Week 8 bridges biology and chemistry through a problem-solving framework tailored to Section 3 of the GAMSAT. This week targets the interpretation of complex genetic diagrams, such as monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, as well as foundational concepts in population genetics and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Alongside this, students will engage in spatial analysis of ring structures in organic chemistry, building fluency in decoding the geometry and function of biochemical compounds. These topics are high-yield because they frequently underpin ACER’s multi-layered stems, where students are expected to apply logic across both disciplines under cognitive load.

This module challenges learners to apply scientific reasoning in layered data sets, lateralise concepts across biological and chemical domains, and decode experiment-based questions. Emphasis is placed on variable tracking, spatial geometry, and synthesis of information- core GAMSAT skills that are disproportionately rewarded in ACER’s scoring rubric.

💡 Key Topics

• Mendelian genetics: monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, inheritance patterns

• Population genetics: Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, allele frequencies, and assumptions

• Structural chemistry: visualising and interpreting ring-based molecules

• Experiment analysis: decoding ACER-style stems involving biochemical processes

🧠 Core Skills You’ll Build

• Visualising and interpreting multi-generational genetic diagrams

• Applying statistical reasoning to allele and genotype frequencies

• Evaluating spatial geometry in biochemical ring structures

• Deconstructing experiment-based questions using the scientific method

• Prioritising variables (independent, dependent, controlled) under cognitive load

🎯 Why This Is High-Yield

The integration of genetics and chemistry reflects ACER’s trend toward interdisciplinary questioning. This week equips you with transferable strategies for handling complex stems involving both abstract reasoning and visual interpretation. Because harder questions are weighted more heavily in GAMSAT scoring, mastering these advanced topics is essential for competitive performance in Section 3.