The IMAT 2026 Syllabus 📚
The official 2026 syllabus is released by MUR with the decree usually between June and August. It has stayed essentially the same every year since 2023, so the most recent official syllabus is your reliable guide until then.
Biology 🔬
The chemistry of living things: The biological importance of weak interactions. Organic molecules present in organisms and their respective functions. The role of enzymes.
The cell as the basis of life: Cell theory. Cell dimensions. The prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell, animal, and plant. Viruses.
The cell membrane: Structure and functions; transport across the membrane.
Cellular structures: Their specific functions.
Cell cycle and cell reproduction: Mitosis and meiosis, chromosome complement, and chromosomal maps.
Reproduction and heredity: Life cycles. Sexual and asexual reproduction.
Mendelian genetics: Mendel's laws and their applications.
Classical genetics: Chromosomal theory of inheritance, models of inheritance.
Molecular genetics: Structure and duplication of DNA, the genetic code, protein synthesis. The DNA of prokaryotes. The structure of the eukaryotic chromosome. Genes and regulation of gene expression.
Human genetics: Mono- and multifactorial character transmission; hereditary diseases (autosomal and X-linked).
Biotechnology: Recombinant DNA technology and its applications.
Inheritance and environment: Mutations. Natural and artificial selection. Evolutionary theories. The genetic basis of evolution.
Anatomy and Physiology of animals and humans: Animal tissues. Anatomy and physiology of human systems and their interactions. Homeostasis.
Bioenergetics: The energy currency of cells: ATP. Oxidation-reduction reactions in living things. Photosynthesis. Glycolysis. Aerobic respiration. Fermentation.
Mathematics 🧮
Numerical sets and algebra: Natural, integer, rational, real numbers. Sorting and comparison; order of magnitude and scientific notation. Operations and their properties. Proportions and percentages. Powers with integer and rational exponent, and their properties. Radicals and their properties. Logarithms (base 10 and base e) and their properties. Elements of combinatorics. Algebraic expressions, polynomials. Special products, the nth power of a binomial, factorization of polynomials. Algebraic fractions. First- and second-degree algebraic equations and inequalities. Systems of equations.
Functions: Fundamental notions of functions and their graphical representations (domain, codomain, sign study, continuity, maxima and minima, increase and decrease, etc.). Elementary functions: whole and fractional algebraic, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric. Trigonometric equations and inequalities.
Geometry: Polygons and their properties. Circumference and circle. Length, area, and volume measurements. Isometries, similarities, and equivalences in the plane. Geometric loci. Angle measurement in degrees and radians. Sine, cosine, and tangent of an angle, and their notable values. Trigonometric formulas. Solving triangles. The Cartesian coordinate system in the plane. Distance between two points and the midpoint of a segment. Equation of a line. Conditions for parallelism and perpendicularity. Distance of a point from a line. Equation of the circle, parabola, hyperbola, ellipse, and their representation in the Cartesian plane. Pythagorean theorem. Euclid's theorems (first and second).
Probability and statistics: Frequency distributions and their graphical representations. Concept of random experiments and events. Probability and frequency.
Reading Skills and Knowledge Acquired During Studies 📖
Understand abstract, uncommon, or specialized vocabulary in real-world contexts.
Identify phenomena of textual cohesion and coherence.
Extract and infer specific information from the text.
Ascertain the ability to orient oneself in the space and time represented, or to place in space and time significant historical-cultural phenomena.
Knowledge of the main national and international institutions.
Understanding of phenomena relating to the legal, economic, and citizenship fields.
Chemistry 🧪
The constitution of matter: States of aggregation of matter; heterogeneous and homogeneous systems; compounds and elements.
Ideal gas laws.
The structure of the atom: Elementary particles; atomic number and mass number, isotopes, electronic structure of the atoms of the various elements.
The periodic table of the elements: Groups and periods; transition elements. Periodic properties of the elements: atomic radius, ionization potential, electron affinity, metallic character. Relationships between electronic structure, position in the periodic system, and properties of the elements.
