps.
MCAT Chemistry Exam Topics
General Chemistry (GC)
UNIT 1 — Atomic Nucleus (PHY, GC)
- 1.1 Atomic number, Atomic weight
- 1.2 Neutrons, Protons, Isotopes
- 1.3 Radioactive decay: α, β, γ decay
- 1.4 Half-life, exponential decay, semi-log plots
- 1.5 Mass spectrometer
UNIT 2 — Electronic Structure (PHY, GC)
- 2.1 Orbital structure of hydrogen; principal quantum number n; electrons per orbital (GC)
- 2.2 Ground state, Excited states
- 2.3 Absorption and Emission line spectra
- 2.4 Pauli Exclusion Principle
- 2.5 Paramagnetism and Diamagnetism
- 2.6 Conventional notation for electronic structure (GC)
- 2.7 Bohr atom
- 2.8 Heisenberg uncertainty principle
- 2.9 Effective nuclear charge (GC)
- 2.10 Photoelectric effect
UNIT 3 — Periodic Table — Classification & Trends (GC)
- 3.1 Alkali metals
- 3.2 Alkaline earth metals: chemical characteristics
- 3.3 Halogens: chemical characteristics
- 3.4 Noble gases: physical & chemical characteristics
- 3.5 Transition metals
- 3.6 Representative elements
- 3.7 Metals and non-metals
- 3.8 Oxygen group
- 3.9 Variation of properties with group and row
- 3.10 Valence electrons
- 3.11 First and second ionization energy
- 3.12 Predictions from electronic structure (across groups/rows)
- 3.13 Electron affinity (trend)
- 3.14 Electronegativity (trend)
- 3.15 Comparative values for representative elements/groups
- 3.16 Electron shells and sizes of atoms
- 3.17 Electron shells and sizes of ions
UNIT 4 — Stoichiometry (GC)
- 4.1 Molecular weight
- 4.2 Empirical vs molecular formula
- 4.3 Common metric units in chemistry
- 4.4 Percent composition by mass
- 4.5 Mole concept; Avogadro’s number NA
- 4.6 Density (definition, use)
- 4.7 Oxidation number
- 4.8 Common oxidizing and reducing agents
- 4.9 Disproportionation reactions
- 4.10 Chemical equations: describing reactions
- 4.11 Conventions for writing equations
- 4.12 Balancing equations, including redox
- 4.13 Limiting reactants
- 4.14 Theoretical yield
UNIT 5 — Covalent Bond (GC)
- 5.1 Lewis electron-dot formulas
- 5.2 Resonance structures
- 5.3 Formal charge
- 5.4 Lewis acids and bases
- 5.5 Partial ionic character
- 5.6 Electronegativity and charge distribution
- 5.7 Dipole moment
- 5.8 σ and π bonds
- 5.9 Hybrid orbitals: sp3, sp2, sp and geometries
- 5.10 VSEPR: shapes (e.g., NH3, H2O, CO2)
- 5.11 Structural formulas: H, C, N, O, F, S, P, Si, Cl
- 5.12 Delocalized electrons and resonance (ions & molecules)
- 5.13 Multiple bonding: effects on length/energy
- 5.14 Rigidity in molecular structure
- 5.15 Liquid phase: intermolecular forces
- 5.16 Hydrogen bonding
- 5.17 Dipole–dipole interactions
- 5.18 London dispersion (van der Waals) forces
UNIT 6 — Energy Changes — Thermochemistry & Thermodynamics (GC, PHY)
- 6.1 Thermodynamic systems; state functions
- 6.2 Zeroth Law — temperature
- 6.3 First Law — energy conservation in processes
- 6.4 PV diagrams: work = area under/enclosed curve (PHY)
- 6.5 Second Law — entropy concept
- 6.6 Entropy as “disorder”; relative S(gas) > S(liquid) > S(crystal)
- 6.7 Calorimetry; heat capacity; specific heat
- 6.8 Heat transfer: conduction, convection, radiation (PHY)
- 6.9 Endothermic vs exothermic (GC)
- 6.10 Enthalpy; standard heats of reaction and formation
- 6.11 Hess’s Law of Heat Summation
- 6.12 Bond dissociation energy & heats of formation (GC)
- 6.13 Spontaneity and ΔG° (GC)
