Science

The Science subtest evaluates your understanding of the fundamental concepts taught throughout junior and senior high school. Instead of focusing on highly specialized or advanced topics, the UPCAT emphasizes your grasp of basic principles in Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Earth Science and Astronomy

Questions in this section cover the structure and processes of the Earth as well as introductory astronomy. You should review topics such as the layers of the Earth, the origin and formation of our planet, different types of rocks, earthquakes, volcanoes, weather, climate, and the Earth’s atmosphere.

For astronomy, expect questions about the solar system, planets, stars, galaxies, constellations, eclipses, and other basic concepts related to outer space.

Biology

Biology questions focus on the characteristics of living organisms and how they interact with one another and their environment. Common topics include the classification of organisms, ecosystems, food chains, evolution, natural selection, genetics, heredity, and the structure and functions of the human body.

While a few questions may touch on biochemistry or more advanced genetics, most of the exam stays within the fundamentals taught in high school.

Chemistry

The Chemistry portion tests your understanding of matter and how substances behave and interact. Review the classification and properties of matter, physical and chemical changes, measurement and scientific units, atomic structure, subatomic particles, the periodic table, and common chemical reactions such as acid-base and combustion reactions.

You should also be familiar with the mole concept, basic thermochemistry, and introductory organic chemistry, although these topics typically appear in a simplified form.

Physics

Physics questions often require you to apply scientific concepts to real-life situations. Topics commonly include motion, forces, Newton’s Laws, work, energy, power, momentum, electricity, heat, and thermodynamics.

Occasionally, you may also encounter questions involving waves, sound, light, and optics. Some problems require basic computations, while others test your ability to interpret diagrams or analyze physical scenarios.

Science Subtest Review Tips

The UPCAT Science subtest is designed to measure your understanding of fundamental scientific concepts and your ability to apply them to real-world situations. Rather than focusing on advanced topics, the exam emphasizes scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Here are some strategies to help you prepare effectively:

• Master the fundamentals. Focus on the basic concepts in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Science, and Astronomy. Most questions are based on topics you’ve already encountered in high school, so building a strong foundation should be your top priority.

• Understand concepts instead of memorizing facts. While it’s important to remember scientific terms and definitions, your goal should be to understand how concepts work, why they happen, and how they relate to one another. Conceptual understanding will help you answer unfamiliar questions with confidence.

• Review each branch of science systematically. Divide your study time among the major topics:

  • Biology: classification of living organisms, ecosystems, evolution, genetics, heredity, and human anatomy.

  • Chemistry: matter, atomic structure, periodic table trends, chemical reactions, the mole concept, and basic thermochemistry.

  • Physics: motion, forces, work, energy, electricity, heat, and basic wave concepts.

  • Earth Science and Astronomy: Earth’s structure, rocks, weather, climate, the atmosphere, the solar system, and celestial bodies.

• Practice solving computation-based problems. Physics and Chemistry often include questions that require calculations. Work on solving numerical problems involving formulas, unit conversions, and scientific reasoning so you become comfortable performing computations under time pressure.

• Strengthen your analytical thinking. Many Science questions present real-life scenarios or experimental situations. Practice identifying patterns, interpreting graphs, analyzing diagrams, and drawing logical conclusions based on scientific evidence.

• Use flashcards for key concepts and terminology. Flashcards are an excellent way to review scientific vocabulary, formulas, classifications, and important processes. Whether you create your own or use ready-made sets, they’re a great tool for quick daily review.

• Challenge yourself with progressively harder questions. Once you’ve mastered the basics, move on to more complex practice problems. This helps develop critical thinking skills and prepares you for higher-level application questions that may appear on the exam.

• Take practice tests regularly. Simulating the actual exam helps improve your speed, identify weak areas, and build confidence. After each practice test, review not only the questions you answered incorrectly but also the ones you guessed correctly to reinforce your understanding.

• Connect concepts across different science subjects. Many scientific principles overlap. For example, Chemistry supports Biology, while Physics helps explain many Earth Science and Astronomy concepts. Looking at the bigger picture can make difficult topics easier to understand and remember.

• Study consistently instead of cramming. Science covers a wide range of topics, so reviewing a little each day is far more effective than trying to learn everything at the last minute. Consistent practice leads to better long-term retention and improved problem-solving skills.

The key to excelling in the Science subtest is not memorizing hundreds of facts—it’s developing a solid understanding of scientific principles and learning how to apply them in different situations. With regular practice and a strong grasp of the fundamentals, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the Science section of the UPCAT.