The Science section of the ATI TEAS 7 presents 50 questions to be completed within a 60-minute time limit. Because passing and competitive scores are set by individual nursing programs rather than ATI, performing well across all tested content is essential.
The exam evaluates your knowledge in four distinct sub-areas: Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, and Scientific Reasoning. Knowing what concepts each sub-area covers helps you structure your study time effectively.
Overview of TEAS 7 Science Sub-Areas
Questions in the Science section appear in several formats, including multiple choice, multiple select (select all that apply), supply answer (fill in the blank), ordered response, and hot spot. Regardless of the format, every question assesses material from one of the four sub-areas:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Scientific Reasoning
Understanding the core principles tested within each sub-area allows you to focus your preparation.
Sub-Area 1: Anatomy & Physiology
The Anatomy & Physiology sub-area covers the structure and function of body systems and the mechanisms that maintain internal balance (homeostasis).
Core Topics to Master
- Organ Systems: Structure and functions across major body systems:
- Cardiovascular System: Heart anatomy, chambers, blood flow pathway, cardiac cycle, and blood vessels.
- Respiratory System: Gas exchange, alveolar structures, and breathing mechanics.
- Nervous System: Central vs. peripheral systems, neuron anatomy, and synaptic transmission.
- Digestive System: Mechanical and chemical digestion, organ roles, and nutrient absorption.
- Endocrine System: Glands, hormone pathways, and feedback mechanisms.
- Immune & Lymphatic Systems: Innate vs. adaptive immunity and antibody responses.
- Integumentary System: Epidermis, dermis, hypodermis, thermoregulation, and exocrine glands.
- Musculoskeletal System: Bones, joints, and muscle contraction mechanisms.
- Reproductive System: Anatomy, gametogenesis, and hormonal regulation.
- Urinary System: Nephron function, filtration, reabsorption, and fluid balance.
- Anatomical Terminology: Relative location terms including superior/inferior, anterior/posterior, medial/lateral, proximal/distal, and superficial/deep.
- Body Planes: Sagittal (left/right), frontal (anterior/posterior), and transverse (superior/inferior) planes.
Worked Example 1: Anatomical Directional Terms
Question: Which directional term correctly describes the position of the knee relative to the ankle?
A) Distal
B) Medial
C) Superior
D) Proximal
Correct Answer: D) Proximal
Explanation: Proximal describes a structure closer to the point of attachment to the trunk, whereas distal describes a structure farther away. The knee is closer to the hip joint (the point of limb attachment) than the ankle is, making the knee proximal to the ankle.
Sub-Area 2: Biology
The Biology sub-area evaluates biological processes at the cellular, molecular, and genetic levels.
Core Topics to Master
- Biological Macromolecules: Structure and functions of carbohydrates (monosaccharides, polysaccharides), lipids (fatty acids, phospholipids), proteins (amino acids, enzymes), and nucleic acids (DNA, RNA).
- Cellular Structure & Organelles: Functions of the nucleus (DNA storage), mitochondria (ATP production), ribosomes (protein synthesis), endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus (modifies and packages proteins), and lysosomes.
- Cellular Transport: Passive transport (diffusion, osmosis) moving substances down a concentration gradient without energy, versus active transport using ATP to move substances against a gradient.
- Cell Cycle & Division: Mitosis (produces identical diploid cells) versus meiosis (produces diverse haploid gametes).
- Genetics & Molecular Biology: DNA replication, transcription (DNA to RNA), translation (RNA to protein), and Mendelian inheritance using Punnett squares.
Worked Example 2: Genetics and Inheritance
Question: In pea plants, the allele for tall height (T) is dominant over the allele for short height (t). If two heterozygous tall plants (Tt) are crossed, what percentage of the offspring is expected to be short?
A) 0%
B) 25%
C) 50%
D) 75%
Correct Answer: B) 25%
Explanation: A monohybrid cross between two heterozygous parents (Tt x Tt) yields genotypes TT, Tt, Tt, and tt. The short phenotype requires the homozygous recessive genotype (tt). Because tt represents 1 of 4 possible outcomes, 25% of the offspring will display the short phenotype.
Sub-Area 3: Chemistry
The Chemistry sub-area tests foundational principles of physical chemistry, chemical reactions, and atomic structure.
Core Topics to Master
- States of Matter & Phase Changes: Properties of solids, liquids, and gases; phase transitions including melting, freezing, vaporization, condensation, sublimation, and deposition.
- Atomic Structure & Periodic Table: Subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, electrons), atomic number (protons), atomic mass (protons plus neutrons), isotopes, and periodic trends across groups and periods.
- Chemical Bonding & Reactions: Ionic vs. covalent bonds, balancing chemical equations based on the Law of Conservation of Mass, and reaction types (synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, combustion).
- Solutions, Acids, and Bases: Solutes, solvents, concentration, and the pH scale (pH < 7 is acidic, pH = 7 is neutral, pH > 7 is basic).
Sub-Area 4: Scientific Reasoning
The Scientific Reasoning sub-area assesses your ability to apply the scientific method, evaluate experimental designs, and interpret scientific data.
Core Topics to Master
- Scientific Method: Formulating testable hypotheses, conducting controlled experiments, collecting data, and drawing valid conclusions.
- Experimental Variables:
- Independent Variable: The factor manipulated by the researcher.
- Dependent Variable: The factor measured to observe the effect of the manipulation.
- Controlled Variables: Factors kept constant to ensure a fair test.
- Scientific Measurement & Precision: Selection of laboratory tools (such as graduated cylinders for volume) and understanding precision (level of detail) versus accuracy (closeness to the true value).
How to Plan Your TEAS 7 Science Review
Preparing for 50 questions in 60 minutes requires an organized approach across all four sub-areas:
1. Master Core Anatomy & Physiology Concepts
Review structural anatomy and system functions. Focus on understanding how organ systems interact to maintain homeostasis rather than relying only on memorizing terms.
2. Connect Chemistry and Biology Concepts to Body Systems
A clear understanding of cell transport, pH, and biological macromolecules makes physiological mechanisms easier to grasp. Review basic cell biology and chemistry early in your preparation.
3. Practice Scientific Reasoning Skills
Practice identifying independent, dependent, and controlled variables in passage scenarios, and work on reading data tables and graphs accurately.
4. Use Diagnostic Assessments and Timed Practice
Taking practice questions under timed conditions helps build speed and confidence. Begin your review with a free 20-question TEAS 7 diagnostic test to assess your current knowledge.
To deepen your study, check out our TEAS 7 science section guide, explore the main TEAS 7 prep overview, or review specific areas like TEAS 7 math, TEAS 7 reading, and TEAS 7 english.
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