Anatomy & Physiology Prerequisite Exam
Knowledge of basic chemistry and biology is a necessary prerequisite for BIO 231 Anatomy
and Physiology I. Students who have not taken and passed a college level General Biology
course with a C in the last 5 years are required to pass an exam on this material
before enrolling in BIO 231, Anatomy and Physiology I.
Students should prepare in advance for this exam, since they will only be allowed
one opportunity to take it. Students who do not receive a minimum score of 73% (47
out of 65) will be required to take college level General Biology before being permitted
to enroll in Anatomy & Physiology I.
The test is administered at the MCC testing centers on both campuses and students
must register in advance (1-800-818-3434). Students will have a maximum of 2 ½ hours
to complete the 65 multiple choice questions on the test, and should arrive on time
to insure they have the full amount of time if needed. Students must present a valid
form of photo identification such as a driver’s license, passport or student ID at
the time of testing.
Questions on the following topics are included on this test:
- atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, major inorganic compounds (acids, bases, salts, water), pH, buffers, major organic molecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, ATP), enzymes
- characteristics of eukaryotic vs prokaryotic cells, animal cell structure (cell membrane, membrane transport, organelles), cell respiration, protein synthesis, cell division
For review, students may wish to refer to the biology textbook used at Middlesex Community
College, Biology, ninth edition, by Sylvia Mader. Copies of this textbook are on reserve
at both Middlesex Community College’s libraries in Lowell and Bedford.
Middlesex Community College Library, 591 Springs Rd., Bedford, MA 01730
Bedford Campus, Bldg.#1 Phone 781 280-3708
Middlesex Community College Library, 33 Kearney Sq., Lowell, MA 01852
Lowell Campus, Federal Bldg. Phone 978 656-3004
The tutoring services at MCC also are available to assist students in preparing for
this exam. Students may contact the tutors for an appointment at the following:
Bedford campus: 781-280-3726
Lowell campus: 978-656-3369