- 6.14 Coefficient of thermal expansion (PHY)
- 6.15 Phase diagrams: P–T relationships
UNIT 7 — Rate Processes — Kinetics (GC)
- 7.1 Reaction rate
- 7.2 Rate vs reactant concentration
- 7.3 Rate law; rate constant
- 7.4 Reaction order
- 7.5 Rate-determining step
- 7.6 Temperature dependence of rate
- 7.7 Activation energy
- 7.8 Transition state (activated complex)
- 7.9 Energy profiles: reactants, products, Ea, ΔH
- 7.10 Arrhenius equation
- 7.11 Kinetic vs thermodynamic control
- 7.12 Catalysts
UNIT 8 — Equilibrium in Reversible Reactions (GC)
- 8.1 Law of Mass Action
- 8.2 Le Châtelier’s Principle — applications
- 8.3 Equilibrium constant and ΔG° (relationship)
UNIT 9 — Acid–Base Equilibria (GC, BC)
- 9.1 Brønsted–Lowry vs Lewis acids/bases; conjugate pairs
- 9.2 Strong/weak acids & bases; Ka, Kb; pKa, pKb
- 9.3 Autoionization of water; pH, pOH, Kw
- 9.4 Buffers & Henderson–Hasselbalch; buffer capacity
- 9.5 Acid–base titration curves; choice of indicators
- 9.6 Polyprotic acids; amphiprotic species
- 9.7 Salt hydrolysis; common-ion effect
- 9.8 Speciation vs pH; fractional composition
- 9.9 Equilibrium constant and ΔG° (connections)
UNIT 10 — Ions in Solution (GC, BC)
- 10.1 Common ions & charges (e.g., NH4+, PO4^3−, SO4^2−)
- 10.2 Hydration; hydronium ion
UNIT 11 — Solubility (GC)
- 11.1 Concentration units (e.g., molarity)
- 11.2 Ksp — solubility product and expression
- 11.3 Common-ion effect; separations
- 11.4 Complex ion formation
- 11.5 Complex ions and solubility
UNIT 12 — Titration (GC)
- 12.1 Indicators
- 12.2 Neutralization
- 12.3 Interpreting titration curves
- 12.4 Redox titrations
UNIT 13 — Electrochemistry (GC)
- 13.1 Galvanic vs electrolytic cells; half-reactions
- 13.2 Cell notation; standard potentials; Nernst equation
- 13.3 Le Châtelier-type shifts and cell potential
- 13.4 Relationship among E°, K, and ΔG°
UNIT 14 — Gases (GC)
- 14.1 Gas laws (Boyle, Charles, Avogadro)
- 14.2 Ideal gas law; kinetic molecular theory
- 14.3 Real gases; van der Waals corrections
- 14.4 Partial pressures; stoichiometry with gases
UNIT 15 — Solutions (GC)
- 15.1 Osmosis
- 15.2 Colligative properties; osmotic pressure
- 15.3 Henry’s Law
Organic Chemistry (OC)
UNIT 1 — Separations and Purifications (OC, BC)
- 1.1 Liquid–liquid extraction between immiscible solvents
- 1.2 Distillation (simple, fractional)
- 1.3 General principles of separations
- 1.4 Column chromatography
- 1.5 Gas–liquid chromatography
- 1.6 High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC)
- 1.7 Paper chromatography
- 1.8 Thin-layer chromatography (TLC)
- 1.9 Separation/purification of peptides & proteins (BC)
- 1.10 Racemic mixtures; resolution of enantiomers
UNIT 2 — Three-Dimensional Protein Structure (BC)
- 2.1 Quaternary structure (BIO, BC)
- 2.2 Hydrophobic interactions
- 2.3 Solvation layer (entropy)
- 2.4 Denaturing and folding
UNIT 3 — Nucleic Acid Structure and Function (BIO, BC)
- 3.1 Nucleotides and nucleosides
- 3.2 Sugar–phosphate backbone
- 3.3 Pyrimidine and purine residues
- 3.4 DNA double helix; Watson–Crick model
- 3.5 Base pairing: A–T and G–C
- 3.6 Transmission of genetic information (BIO)
- 3.7 DNA denaturation, reannealing, hybridization
UNIT 4 — Carbohydrates (BC, OC)
- 4.1 Nomenclature and classification; common names
- 4.2 Absolute configuration
- 4.3 Cyclic structures and conformations of hexoses
