Loading...
Preparing for GAMSAT Physics (Section 3)
Section 3 of the GAMSAT is the science part of the exam and is known as “Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences”.
Physics makes up 20% of the questions in section 3. In Section 3 you will need to answer 75 multiple choice questions in 150 minutes – giving you approximately 2 minutes per question. Although physics makes up the minority of Section 3 questions, it is still important to cover in your preparation as every mark counts!
7 Steps to Study GAMSAT Physics
1. Become familiar with the content
ACER publish a list of topics that they will write questions around for the GAMSAT exam. Familiarise yourself with them and make sure you understand them. You are expected to understand the topics to approximately A-Level standard so it can be useful to use resources aimed at Year 12 or 13 students to guide your revision.
Physics topics for GAMSAT 2023
- Atomic & Nuclear Structure
- Force, Motion & Gravitation
- Energy & Work
- Waves
- Light & Optics
- Sound
- Electricity
- Electrostatics
- Fluids & Solids
2. Practice your mental maths
Calculators aren’t allowed in the GAMSAT exam therefore you need to use mental maths to perform any calculations. Make sure that you are familiar with basic techniques such as converting units, percentages and fractions. Try to resist using a calculator during your practice sessions to work on sharpening your mental math skills.
3. Learn relevant equations
Although some equations are provided in the relevant question stems, they are not guaranteed to be given to you. It’s worth learning some of the most common equations by heart. Make sure to practice using them too. A good tip for the GAMSAT is that if you are provided with an equation in the stem of a question, you know you are going to have to use it somewhere! This can help you work out which steps to take if you are confused or lost.
4. Practice as many questions as possible
The only way to check your understanding is by practicing example exam-style questions. This allows you to become familiar with the GAMSAT question style and format. If you are looking for questions to practice, take a look at our top resources.
5. Focus on your weaker areas
As you practice questions, make a note of areas that are causing you difficulty and then allocate more revision time to these areas. Try to use different resources to learn theory to help your understanding and ensure you are covering as many area. Khan Academy can be a great resource for this – especially when trying to visualise 3D processes.
6. Time yourself doing questions
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. 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.
7. Relax (as much as you can!)
The GAMSAT is an exam that tests your ability to interpret and utilise information, therefore most of the information you need to answer the questions is actually within the question stem itself. Do not panic if you come across a question on the day of the GAMSAT that is unfamiliar to you. Pause and take a breath, then re-read the stem – the answer will be there somewhere the majority of the time!
If you want more help with section 3, Check out our article on 10 top tips for section 3.
Frequently Asked Question
→What is the GAMSAT Section 3 – Physics?
The GAMSAT Section 3 – Physics is one of the three sections of the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) exam. It assesses candidates’ understanding of basic physics concepts and their ability to apply these concepts to solve problems.
→What physics concepts are tested on the GAMSAT Section 3?
The GAMSAT Section 3 – Physics tests basic physics concepts, including mechanics, waves, optics, electricity and magnetism, and thermodynamics. It also requires candidates to apply these concepts to solve problems in various contexts.
→What are the steps to prepare for GAMSAT Section 3 – Physics?
The steps to prepare for GAMSAT Section 3 – Physics include familiarizing yourself with the physics concepts tested on the exam, practicing with GAMSAT-style physics questions, and reviewing and analyzing your performance to identify areas of weakness. It is also important to develop a study plan and set aside regular study time.
→How much time should I devote to studying for the GAMSAT Section 3 – Physics?
The amount of time you should devote to studying for the GAMSAT Section 3 – Physics depends on your current level of knowledge and skill in physics. As a general guideline, plan to spend several hours a week over several months to adequately prepare for the exam. Be sure to include regular practice and review sessions in your study plan.
→How important is the GAMSAT Section 3 – Physics in the overall exam score?
The GAMSAT Section 3 – Physics is one of three sections of the exam and is weighted equally with the other two sections. However, a strong performance on the physics section can help to offset weaker performances on other sections and improve your overall score.
→What is the hardest section of the GAMSAT?
The difficulty level of the GAMSAT exam can vary for each individual based on their background, knowledge, and experience. However, many students find the GAMSAT Section 3 – Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences to be the most challenging due to the level of scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills required. This section tests candidates’ understanding of basic science concepts and their ability to apply these concepts to solve complex problems. It covers a broad range of topics in biology, chemistry, and physics, and requires candidates to think critically and apply their knowledge in new and unfamiliar contexts. It is important to note that all three sections of the GAMSAT exam are equally important and require thorough preparation and practice to achieve a competitive score.
Was this article helpful?
Still got a question? Leave a comment
Leave a comment