This exam splits evenly between life sciences and physical sciences, so you're essentially taking two tests in one. Half your questions cover biology topics: evolution, genetics, ecology, and how organisms function. The other half tackles chemistry, physics, and earth science. If you've got stronger background in one area, you'll need strategy to compensate for the other.
What Makes This Exam Different
Unlike single-subject science exams, Natural Sciences rewards breadth over depth. You won't need to calculate complex physics problems or memorize every step of the Krebs cycle. Instead, you'll interpret graphs, understand relationships between concepts, and apply scientific reasoning across disciplines. The exam tests whether you think like a scientist, not whether you've memorized a textbook.
The Biological Sciences Half
Structure and Function of Organisms carries the heaviest weight at 20% of your total score. Expect questions on human body systems, plant biology, and how organisms maintain homeostasis. You'll need to understand how the circulatory, nervous, and immune systems work together, not just identify their parts.
Origin and Evolution of Life and Cell Biology each contribute 10%. Darwin's mechanisms of natural selection appear frequently, along with evidence for evolution like fossil records and comparative anatomy. Cell biology questions focus on organelle functions, cell division, and basic genetics including Mendelian inheritance patterns.
Population Biology and Ecology rounds out the life sciences at 10%. Food webs, energy transfer through ecosystems, population dynamics, and human environmental impact all show up here. If you understand why invasive species disrupt ecosystems or how carbon cycles through the environment, you're on track.
The Physical Sciences Half
Physics dominates this section. Mechanics and Thermodynamics takes 12% of the exam, covering Newton's laws, energy conservation, and heat transfer. You'll interpret motion graphs and understand why objects behave the way they do under different forces.
Chemistry Fundamentals contributes 10%, focusing on atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, and basic reactions. Know your acids and bases, understand how electrons determine chemical properties, and recognize common reaction types.
Atomic and Nuclear Physics claims 7%, with questions on radioactive decay, half-life calculations, and nuclear reactions. The Universe and Earth Science also takes 7%, spanning plate tectonics, weather systems, and basic astronomy from star formation to the structure of our solar system.
Electricity, Magnetism, and Waves covers the smallest slice at just 4%. Basic circuit concepts, electromagnetic spectrum properties, and wave behavior appear here, but don't over-invest study time given the low weight.
Science Methods and Applications
This 10% section appears throughout the exam rather than as a standalone topic. Questions test your ability to interpret experimental data, evaluate scientific claims, and understand the scientific method. You might analyze a graph showing population changes, identify variables in an experiment, or evaluate the validity of a conclusion based on given evidence.
Many test-takers underestimate this section because it seems intuitive. But reading data accurately and distinguishing correlation from causation requires practice, especially under time pressure.