- 4.4 Epimers and anomers
- 4.5 Hydrolysis of the glycoside linkage
- 4.6 Keto–enol tautomerism of monosaccharides
- 4.7 Disaccharides (BC)
- 4.8 Polysaccharides (BC)
UNIT 5 — Lipids (BC, OC)
- 5.1 Storage: triacylglycerols; free fatty acids; saponification
- 5.2 Structural: phospholipids & phosphatids; sphingolipids (BC); waxes
- 5.3 Signals/cofactors: fat-soluble vitamins; steroids; prostaglandins (BC)
UNIT 6 — Aldehydes and Ketones (OC)
- 6.1 Nomenclature and physical properties
- 6.2 Oxidation of aldehydes
- 6.3 Enolate chemistry: keto–enol; α-racemization; aldol/retro-aldol; kinetic vs thermodynamic enolates
- 6.4 Substituent effects on C=O reactivity; sterics; acidity of α-H; carbanions
UNIT 7 — Alcohols (OC)
- 7.1 Nomenclature & properties (acidity, hydrogen bonding)
- 7.2 Reactions: oxidation; SN1/SN2; protection; mesylates & tosylates
UNIT 8 — Carboxylic Acids (OC)
- 8.1 Nomenclature and physical properties
- 8.2 Amides (incl. lactams), esters (incl. lactones), anhydrides; reduction; decarboxylation
- 8.3 α-Substitution
UNIT 9 — Acid Derivatives — Anhydrides, Amides, Esters (OC)
- 9.1 Nomenclature; physical properties
- 9.2 Key reactions: oxidation; substitution (SN1/SN2); protections
- 9.3 Reactivity trends; steric/electronic effects; ring strain (β-lactams)
- 9.4 Phenols (OC, BC): redox (hydroquinones, ubiquinones)
UNIT 10 — Polycyclic & Heterocyclic Aromatic Compounds (OC, BC)
- 10.1 Biological aromatic heterocycles
- 10.2 Chromatography: size-exclusion, ion-exchange, affinity (overview)
- 10.3 Electrophoresis (overview)
- 10.4 Amino acids, peptides, proteins — links to BC units
Biochemistry (BC)
UNIT 1 — Amino Acids, Peptides, Proteins (OC, BC)
- 1.1 Absolute configuration at the α position
- 1.2 Amino acids as dipolar ions
- 1.3 Classification: acidic/basic
- 1.4 Classification: hydrophobic/hydrophilic
- 1.5 Cysteine ↔ cystine sulfur linkage
- 1.6 Peptide linkage; polypeptides and proteins
- 1.7 Hydrolysis
UNIT 2 — Protein Structure (BIO, BC, OC)
- 2.1 Primary structure (1°)
- 2.2 Secondary structure (2°)
- 2.3 Tertiary structure (3°): proline, cystine, hydrophobic bonding
- 2.4 Quaternary structure (4°)
- 2.5 Conformational stability: denaturing & folding
- 2.6 Conformational stability: hydrophobic interactions
- 2.7 Conformational stability: solvation layer (entropy)
- 2.8 Isoelectric point (pI)
- 2.9 Electrophoresis
UNIT 3 — Non-Enzymatic Protein Function (BIO, BC)
- 3.1 Binding
- 3.2 Immune system
- 3.3 Motors
UNIT 4 — Enzyme Structure and Function (BIO, BC)
- 4.1 Role of enzymes in catalysis
- 4.2 Classification by reaction type
- 4.3 Lowering activation energy
- 4.4 Substrates and specificity
- 4.5 Active-site model
- 4.6 Induced-fit model
- 4.7 Cofactors
- 4.8 Coenzymes
- 4.9 Water-soluble vitamins
- 4.10 Effects of local conditions
UNIT 5 — Control of Enzyme Activity (BIO, BC)
- 5.1 Kinetics: general
- 5.2 Michaelis–Menten
- 5.3 Cooperativity
- 5.4 Feedback regulation
- 5.5 Inhibition: competitive
- 5.6 Inhibition: non-competitive
- 5.7 Inhibition: mixed (BC)
- 5.8 Inhibition: uncompetitive (BC)
- 5.9 Allosteric regulation
- 5.10 Covalent modification
- 5.11 Zymogens
UNIT 6 — Nucleic Acid Structure and Function (BIO, BC)
- 6.1 Sugar–phosphate backbone; nucleotides/nucleosides
- 6.2 Pyrimidine & purine residues
- 6.3 DNA double helix; Watson–Crick model
- 6.4 Base pairing: A–T, G–C
