OAT Natural Sciences case studies
OAT Natural Sciences · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) Natural Sciences section is a multiple-choice component used by optometry programs to gauge readiness in biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. It is intended for applicants preparing for admission to professional optometry school, typically after completing prerequisite coursework. The section emphasizes reasoning with core concepts rather than isolated trivia: cell and molecular biology, genetics, physiology; stoichiometry, equilibrium, thermodynamics, acids and bases, electrochemistry; and organic structure, bonding, stereochemistry, functional-group reactivity, and spectroscopy. Because the three disciplines differ in style, strong preparation usually means cycling between them rather than finishing one before starting another, using timed practice to build stamina and accuracy under pressure. The OAT Natural Sciences case studies are 5 cases and about 2,717 words.
1Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia in a Marathon Runner
During a summer marathon with a wet-bulb temperature of 28°C, a 31-year-old runner drinks about 6 L of plain water over 4 hours and finishes in 4:10. She becomes confused and vomits.
571 words, about 3 min2Diagnosing and Repairing an Acetate Buffer Batch
A teaching laboratory provides 0.100 M acetic acid (pKa 4.76) and 0.100 M sodium acetate. A student must prepare 250.0 mL of pH 4.50 buffer with a total analytical acetate concentration of 0.0800 M.
567 words, about 3 min3Acid-Base Extraction of an Amine, Acid, and Naphthalene
A 2.00-g mixture is known to contain equal masses of benzoic acid (pKa 4.2), 4-methylaniline (pKa of its conjugate acid ≈5.1), and naphthalene. A student dissolves the mixture in 60 mL diethyl ether and extracts once with 30 mL of 1.0 M HCl.
585 words, about 3 min4Newborn With Phenylalanine Elevation and Consanguineous Parents
A 5-day-old term infant is lethargic and feeding poorly. Newborn screening shows phenylalanine 1,250 μmol/L (normal <120) and tyrosine 25 μmol/L (normal 20–120).
486 words, about 2 min5Hydrogen Collection Over Water and an Impurity Claim
A general chemistry student reacts 0.245 g of magnesium ribbon with 50.0 mL of 2.00 M HCl in a eudiometer. The hydrogen gas is collected over water at 22.0°C.
508 words, about 3 min