The chemical bond: Ionic bond, covalent bond, and metallic bond. Bond energy. Polarity of bonds. Electronegativity. Intermolecular bonds.
Fundamentals of inorganic chemistry: Nomenclature and main properties of inorganic compounds: oxides, hydroxides, acids, salts.
Chemical reactions and stoichiometry: Atomic and molecular mass, Avogadro's number, concept of mole and its application, elementary stoichiometric calculations, balancing simple reactions, the different types of chemical reactions.
Solutions: Solvent properties of water, solubility, the main ways of expressing the concentration of solutions.
Equilibria in aqueous solution.
Elements of chemical kinetics and catalysis.
Oxidation and reduction: Oxidation number, concept of oxidant and reductant. Balancing simple reactions.
Acids and bases: The concept of acid and base. Acidity, neutrality, and basicity of aqueous solutions. The pH. Hydrolysis. Buffer solutions.
Fundamentals of organic chemistry: Bonds between carbon atoms, rough and structural formulas, concept of isomerism. Aliphatic, alicyclic, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Functional groups: alcohols, ethers, amines, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amides. Elements of nomenclature.
Physics 📐
Physical quantities and their measurement: Fundamental and derived physical quantities. Systems of units of measurement: International System and CGS and Technical (or practical) systems. Dimensions of physical quantities. Understanding of the order of magnitude of variables. Measurement errors.
Kinematics: Description of motion. Velocity and angular velocity, acceleration, and centripetal acceleration. Uniform rectilinear motion, uniformly accelerated motion, uniform circular motion, harmonic motion.
Dynamics: The concept of force as an interaction between bodies. Forces as applied vectors. The law of inertia. Mass and the second law of dynamics. Impulse and momentum. Principle of conservation of momentum. Moment of a force and angular momentum. Work and kinetic energy. Conservative forces and potential energy. Principle of conservation of mechanical energy. Power.
Fluid mechanics: Density and compressibility of fluids. Gases and liquids. Hydrostatics: pressure and the principles of Pascal, Stevinus, and Archimedes. Liquid dynamics: one-dimensional motion, flow and rate of flow, continuity equation. Ideal fluids and Bernoulli's equation. Viscous forces in real fluids.
Thermodynamics: Equilibrium, concept of temperature, thermometers. Concept of heat and calorimetry. Modes of heat propagation. Heat capacity and specific heat. Changes of state and latent heats. Ideal gas laws. First and second laws of thermodynamics.
Electricity and electromagnetism: Electric charges. Forces between charges and Coulomb's law. Electric field and potential, equipotential surfaces. Dielectric constant, capacitance, capacitors. Electrostatic energy. Series and parallel of capacitors. Generators. Electric voltage. Electric current. Resistivity, resistance, resistors. Ohm's law. Series and parallel of resistors. Kirchhoff's principles. Work, Power, Joule effect. Direct and alternating current. Period and frequency. Magnetic field of an electric current. Forces on electric currents in magnetic fields. Electromagnetic induction.
Logical Reasoning and Problems 🧩
Evaluate arguments, draw conclusions, identify assumptions, and detect reasoning errors.
Solve numerical problems using basic arithmetic and data interpretation.
Analyze and evaluate arguments presented in written form.
ATTENTION!
As you might have noticed, the syllabus not very detailed… IMAT doesn’t specify exactly what you need to know and understand and instead it just gives you the topic and hopes for “more or less” highschool knowledge
For example, in chemistry in the syllabus you can find “the concept of isomerism”. It is not specififed whether you need to know isomerism in detail, parts of it or just the definition.
That’s why it is useful to have someone who’s done it explain to you and guide you through the this tricky syllabus. Below you’ll find an expanded syllabus made for you
Expanded IMAT Syllabus: What You Actually Need to Know
🔬 Biology (The Highest Yield Section)
🧬 Biochemistry & Organic Molecules: You must know the specific bonds (glycosidic, peptide, phosphodiester, ester). Understand the difference between alpha and beta glucose, the structure of triglycerides, and the specific weak interactions (hydrogen bonds, disulfide bridges) that determine protein folding (primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary structures).
