BMAT Specification: A Section-by-Section Breakdown

The BMAT is made up of three sections and is used as an admissions test for medical schools. It is also used for Oxford’s Biomedical Sciences programme.

In this article, we cover each section in depth and list the topics you need to revise to get a good BMAT score. For a general overview of the test, read our BMAT guide.

NOTE: BMAT will take place on 18 October 2023 and will be a pen-and-paper test.

BMAT will be withdrawn from 2024. Keep an eye on our TikTok channel and live updates article to find out what's happening with BMAT universities after next year.

Which skills does BMAT test?

• Reading formal English and following written instructions 
• Applied scientific and mathematical knowledge
• Speed of work
• Mental maths and interpreting data to form conclusions
• Making logical inferences based on texts or data and spotting illogical inferences 
• The ability to communicate clearly, including making arguments, predictions and evidence-based assertions

BMAT Section 1 – Thinking Skills

Length: 60 minutes
Questions: 32 multiple choice questions

BMAT Section 1 used to be called ‘Aptitude and Skills’. It assesses the type of general reasoning you require in an academic environment, both numerical and verbal. It is similar to the UCAT Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections.

Learn more about the differences between the UCAT and BMAT.

NOTE: Questions are multiple choice and calculators are not permitted.

BMAT Section 2: Scientific Knowledge and Applications 

Length: 30 minutes 
Questions: 27 multiple choice questions

BMAT Section 2 tests whether you have an appropriate level of core scientific knowledge and the ability to apply it. 

Questions are of the same difficulty as non-specialist science and maths courses at school. 

Questions are all multiple choice and no calculators are allowed.  

BMAT Section 2 knowledge check

Biology

• SI prefixes: nano 10-9, micro 10–6, etc
• Structure and function of the main subcellular components of animal and plant eukaryotic cells
• The structure and function of prokaryotic cells (bacteria)
• Levels of organisation: cells to tissues to organs to organ systems
• Movement across membranes
• Cell division and sex determination
• Inheritance 
• DNA 
• Gene technologies 
• Variation 
• Enzymes 
• Animal physiology
• Ecosystems

Chemistry

• Atomic structure
• The Periodic Table (IUPAC conventions; groups are labelled as 1-18) 
• Chemical reactions, formulae and equations 
• Quantitative chemistry 
• Oxidation, reduction and redox 
• Chemical bonding, structure and properties 
• Group chemistry 
• Separation techniques 
• Acids, bases and salts 
• Rates of reaction 
• Energetics 
• Electrolysis 
• Carbon/organic chemistry 
• Metals 
• Kinetic/particle theory 
• Chemical tests 
• Air and water 

Physics

• Electricity
• Magnetism 
• Mechanics 
• Thermal physics 
• Matter 
• Waves 
• Radioactivity 

Maths

• Units
• Integers
• Ratios and proportions
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Statistics 
• Probability

Section 3: Writing Task

Length: 30 minutes
Questions: One writing task from a choice of three questions

In BMAT Section 3, you write a counterargument in response to a proposition. 

This assumes science-related language skills as well the ability to produce clear and concise written communication for an audience unfamiliar with the subject matter at hand.

You choose one option from three possible tasks based on general, scientific and medical topics.

The questions offer a proposition. You may need to:

• Offer a counterargument to the proposition
• Explain the proposition
• Find a resolution between two opposing perspectives

While you're allowed to make preliminary notes, answers are strictly limited to one A4 page.

Your writing must be carefully planned, concise and organised. You will not have access to a dictionary, so use familiar vocabulary – don’t guess at spellings unless absolutely necessary.

Some universities will discuss your essay at interview.

Read the official BMAT specification for more details

BMAT scoring and reporting 

For Sections 1 and 2, your answer sheet is marked automatically and is reported on a 9-point BMAT scale (to one decimal place). 

Section 3 is marked by two Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing examiners and sent to each university you’ve applied to, which can be used to assess your writing skills.

Find out more about how the BMAT is scored and what makes a good score.

Summary

• Section 1 is similar to a verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning assessment (think of UCAT VR and QR sections).
  

• For Section 2, brush up on your science fundamentals, as detailed in the lists above.
  

• For Section 3, practise your academic writing skills, as clarity, conciseness and structure are paramount.