MCAT® Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (CPBS)

MCAT Chemical & Physical Sciences Section Overview

Master the  BBLS with Expert Help

The Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems  is the first section on the MCAT and is a common hurdle for pre-med students. Success requires mastering a high-volume subject mix:

  • Introductory General Chemistry: 30%
  • Introductory Physics: 25%
  • First-Semester Biochemistry: 25%
  • Introductory Organic Chemistry: 15%
  • Introductory Biology: 5%

The Challenge: 59 Questions, 95 Minutes

With 10 dense passages and 15 discrete questions, timing is the #1 obstacle for most students. You are expected to interpret graphs, apply complex equations, and synthesize data—all under extreme pressure.

Our Science Passage Buster Strategy Advantage

Standard prep tells you to "read faster." At DrMCAT we give you our proprietary Science Passage Buster strategy—a surgical approach designed to break down physics and chemistry passages with maximum efficiency.

Eliminate the "Detail Trap

Our strategy teaches you to bypass high-level "fluff" and technical jargon that stalls your progress.

Passage-to-Question Speed: Use our method to spend less than 3 minutes per passage while still identifying the core scientific inquiry.

Visual Data Mastery: Learn to instantly "de-code" equations, tables, and figures. We show you how to pull the necessary variables for calculation without re-reading the entire text.

Strategic Calculation: Our proprietary tools help you perform rapid mental math and statistical reasoning, connecting experimental results to broader concepts in seconds.

Master the Physical Sciences with DrMCAT

The challenge presented by the CPBB section is rarely just the content; it is the overwhelming volume of material and the tendency to prioritize low-yield details over the core concepts tested by the AAMC. Success on this section requires a strategic shift from rote memorization to clinical application and integrated problem-solving.

Learn from a Leading Expert

Dr. Donnelly’s proprietary Science Passage Buster strategy empower students to:

  • Identify High-Yield Topics: Stop wasting time on irrelevant details and focus on what actually appears on the exam.
  • Bridge Content Gaps: Build a robust foundation in the physical sciences tailored to the MCAT’s interdisciplinary format.
  • Optimize Test-Taking Logic: Develop the analytical skills necessary to navigate dense passages under strict time constraints.

Ready to boost your score?

Contact Dr. Donnelly today to begin your path to a top-tier Physical Sciences percentile.

Contact Dr. Donnelly Today!

MCAT® Chemical & Physical Sciences: Core Competencies

Foundational Concept 5: Physical Principles of Living Systems

Understand how complex organisms transport materials, sense their environments, and respond to physiological changes through the lens of physical laws.
  • 4A: Mechanical Dynamics – Mastery of translational motion, forces, work, energy, and equilibrium in biological contexts.
  • 4B: Fluid Mastery – The physics of circulation, gas movement, and exchange essential for understanding human physiology.
  • 4C: Bio-Electronics – Detailed analysis of electrochemistry and the electrical circuits inherent in neural and muscular systems.
  • 4D: Wave Interactions – How light and sound interact with matter, forming the basis of medical imaging and sensory perception.
  • 4E: Atomic Behavior – Exploring atomic structure, electronic configuration, and nuclear decay as they relate to chemical behavior.

Foundational Concept 5: Molecular Dynamics & Chemical Interactions

Master the chemical principles that govern the molecular interactions and reactions forming the basis of life.
  • 5A: Aqueous Environments – Deep dives into the unique properties of water and the behavior of biological solutions.
  • 5B: Molecular Interactions – Understanding the nature of molecules and the intermolecular forces that dictate biological structure.
  • 5C: Laboratory Precision – Professional-level mastery of separation and purification methods used in medical research.
  • 5D: Biological Molecules – Analyzing the structure, function, and reactivity of molecules vital to life.
  • 5E: Energetics & Rates – Applying the principles of thermodynamics and kinetics to predict biological reaction pathways.