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Preparing for GAMSAT Biology (Section 3)
Section 3 of the GAMSAT is the science part of the exam and is known as “Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences”.
Biology makes up 40% of the questions in section 3. In Section 3 you will need to answer 75 multiple choice questions in 150 minutes, allowing you to spend approximately 2 minutes per question.
ACER states that a first year university level is required for biology however the general consensus is that A-level standard is sufficient for all three disciplines.
Here are the steps for studying biology
- Learn the content
- Practice questions
- Focus on weaker areas of knowledge
- Time yourself
- Relax
1. Learn the content
Here are the most common biology topics that can arise. Familiarise yourself with them and make sure you understand them. Understanding the basics of each topic is more important than rote learning minute details within the topics.
Biology Topics
- Cell Biology
- Enzymes
- Macromolecules – carbohydrates, nucleic acids, proteins and lipids
- Body Systems
- Homeostasis
- Genetics
- Microbes- prokaryotes, eukaryotes, fungi, viruses
- Population Biology
Cell Biology
There are a few important concepts to understand about cell biology; firstly familiarise yourself with the structure of the cell and its associated organelles. You should also learn the functions of each organelle. Another important thing to familiarise yourself with is the concept of cell division and replication therefore knowledge of the cell cycle and specific stages of mitosis and meiosis are crucial.
Body Systems
There are many different body systems that can come up and knowledge of each is useful but the questions tend to be similar. The body systems that may be asked on are the nervous, endocrine, reproductive, digestive, excretory, cardiovascular, respiratory and immune systems. In the majority of cases, you will be presented with a diagram so try to focus on interpreting information from diagrams, for example a question on the endocrine system may provide you with a diagram showing the relationship of various hormones and you will have to interpret the effects of this hormone.
Genetics
Genetics is a very common topic that comes up in Section 3 of the GAMSAT. Learning the associated definitions is a good idea, although they may be provided within the stem, it will save you time reading and interpreting them. You should also practice doing genetic crosses using punnett squares and make sure you are familiar with genetic pedigrees and the different types of inheritance.
Microbes
Be aware of the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, this is a common question on the GAMSAT. Also aim to understand the replication of the various microbes and look at diagrams representative of this.
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recommendedPopulation Biology
Questions on population biology normally require you to interpret data of some sort so make sure you are comfortable with reading graphs and always pay attention to the axis labels.
2. Practice questions
The only way to check your understanding is by practising questions. This will also allow you to become familiar with the GAMSAT question style and MCQ format. Check out our blog on the top GAMSAT practice questions to answer.
3. Focus on weaker areas
As you practice questions, make note of areas that are causing difficulty and allocate more time to these. Try to use different resources for the theory and content to help your understanding. Khan Academy can be a great tool for this, especially when trying to visualise 3D processes.
Have a look at our tutoring options. We offer tutoring that is totally designed to your preference and can focus on the areas you are finding difficult.
4. Time yourself
When you become more confident and familiar with the questions, begin timing yourself to get a realistic idea of what the GAMSAT will be like. As mentioned, you will have roughly 2 minutes per question; it is important to make sure you are answering questions quick enough but you may also find that you can afford to spend more time on certain questions.
5. Relax
The GAMSAT is an exam that aims to test your ability to interpret and utilise information, therefore most of the information you need for answering questions is actually within the question stem. Do not panic if you come across a question on the day of the GAMSAT that is unfamiliar. Pause and take a breath, then re-read the stem, the answer will be there the majority of the time!
Take Home Points:
- Biology makes up 40% of GAMSAT Section 3
- Become familiar with the common topics
- Learn A-level content
- Practice GAMSAT questions
- Do not stress on the day of the exam!
If you want more help with section 3, Check out our article on 10 top tips for section 3.
Also, feel free to leave any questions or comments below.
Frequently Asked Question
→What is GAMSAT Section 3 - Biology, and why is it important?
GAMSAT Section 3 – Biology is a section of the GAMSAT exam that assesses an applicant’s knowledge and understanding of biology concepts, principles, and applications. The section is important as it is a key factor in determining an applicant’s overall score on the GAMSAT exam.
→What types of biology concepts are covered on GAMSAT Section 3?
GAMSAT Section 3 – Biology covers a wide range of biology concepts, including cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and physiology. Applicants should have a strong understanding of these concepts and their applications in real-world scenarios.
→What are some tips for preparing for GAMSAT Section 3 - Biology?
To prepare for GAMSAT Section 3 – Biology, applicants should review the relevant biology concepts and principles, practice answering biology questions, and take practice exams. It’s also important to stay up-to-date with current research and developments in the field of biology.
→How much time should I dedicate to preparing for GAMSAT Section 3 - Biology?
The amount of time needed to prepare for GAMSAT Section 3 – Biology will vary depending on the individual applicant’s background and level of familiarity with biology concepts. However, it’s recommended that applicants dedicate at least several months to prepare, with daily study sessions and regular practice exams.
→What do I need to know for GAMSAT section 3?
GAMSAT Section 3 covers the physical and biological sciences, and it assesses the test-taker’s ability to apply their knowledge of these subjects to problem-solving and critical thinking questions. Here are some of the key concepts and topics you should be familiar with for GAMSAT Section 3:
Biology: Cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, evolution, ecology, and physiology.
Chemistry: General chemistry concepts such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions; organic chemistry concepts such as functional groups, nomenclature, and reaction mechanisms.
Physics: Mechanics, optics, waves, and electricity.
In addition to these subject areas, you should also be familiar with scientific methodology, experimental design, and data interpretation. You should also practice your critical thinking and problem-solving skills to prepare for the questions that require these skills on the exam.
→What is the hardest section of the GAMSAT?
The difficulty of each section of the GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) can vary depending on the individual’s strengths and weaknesses. However, many test-takers report that the hardest section of the GAMSAT is Section 3, which covers the physical and biological sciences. This section requires a strong understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics and requires test-takers to apply this knowledge to problem-solving and critical thinking questions. It’s important for test-takers to allocate sufficient time for preparation and practice for each section of the GAMSAT, as each section plays an important role in determining their overall score and chances of being admitted to a medical program.
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