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Preparing for GAMSAT Chemistry (Section 3)
Section 3 of the GAMSAT is the science part of the exam and is known as “Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences”.
Chemistry 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.
Here are the steps for studying chemistry for GAMSAT Section 3
- Learn the content
- Practise drawing and naming organic compounds
- Learn equations
- Practice questions
- Focus on weaker areas of knowledge
- Time yourself
- Relax
1. Learn the content
Here are the chemistry topics that can arise. Familiarise yourself with them and make sure you understand them. ACER states that an A-level standard is required for chemistry. Chemistry can be divided into general and organic chemistry and the chemistry questions that come up on GAMSAT section 3 are roughly split 50% general chemistry and 50% organic chemistry.
Chemistry Topics
| General Chemistry | Organic Chemistry |
| Atoms and molecules | Organic Compounds (Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes, Alcohols, Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids, Amines, Amino Acids & Aromatic Rings) |
| Gases | Stereochemistry |
| Kinetics & Chemical Equilibrium | Substitution Reactions |
| Thermodynamics | Elimination Reactions |
| Solutions | Addition Reactions |
| Acids & Bases | Spectroscopy |
| Electrochemistry | Radical Reactions |
2. Practice drawing and naming organic compounds
Whilst the amount of organic reactions and compounds can be overwhelming, there is a common path to answering all questions and it begins with learning to name and draw organic compounds. Most organic questions give you a reaction sequence and require you to come up with products or reactants depending on the reaction sequence. SO make sure to cover the basics before moving on to practicing questions.
3. Learn Equations
It is worth learning chemistry equations as it is not guaranteed that they’ll be provided in the GAMSAT. You should also make sure to practice using the equations so that you are comfortable with rearranging them to isolate the required variable. Another thing to note is that if you have been provided with an equation, you will most likely be required to use it for one of the questions in the unit!
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recommended4. 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 article to discover the top GAMSAT questions to practice.
5. 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 structures such as isomers.
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.
6. 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 the questions quick enough but you may also find that you can afford to spend more time on certain questions.
7. 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:
- Chemistry makes up 40% of GAMSAT Section 3
- Become familiar with the common topics
- Learn to draw and name organic compounds
- 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 the GAMSAT Section 3 Chemistry?
The GAMSAT Section 3 Chemistry is a part of the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) that assesses a candidate’s understanding of general chemistry concepts and their ability to apply these concepts to real-world scenarios.
→How can I prepare for GAMSAT Section 3 Chemistry?
To prepare for GAMSAT Section 3 Chemistry, you should review key concepts in general chemistry, such as stoichiometry, thermodynamics, and chemical reactions. You should also practice applying these concepts to problem-solving scenarios and familiarize yourself with the format of the GAMSAT test.
→What study materials are available for GAMSAT Section 3 Chemistry preparation?
There are many study materials available for GAMSAT Section 3 Chemistry preparation, including textbooks, study guides, online courses, and practice tests. Some popular study materials include “Chemistry for the Biosciences” by Jonathan Crowe and Tony Bradshaw, and “GAMSAT Preparation Materials” by Gold Standard GAMSAT.
→How important is GAMSAT Section 3 Chemistry in the overall test score?
GAMSAT Section 3 Chemistry is one of three sections on the GAMSAT test, along with Section 1 (Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences) and Section 2 (Written Communication). Each section is equally weighted in the overall test score, so it is important to perform well on all three sections to achieve a high score.
→What test-taking strategies can I use to succeed in GAMSAT Section 3 Chemistry?
Some effective test-taking strategies for GAMSAT Section 3 Chemistry include reading the question carefully, identifying key concepts, eliminating incorrect answer choices, and double-checking your work. You should also pace yourself and manage your time effectively to ensure that you are able to complete all questions within the allotted time frame.
→What level of chemistry is needed for GAMSAT?
The level of chemistry required for GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) is generally equivalent to a first-year undergraduate level. This means that candidates are expected to have a good understanding of general chemistry concepts, including stoichiometry, thermodynamics, and chemical reactions, as well as basic organic and biochemistry. GAMSAT Section 3 Chemistry assesses a candidate’s ability to apply these concepts to problem-solving scenarios and real-world applications. Therefore, it is recommended that candidates review these concepts and practice applying them to problems and scenarios to ensure they are well-prepared for the test.
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