MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

This MCAT podcast covers social stratification. It begins with a definition and examples of many terms related to social stratification and inequality, including prejudice, discrimination, stereotype, stereotype threat, status (ascribed vs achieved), power (six different types to know), social capital (and other forms of capital), gentrification, and poverty. The discussion then moves on to social class and the social gradient in healthcare.   Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   [00:00] Introduction [02:24] Terms related to social stratification [03:03] Defining social stratification [03:53] What is prejudice [04:57] Defining stereotype and discrimination [09:29] What is stereotype threat [13:04] Status and the six different types of power [21:50] Social Capital [23:38] Defining gentrification [25:07] Absolute poverty vs. relative poverty [27:59] Social Class [33:53] Social Stratification in Healthcare  

In this episode, we delve into classic psychology experiments –relevant to the Psych/Soc section of the MCAT. We cover a range of significant studies, including Pavlov’s Dog, Harlow’s Monkey Study, Albert’s Bobo Doll Experiment, the Skinner Box Experiment, Asch’s Conformity (Line) Experiment, the Milgram Experiment, Watson’s Little Albert Experiment, Sherif’s Robbers Cave Study, and Seligman’s Learned Helplessness Dog Study. Additionally, we touch on rapid-fire cases like Zimbardo’s Prison Experiment, the Kitty Genovese case, and Phineas Gage’s story.  Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   [00:00] Introduction [02:37] Pavlov’s Dog Experiment [07:40] Harlow’s Monkey Study [12:05] Albert’s Bobo Doll Experiment [15:41] The Skinner Box Experiment [24:12] Asch Conformity (Line) Experiment [28:16] The Milgram Experiment [36:01] Watson’s Little Albert Experiment [39:10] Sherif’s Robbers Cave Study [43:17] Seligman’s Learned Helplessness Dog Study [46:14]  Zimbardo’s Prison Experiment [48:39]  The Kitty Genovese case [49:47]  Phineas Gage’s story  

In this episode, we explore the different phases of the cell cycle: Interphase (G1, S, G2) and the M phase (mitosis). Next, we discuss the regulation of the cell cycle and the key checkpoints that ensure its proper progression. Finally, we touch on how dysfunction in the cell cycle can lead to diseases, particularly cancer. This material is likely to appear in the Bio/Biochem section of the MCAT.   Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   [00:00] Introduction [02:06] Overview of the cell cycle [02:38] Two main phases of the cell cycle [04:11] Interphase  [12:43] Mitotic phase [18:20] Regulation of the cell cycle [27:09] Relevant examples of the cell cycle and disease

In this episode, we delve into three common types of isomers that you are likely to encounter on the MCAT: structural isomers, geometric isomers, and stereoisomers.  We start by defining each type of isomer, providing clear and concise explanations to ensure a solid understanding. Next, we present common examples of each isomer type to illustrate their unique characteristics. Finally, we discuss real-world applications and scenarios where these isomers are relevant, particularly in the context of the MCAT. This material will appear in the Physical Chemistry section of the MCAT and may also be found in the Biochemistry section. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   Jump Into the Conversation: [00:00] Introduction [02:06] Structural isomers [06:03] Geometric isomers [15:50] Three different kinds of stereoisomers [16:30] Enantiomers [17:44] Diastereomers [18:46] Conformational isomers [22:06] Key terms regarding stereoisomers [26:54] Difference between absolute and relative configurations of stereoisomers [28:22] Interesting example of stereoisomers in different sugars  

In this episode, we cover motivation and emotion–key concepts that will show up in the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section of the MCAT. We start with the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. We then go into various theories including evolutionary, arousal, drive-reduction, incentive, three needs theory, Maslow’s hierarchy, and the correlation between harmful behaviors like addiction and motivation.  Lastly we get into emotion, covering its three components, the relationship between emotion and the brain, and an array of theories including evolutionary, James-Lange, Cannon-Bard, Schachter-Singer, Lazarus, and facial feedback theories. Additionally, we discuss the influence of culture on emotion and delves into emotional disorders. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   Jump Into the Conversation: [00:00] Introducing MCAT Basics [02:09] Defining Motivation [03:00] The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation [04:30] Theories of Motivation - Evolutionary, Arousal, Drive-reduction, Incentive, Three Needs and Maslow’s Hierarchy,  [19:30] The correlation between harmful behaviors like addiction and motivation.  [26:07] Defining emotion [27:50] The psychological, cognitive, and behavioral components of emotion [31:11] The theories of emotion -  evolutionary perspective of emotion,  James Lang theory, the Cannon Barr theory, and the Schachter Singer theory. [41:09] The facial feedback theory [46:28] Emotional disorders that you're most likely to see on the MCAT- depressive disorders anxiety based disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorders.  

The podcast dives into the intricate anatomy of the cardiovascular system and the essential functions of the heart. It covers how blood circulates through one-way valves and examines the roles of various cell types. The discussion then transitions to fluid mechanics, exploring concepts like total peripheral resistance and viscosity. Listeners also learn about the continuity and Bernoulli equations, enhancing their understanding of cardiovascular dynamics and their significance for MCAT preparation.

This podcast addresses translational motion. First, vectors are covered. Then, the variables of acceleration, velocity, and position are discussed. Next, the host discusses the relationship between those three variables. Finally, it covers free fall, projectile motion, air resistance, and friction. The example link for this segment is provided here:  Geogebra Example Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   Jump into the conversation: [00:00] MCAT Tutoring from MedSchoolCoach [00:34] Welcome to MCAT Basics [01:06] Topics covered in this episode [01:57] What is translational motion [04:08] Vectors [14:21] Velocity, acceleration, and position/displacement [20:08] The relationship between acceleration, velocity, and position  [34:53] Free fall and projectile motion [44:40] The four equations to know for projectile motion [47:20] Air resistance and friction  

Dive into the fascinating world of cell organelles! Discover their functions and locations, from ribosomes and vacuoles to mitochondria and chloroplasts. Learn about the roles of these structures in protein production, cell organization, and cancer metabolism. Explore unique organelles shared by humans, plants, and bacteria, highlighting their interactions and benefits. Plus, uncover intriguing facts that make memorizing these essential components a breeze!

This podcast discusses chemical kinetics and solubility. It begins with an exploration of kinetics, including the general concept, collision theory, rate laws, and the Arrhenius equation. Next, it delves into solubility, covering the general concept, solubility product (Ksp), the common ion effect, selective precipitation, and Henry’s law. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   Jump into the conversation: [00:00] MCAT Tutoring from MedSchoolCoach [00:34] Welcome to MCAT Basics [01:06] Topics covered in this episode [02:37] What is general kinetics [08:53] Collision Theory [11:08] Rate Laws [21:15] Arrhenius Equation [28:00] What is Solubility [32:08] Solubility Product (Ksp) [43:49] The Common Ion Effect [45:22] Selective precipitation [48:35] Henry’s Law  

This lecture covers basic quantum theory, quantum numbers, hybridization, types of bonds, and nuclear decay.  Please email me if you have any comments or concerns: MCATpodcast@medschoolcoach.com To learn more about how MedSchoolCoach can help you along your medical school journey, visit us at Prospective Doctor. Thanks for listening!