The chemistry section of the GAMSAT exam requires the ability to apply theories in order to solve problems. On top of that, you’ll need to have an understanding of maths to be able to make use of the information provided effectively.
Suffice to say that chemistry is a challenging part of the GAMSAT exam. To make the process easier, we’ll provide you with tips on how to best prepare for each subtopic:
TOPIC #1: ATOMS
You need to comprehend the features of the atoms. After you’ve done that, you can proceed to learning more about how atoms affect behavior and produce trends as seen in the periodic table.
TOPIC #2: ARITHMETIC AND STOICHIOMETRY
This part is commonly challenging for students. To do well, you need to build a good understanding of algebra. Don’t forget to keep practicing.
TOPIC #3: ELECTRONEGATIVITY AND BOND POLARITY
This part shows up often on the exam. You need to comprehend electronegativity well and how it affects molecules and bonds.
TOPIC #4: ELECTRONS AND CHEMICAL BONDS
You’ll need to understand the differences between each bond: ionic, covalent and metallic. Make sure you comprehend what each bond means, their mechanics, and how they are visualized.
TOPIC #5: GASES
Students often find this part difficult because the maths s rather complex. You should try to comprehend the individual factors in an equation and how they affect how the gases behave.
TOPIC #6: THERMODYNAMICS AND KINETICS
For this part you need to gain a better understanding of Gibbs Free Energy, entropy and enthalpy.
TOPIC #7: ACID AND BASES
Make sure you understand the difference between a base and an acid as well as their properties. This part is also heavy on the maths, especially logarithms.
TOPIC #8: ELECTROCHEMISTRY
To do well here, you need to understand the basics of redox equations. You should practice interpreting the equations and manipulating them.
TOPIC #9: COMMON AND SPECIAL ORGANIC REACTIONS
The good thing about this part is that you don’t need much background knowledge. Just make sure you comprehend the common functional groups and the nomenclature of hydrocarbon chains.
TOPIC #10: STEREOCHEMISTRY AND PROJECTIONS
This part also doesn’t require much background knowledge. The important part is to keep practicing so that you’ll be able to polish your skill to visualize molecules in 3D.
TOPIC #11: BIOCHEMISTRY
You’ll need to look into the synthesis of proteins and energy and the basic structures of macromolecules.
TOPIC #12: SPECTROSCOPIES, SPECTROMETRIES, AND LAB TECHNIQUES
You’ll need to polish your data interpretation and comprehension skills for this part.
The key to acing the chemistry, and pretty much any section of the GAMSAT exam is to keep practicing. We hope these tips helped you get a better idea of how to ace Section 3 of the GAMSAT exam.
For more information, check out our full article here: https://gradready.com.au/posts/gamsat-preparation-courses/gamsat-section-3-chemistry-how-to-prepare