- 6.5 Transmission of genetic information (BIO)
- 6.6 DNA denaturation, reannealing, hybridization
UNIT 7 — Principles of Bioenergetics (BC, GC)
- 7.1 Equilibrium constant (K)
- 7.2 K and ΔG° (relationship)
- 7.3 Le Châtelier’s Principle
- 7.4 Endothermic vs exothermic
- 7.5 Free energy (G)
- 7.6 Spontaneity and ΔG°
- 7.7 ATP hydrolysis (large −ΔG°)
- 7.8 ATP group transfers
- 7.9 Biological redox: half-reactions
- 7.10 Soluble electron carriers
- 7.11 Flavoproteins
UNIT 8 — Carbohydrates (BC, OC)
- 8.1 Nomenclature and classification
- 8.2 Absolute configuration
- 8.3 Cyclic structures & conformations of hexoses
- 8.4 Epimers and anomers
- 8.5 Glycoside hydrolysis
- 8.6 Keto–enol tautomerism
- 8.7 Disaccharides
- 8.8 Polysaccharides
UNIT 9 — Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis & Pentose Phosphate Pathway (BIO, BC)
- 9.1 Glycolysis (aerobic): substrates & products
- 9.2 Feeder pathways: glycogen & starch
- 9.3 Fermentation (anaerobic)
- 9.4 Gluconeogenesis (BC)
- 9.5 Pentose phosphate pathway (BC)
- 9.6 Net molecular/energetic results of respiration
UNIT 10 — Principles of Metabolic Regulation (BC)
- 10.1 Dynamic steady state (BIO, BC)
- 10.2 Regulation of glycolysis & gluconeogenesis
- 10.3 Glycogen metabolism
- 10.4 Glycogen synth/breakdown: allosteric & hormonal control
- 10.5 Analysis of metabolic control
UNIT 11 — Metabolism of Fatty Acids and Proteins (BIO, BC)
- 11.1 Description of fatty acids (BC)
- 11.2 Digestion, mobilization, transport of fats
- 11.3 β-Oxidation
- 11.4 Saturated vs unsaturated fats
- 11.5 Ketone bodies (BC)
- 11.6 Fatty-acid synthesis (BIO)
- 11.7 Non-template synthesis: lipids & polysaccharides (BIO)
- 11.8 Protein metabolism
UNIT 12 — Oxidative Phosphorylation (BIO, BC)
- 12.1 ETC & oxidative phosphorylation: overview, inputs/outputs
- 12.2 Electron transfer: NADH, NADPH
- 12.3 Electron transfer: flavoproteins
- 12.4 Electron transfer: cytochromes
- 12.5 ATP synthase; chemiosmotic coupling; proton motive force
- 12.6 Net molecular/energetic yields
- 12.7 Regulation of oxidative phosphorylation
- 12.8 Mitochondria, apoptosis, oxidative stress (BC)
UNIT 13 — Hormonal Regulation & Integration of Metabolism (BC)
- 13.1 Integration of hormone structure & function
- 13.2 Tissue-specific metabolism
- 13.3 Hormonal regulation of fuel metabolism
- 13.4 Obesity and regulation of body mass
UNIT 14 — Plasma Membrane (BIO, BC)
- 14.1 General function in cell containment
- 14.2 Tissue-specific metabolism
- 14.3 Lipid components: phospholipids (phosphatids), steroids, waxes
- 14.4 Protein components
- 14.5 Fluid Mosaic Model; membrane dynamics
- 14.6 Transport thermodynamics
- 14.7 Osmosis and osmotic pressure (GC)
- 14.8 Passive transport
- 14.9 Active transport & Na⁺/K⁺ pump
- 14.10 Membrane channels; membrane potential; receptors
- 14.11 Exocytosis and endocytosis
- 14.12 Intercellular junctions (gap, tight, desmosomes)
UNIT 15 — Biosignalling (BC)
- 15.1 Oncogenes, apoptosis
- 15.2 Gated ion channels: voltage-gated
- 15.3 Gated ion channels: ligand-gated
- 15.4 Receptor enzymes
- 15.5 G-protein-coupled receptors
UNIT 16 — Lipids (BC, OC)
- 16.1 Storage: triacylglycerols
- 16.2 Free fatty acids: saponification
- 16.3 Phospholipids and phosphatids
- 16.4 Sphingolipids (BC)
- 16.5 Waxes
- 16.6 Terpenes and terpenoids
- 16.7 Steroids
- 16.8 Signals/cofactors