Guide to BMAT Physics
Introduction to BMAT Physics
We often find that BMAT students stress about the physics element in Section 2. Many BMAT students have not studied physics since studying for GCSEs so feel less confident in their ability. If you’re in this situation, don’t stress! You don’t need to revise absolutely everything from GCSE physics and the exam isn’t anywhere near as daunting as it sounds at first. You might need to do some brushing up, but with some careful practice and preparation you’ll find the BMAT physics questions become easier and less daunting.
There will be 6 to 8 questions testing your physics knowledge within Section 2 of the exam. When you realise how few questions this is in the grand scheme, it doesn’t seem anywhere near as bad and is nothing to worry about. Of course this doesn’t mean you can ignore physics entirely as 6-8 marks can go a long way to determine your final score. You should try and maximise your physics ability, but overall don’t worry if it’s not your strongest subject as you can always make up marks in other areas.
If you find you need some extra help or don’t know where to start, we have many handy physics tutorials on our YouTube channel, as well as BMAT courses to walk you through each section.
How do I prepare for Section 2?
The BMAT specification tells you exactly which topics may come up during this section. Remember that the syllabus is at GCSE level but this doesn’t mean the entire GCSE content is needed. In our BMAT course, we go through each specification point, one by one, teaching you the key content you need to remember.
Take a look at the specification and make a note of each topic. You don’t want to waste precious preparation time revising for a topic that won’t come up! It might be handy to construct a revision timetable and decide which topics you’re going to study and when.
BMAT physics question banks
We’ve compiled every BMAT past paper from 2009 onwards into a free online question bank. The questions are organised by topic with explained answers. This can help you identify the key topics that come up time and time again, for example in BMAT physics, waves and electricity has been tested over 12 times since 2009!
It’s also a good way to test your knowledge after you’ve revised a particular topic. If you’ve spent a few hours revising waves it’s a good idea to finish your revision with some BMAT questions focused around that topic to test if you’re confident enough with the topic to move on.
Free BMAT Section 2 Questions
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Which BMAT physics topics should you revise?
It is important to cover the following topics. These are topics that are named in the specification so could be used by the examiners to base questions on. We’ve counted the number of times each topic has come up in previous exams so you have an idea of what’s the most common. Don’t rely on this though! If a topic comes up a lot, this doesn’t mean the examiners will definitely write questions on it again this year.
| Topic | Number of BMAT Questions (since 2009) |
|---|---|
| Waves | 11 |
| Electricity | 10 |
| Energy and Work Done | 9 |
| Forces | 6 |
| Radioactivity | 9 |
| S.I. Units | 1 |
| Density | 2 |
| Electromagnetism | 2 |
| Speed, Distance, Time | 3 |
Topic Breakdown
Within each topic, there are various subtopics that you should familiarise yourself with and be comfortable tackling questions on as listed below:
Waves
- Wave properties
- Wave behaviour
- Optics
- Sound waves
- Electromagnetic spectrum
Electricity
- Electrostatics
- Electric circuits
Magnetism
- Properties of magnets
- Magnetic field due to an electric current
- Motor effect
- Electromagnetic induction
- Transformers
Mechanics
- Kinematics
- Forces
- Force and extension
- Newton’s laws
- Mass and weight
- Momentum
- Energy
Thermal Physics
- Conduction
- Convection
- Thermal reduction
- Heat capacity
Matter
- States of matter
- Ideal gases
- State changes
- Density
- Pressure
Radioactivity
- Atomic structure
- Radioactive decay
- Ionising radiation
- Half-life
Top tips for BMAT Physics
- Don’t stress, you may not be studying physics at A-level but the physics content is aimed at GCSE level, so after brushing up your knowledge it should be manageable.
- Make a timetable to cover all the topics listed above, ensuring you prioritise the topics that have come up a lot previously in the past, as they’re likely to come up again
- Memorise key formulas and practice using them to ensure you’ll be comfortable tackling questions during the BMAT
Final Points
There are additional topics areas covered by the syllabus, but this list gives you a good overview of what topics to brush up on in order to be confident with the BMAT Physics section.
Remember, if physics isn’t your strong point, this section also tests biology, chemistry and maths, so there are plenty of places for you to make up marks if you don’t perform well in the BMAT physics section.
Finally, if you feel you need a bit of extra help with revising for the Physics section of the BMAT, then why not try a tutoring session with one of our experienced tutors? They are on hand to help you perform best in all aspects of the BMAT.
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Frequently Asked Question
→What is BMAT Physics?
BMAT Physics is a section of the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) that assesses the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of physics concepts and their application in biomedical sciences.
→What topics are covered in BMAT Physics?
The BMAT Physics section covers a range of topics, including mechanics, electricity, waves, optics, thermodynamics, and nuclear physics. Questions are designed to test the candidate’s ability to apply these concepts to biomedical scenarios.
→How many questions are there in the BMAT Physics section?
The BMAT Physics section consists of 27 multiple-choice questions, and candidates have 30 minutes to complete the section.
→Are calculators allowed in the BMAT Physics section?
Yes, calculators are allowed in the BMAT Physics section. Candidates can use a non-programmable calculator that is silent, battery-operated, and non-graphical.
→What is a good score on the BMAT Physics section?
A good score on the BMAT Physics section varies depending on the university and course to which the candidate is applying. However, a score of 5 or above is generally considered competitive.
→Can I retake the BMAT Physics section if I'm not satisfied with my score?
No, candidates cannot retake individual sections of the BMAT. However, candidates can retake the entire BMAT exam once per year.
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