🦠 Cytology & Cell Organelles: Go beyond the basics. Know the precise location of lipid synthesis (Smooth ER) versus protein modification (Golgi). Understand the endosymbiotic theory (mitochondria and chloroplasts having their own circular DNA and 70S ribosomes). Memorize the specific components of the cytoskeleton (microfilaments, intermediate filaments, microtubules) and their roles in cell division and movement.
🚪 Cell Membrane & Transport: Master the fluid mosaic model. Distinguish between simple diffusion, facilitated diffusion (carrier vs. channel proteins), primary active transport (sodium-potassium pump), and secondary active transport (co-transport). Understand endocytosis (phagocytosis, pinocytosis) and exocytosis.
⚡ Bioenergetics & Respiration: This is heavily tested. You need the exact net yields of ATP, NADH, and FADH2 for Glycolysis, the Link Reaction, and the Krebs Cycle. Know exactly where each process occurs (cytoplasm vs. mitochondrial matrix vs. inner membrane). Understand the role of oxygen as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain and the mechanism of ATP synthase.
🧫 Cell Division: Know the precise events of each phase of mitosis and meiosis. Pay special attention to Prophase I of meiosis (crossing over/chiasmata) and Anaphase I vs. Anaphase II (separation of homologous chromosomes vs. sister chromatids). Understand the concept of ploidy (haploid vs. diploid) at every stage.
👪 Genetics & Inheritance: Be prepared to solve complex pedigree charts (autosomal dominant/recessive, X-linked dominant/recessive). Memorize specific examples of genetic diseases (e.g., cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, color blindness, hemophilia). Understand incomplete dominance, codominance (ABO blood groups), and pleiotropy.
🧬 Molecular Genetics: Know the enzymes involved in DNA replication (helicase, DNA polymerase, ligase, primase). Understand the exact steps of transcription and translation, including the roles of mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA. Know the start codon (AUG) and the three stop codons.
🫀 Human Anatomy & Physiology:
Nervous System: Understand the resting membrane potential, the exact ionic shifts during an action potential (depolarization, repolarization, hyperpolarization), and the mechanism of synaptic transmission (neurotransmitters crossing the cleft).
Cardiovascular System: Trace the exact pathway of blood through the heart chambers, valves (tricuspid, bicuspid, semilunar), and major vessels. Understand the cardiac cycle (systole vs. diastole) and the electrical conduction system (SA node, AV node, Purkinje fibers).
Endocrine System: Memorize the major glands (pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas), the specific hormones they secrete, their target organs, and the negative feedback loops (e.g., insulin/glucagon, calcitonin/PTH).
Excretory System: Know the anatomy of the nephron and exactly what is filtered, reabsorbed, and secreted at each segment (Bowman's capsule, Proximal Convoluted Tubule, Loop of Henle, Distal Convoluted Tubule, Collecting Duct).
Reproductive System: Master the menstrual cycle, including the exact peaking times and functions of FSH, LH, Estrogen, and Progesterone.
Mathematics 🧮
Algebra & Number Theory: 🔢 Calculators are banned, so mental math must be flawless. Master the manipulation of fractions, percentages, and scientific notation. You must know the rules of logarithms and exponents completely inside out to simplify complex expressions.
Functions & Graphs: 📈 You need to be able to identify the domain and range of a given function. Be able to look at the equation of a line, parabola, or exponential function and visualize its exact shape, intercepts, and asymptotes on a Cartesian plane.
Geometry & Trigonometry: 📐 Memorize the formulas for the area, perimeter, and volume of standard 2D and 3D shapes. For trigonometry, you must know the exact values of sine, cosine, and tangent for 0, 30, 45, 60, and 90 degrees, and be able to use the Pythagorean theorem and Euclidean theorems rapidly.
