Foundational Concept 5: Content Category 5B

Foundational Concept 5: Content Category 5B

Category 5B within foundational concept 5 of the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems section of the MCAT exam focuses primarily on the nature of molecules as well as intermolecular interactions. It is the second of five content categories inside foundational concept 5.

Overview of Foundational Concept 5, Category 5B

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, category 5B inside foundational concept 5 covers the following specific topics:

  • Nature of Molecules
  • Covalent Bonding
  • Molecular Structure
  • Molecular Nomenclature
  • Intermolecular Interactions

In addition, the AAMC says the following topics and subtopics of category 5B include:

Foundational Concept 5 Content Category 5B

Photo: Association of American Medical Colleges

As the graphic illustrates, questions will be asked based on the coursework you completed in general chemistry.

There isn’t a specific amount of time in which you have to complete category 5B within foundational concept 5, but you are allotted a total of 95 minutes to finish the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems section of the MCAT.  Foundational concept 5 takes up about 60% of the questions you will be asked during the FC portion of the test. You will be provided with access to the periodic table while answering questions in category 5B.

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