Organic Chemistry and Biology on PCAT

[ChEStud]

Does anyone know what kind of OChem topics are covered on the PCAT (resonance, chair conformations, mechanisms,etc.)? Also what Bio topics are covered? Should you know information on phyla kingdom domain on each animal etc.?

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[xprettygirl11]

I took it in August, and I saw more General Bio + Microbiology/Genetics/Anatomy on my exam. I wouldn't worry too much about the classifications, just know the major ones that most organisms fall under. (Archaea, Eukarya)

Most of the Organic Chemistry were reactions.

 

[kmapes]

Most of the O-chem questions I saw focused more on which functional groups were which, and the major types of reactions (sn1 vs. sn2, etc.). They didn't have really any mechanisms, and I do not recall anything about the chair conformation.

 

[chemguy79]

I don't really remember any mechanisms, per se; However, you may have to show which carbocation is formed the reaction of HCl with an alkene and major products of reactions.

I did have a question explaining the first step of a mechanism for the acid catalyzed esterification of a carboxylic acid. I giggled a bit at that question because I didn't quite expect to see it on the exam.

Definitely know the difference between SN1 vs. SN2, E1 vs. E2 would be pretty helpful too.

Biology is just ... vague. I basically bought 2 text books (Campbell 8th edition and Mader's (sp?) 7th edition ... I think that Campbell is a great book, but Mader dummied down the concepts that I wasn't getting in Campbell), reviewed chapters depending on what I biffed on Pearson and Dr. Collins' practice exams and ended up with a 96 in that section after EASILY missing 1/2 of the questions before the exam. When in doubt, know everything.

 

[seashoreharmony]

Is there many immunology questions in BIO? I'd blank if they ask too much in detail since I only know the basics.