CHEM/PHYS MODULE
Organic Chemistry
Develop reaction-based reasoning for functional groups, stereochemistry, separations, spectroscopy, and biological molecules.
Module overview
This module develops both foundational knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge to unfamiliar MCAT passages, experiments, tables, and clinical or research scenarios.
Topics covered
- Nomenclature and functional groups
- Structure, bonding, resonance, and acidity
- Stereochemistry and conformations
- Substitution and elimination reactions
- Carbonyl chemistry
- Carboxylic acids and derivatives
- Alcohols, ethers, and epoxides
- Aromatic chemistry
- Laboratory separations and purification
- Spectroscopy and structure determination
Learning objectives
- Predict products from reagents and conditions
- Track nucleophiles and electrophiles
- Recognize stereochemical outcomes
- Interpret IR, NMR, and chromatography data
- Connect reactions to biochemistry
How this module appears on the MCAT
Questions may test direct knowledge, but many require you to combine passage information with foundational concepts. Focus on relationships, mechanisms, experimental changes, and elimination of unsupported answer choices.