MTTC Biology (017) study plan

MTTC Biology (017) · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Biology

Map every subarea of Domain 1 (molecules, cells, genetics, evolution, organisms, ecology) against a self-rated confidence scale to identify the three weakest subareas.
Explain the structure and function of the four macromolecule classes and relate each to at least two cellular processes.
Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures, including organelles, membranes, and transport mechanisms, using a hand-drawn diagram from memory.
Describe the steps of cellular respiration and photosynthesis, tracking ATP and electron flow in each.

A one-page subarea confidence map plus a 20-question self-quiz on macromolecules and cell structure, scored and error-logged.

Week 2

Solve monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, including sex-linked and incomplete-dominance cases, without notes.
Trace the central dogma from DNA replication through transcription and translation, naming the enzymes at each step.
Identify the causes and outcomes of common mutations and predict their phenotypic effects.
Interpret pedigrees and calculate allele and genotype frequencies in populations.

A worked problem set of 15 genetics problems (crosses, pedigrees, Hardy-Weinberg) with written explanations for each answer.

Week 3

Summarize the evidence for evolution (fossils, biogeography, molecular homology, observed selection) and the mechanisms that drive it.
Distinguish natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and mutation by their effects on allele frequencies.
Classify organisms across the major kingdoms/domains and justify placements using defining characteristics.
Explain speciation types and interpret phylogenetic trees and cladograms.

A concept map linking evolution mechanisms to population-genetics outcomes, plus 10 practice questions on classification and phylogeny, scored.

Week 4

Describe energy flow and nutrient cycling in ecosystems, including trophic levels and primary productivity.
Analyze population growth models (exponential vs. logistic) and factors that regulate population size.
Explain species interactions (competition, predation, mutualism, parasitism) and their community-level effects.
Evaluate human impacts on ecosystems and the scientific reasoning behind conservation strategies.

A full-length 50-question Domain 1 practice test, scored with a written error analysis identifying recurring misconception patterns.

Week 5

Re-teach the three weakest subareas from the Week 1 map using original explanations and examples.
Compare plant and animal physiology systems (transport, gas exchange, regulation) at the organ-system level.
Describe homeostatic feedback loops and predict the effect of disrupting a component.
Connect molecular and cellular concepts to organism-level function in written explanations.

A set of 12 original short-answer questions on the weakest subareas, answered in writing and self-graded against a rubric.

Week 6

Interpret experimental data presented in tables and graphs and draw valid conclusions from them.
Identify independent, dependent, and controlled variables in described experiments and critique experimental design.
Apply the scientific method and nature-of-science reasoning to biology scenarios.
Practice multi-step calculation items (dilutions, frequencies, ratios, energy transfer) under timed conditions.

A timed 30-question data-analysis and calculation set completed in 40 minutes, scored with a correction log.

Week 7

Complete two timed full-length practice tests under exam conditions and record per-subarea accuracy.
Rank subareas by accuracy and build a prioritized review list from the results.
Re-study the two lowest-accuracy subareas using targeted notes and worked examples.
Practice eliminating distractors on missed items and articulate why each wrong option fails.

A score-tracking sheet for both practice tests with per-subarea accuracy percentages and a ranked remediation list.

Week 8

Review the remediation list from Week 7 and close each flagged gap with a written summary.
Recite from memory the key processes, terms, and diagrams most frequently missed across all practice tests.
Complete one final timed practice test and compare accuracy to Week 7 baseline.
Build a one-page exam-day reference sheet of high-yield facts and test-taking strategies.

A final timed practice test score at or above target, plus a completed one-page exam-day reference sheet and gap-closure log.

Week 2: Score at least 75% on the 15-problem genetics set and correctly explain every missed item in writing.

Week 4: Score at least 70% on the full-length Domain 1 practice test and produce an error analysis covering every missed question.

Week 6: Complete the timed data-analysis set with at least 80% accuracy and finish within the 40-minute limit.

Week 8: Achieve at least 80% on the final timed practice test and confirm every Week 7 remediation item is closed in the log.