Probability & Statistics: 🎲 Be able to calculate mean, median, and mode from a data set. Understand the difference between independent events (multiplying probabilities) and mutually exclusive events (adding probabilities). Know when to use combinations versus permutations.
Reading Skills, General Knowledge & Logical Reasoning 🧩
Reading Comprehension & Analysis: 📖 This is no longer just basic reading. You must be able to read dense, academic English texts (often scientific or historical) and extract the main conclusion, identify the author's tone, and spot underlying assumptions. You will need to understand complex vocabulary in context.
Logical Reasoning: 🧠 Focus on classical critical thinking. You must be able to evaluate syllogisms, identify flaws in an argument, and distinguish between necessary and sufficient conditions. Problem-solving questions will test your ability to filter out irrelevant information to solve spatial, chronological, or basic numerical puzzles.
General Knowledge: 🌍 Do not memorize the entire encyclopedia. The IMAT heavily favors 20th-century European and global history (World Wars, Cold War, major treaties). You must also know the basic structure of major international institutions (UN, EU parliament, WHO) and key figures in the history of science and literature.
🧪 Chemistry
⚛️ Structure of Matter and Atomic Theory: States of matter and phase changes. Heterogeneous and homogeneous mixtures. Compounds versus elements. The subatomic structure of the atom (protons, neutrons, electrons). Isotopes. Electron configuration and quantum numbers.
📊 The Periodic Table: Organization of groups and periods. Periodic trends (atomic radius, ionization energy, electron affinity, electronegativity) and how they predict chemical behavior.
🔗 Chemical Bonding: Ionic, covalent (polar and non-polar), and metallic bonds. Electronegativity and molecular dipole moments. Intermolecular forces (hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, London dispersion forces).
⚖️ Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry: Standard nomenclature rules for inorganic compounds (oxides, hydrides, acids, bases, salts).
🔄 Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry: Atomic and molecular mass. Avogadro's number and the concept of the mole. Balancing chemical equations. Calculating limiting reactants and percent yield.
💧 Solutions: Properties of solvents and solutes. Concentration units (molarity, molality, mass percentage, volume percentage). Colligative properties (boiling point elevation, freezing point depression, osmotic pressure).
🔋 Oxidation and Reduction: Assigning oxidation numbers. Balancing complex redox reactions. Basic principles of galvanic cells and electrolysis.
🧪 Acids and Bases: Arrhenius, Brønsted-Lowry, and Lewis theories. Properties of strong and weak acids/bases. pH and pOH calculations. Principles of acid-base titrations and buffer solutions.
🧫 Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry: Carbon hybridization (sp3, sp2, sp). Properties of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic compounds. Structural and stereoisomerism. Identification and properties of key functional groups (alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amines, amides).
📐 Physics
📏 Measures: Direct and indirect measurements. The International System of Units (SI). Scalar versus vector quantities. Vector addition, subtraction, and resolution.
🏃 Kinematics: Key kinematic variables (displacement, velocity, acceleration). Uniform rectilinear motion. Uniformly accelerated motion. Uniform circular motion (centripetal acceleration). Harmonic motion.
🏋️ Dynamics: Vectors and forces. Newton's three laws of motion. Gravity, friction, and elastic forces. Work, kinetic energy, and potential energy. The law of conservation of mechanical energy. Momentum, impulse, and conservation of momentum.
🌊 Fluid Mechanics: Density and pressure. Pascal's principle. Archimedes' principle (buoyancy). Fluid dynamics, including the continuity equation and Bernoulli's equation.
🔥 Thermodynamics: Temperature scales and thermometry. Heat transfer and specific heat capacity. Latent heat and changes of state. Ideal gas laws (Boyle's, Charles's, Gay-Lussac's). The first and second laws of thermodynamics.
⚡ Electricity and Electromagnetism: Coulomb's law. Electric fields and electric potential. Capacitors and capacitance. Direct current, resistance, and Ohm's laws. Solving electrical circuits (series and parallel). Magnetic fields and the basics of electromagnetic induction.