AAMC Content Outline Notes

General Math

• Linear, Semilog, and Log-Log Scales

  • Recognize and interpret various scale types and calculate slopes from data in figures, graphs, and tables.

• Significant Digits and Numerical Estimates

  • Understand the principles of significant digits.

  • Use reasonable numerical estimates in measurements and calculations.

• Metric Units

  • Convert units within the metric system and between metric and English units as needed.

  • Employ dimensional analysis to balance equations.

• Arithmetic Calculations

  • Involve concepts such as probability, proportion, ratio, percentage, and square-root estimations.

• Algebra II Concepts

  • Knowledge of exponentials and logarithms (natural and base 10) and scientific notation.

  • Ability to solve simultaneous equations.

• Trigonometric Concepts

  • Understand definitions of basic (sine, cosine, tangent) and inverse functions.

  • Know sine and cosine values of 0°, 90°, and 180°.

  • Recognize relationships between sides in right triangles with angles 30°, 45°, and 60°.

• Vector Operations

  • General understanding of vector addition and subtraction, including the right-hand rule.

Scientific Inquiry and Reasoning Skills

1. Knowledge of Scientific Concepts and Principles

   • Demonstrate understanding and identify relationships among scientific principles.

2. Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving

   • Evaluate scientific explanations and predictions based on reasoning.

3. Research Design and Execution

   • Understand key components of scientific research.

4. Data-Based and Statistical Reasoning

   • Interpret data from tables, figures, and graphs; draw conclusions based on analysis.

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

Foundational Concepts

• Processes unique to living organisms include growth, reproduction, homeostasis, energy acquisition, sensitivity to environmental changes, and adaptation.

Foundational Concept 1: Biomolecules

1. Proteins and Amino Acids

   • Proteins composed of amino acids, with unique structures determining their function.

   • Amino Acid Structure: Contains amino group, carboxyl group, hydrogen, and a distinctive R group (side chain).

   • Stereochemistry: All amino acids in proteins are L-amino acids except for cysteine (which is R).

   • Classifications:

     • Acidic: Aspartic acid, Glutamic acid.

     • Basic: Histidine, Lysine, Arginine.

2. Protein Structure:

   • Primary Structure: Sequence of amino acids.

   • Secondary Structure: α-helix and β-sheets held together by hydrogen bonds.

   • Tertiary Structure: 3D shape due to interactions among side chains (R groups).

   • Quaternary Structure: Assembly of multiple polypeptide chains.

3. Chemical Reactions and Bonding

   • Peptide bonds between amino acids, disulfide bonds in cysteine.

   • Hydrolysis and dehydration reactions.

Cellular Mechanism and Energy Changes

• Metabolism involves endothermic and exothermic reactions, ATP as primary energy currency.

• Glycolysis and cellular respiration for energy extraction from nutrients.

Enzyme Functionality

• Enzymes as catalysts, enhancing reaction rates without being consumed. Different types of inhibitors and their effects on enzyme activity.

Genetics and Molecular Biology

• Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA structures, processes of transcription and translation, and the concept of the central dogma.

• Gene Regulation: Operon model in prokaryotes, transcription factors in eukaryotes.

Additional Concepts

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

• Understand natural selection and ecological interactions.

• Concepts of speciation and evolutionary mechanisms.

Anatomy and Physiology

• Structures of major organ systems: nervous, muscular, respiratory, and circulatory systems.

• Functions of each organ system in maintaining homeostasis.

Physics Principles Relevant to Biology

• Principles of thermodynamics, motion, fluid dynamics, and their application in biological systems.

• Energy principles governing biological functions and chemical reactions.

Chemical Foundations

• Understanding of chemical bonding, molecular structure, and intermolecular forces relevant to biological molecules.