MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

In this episode of MCAT Basics, Sam Smith discusses the reproductive system and development, breaking down essential topics for the bio and biochem section of the MCAT. Sam walks through the key reproductive organs, the processes of spermatogenesis and oogenesis, and the pathway sperm and eggs take in human reproduction. Visit medschoolcoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:30) Reproductive organs: Overview of male and female reproductive anatomy (03:16)  Spermatogenesis: The process of sperm cell development (04:55) Meiosis in spermatogenesis: From diploid to haploid cells (07:02) Spermatogenesis recap: The pathway from spermatagonia to spermatozoa (09:45) The menstrual cycle: Overview of the four phases (11:15) Ovulation: Triggered by luteinizing hormone surge (11:55) The luteal phase: Role of the corpus luteum in progesterone production (12:56) Menstruation: Progesterone drop and the sloughing of the uterine lining (14:16) Oogenesis: The process of egg cell development (18:17) Differences between spermatogenesis and oogenesis (19:18) Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) and its relation to maternal age (21:08) Fertilization: The process of sperm fusing with the egg (28:51) Gastrulation and the formation of germ layers (30:24) Germ layers: Mesoderm, ectoderm, and endoderm

Atomic chemistry is a core component of the MCAT, essential for understanding molecular behavior and periodic trends.  In this episode, host Sam Smith explores key concepts in atomic chemistry, including the intricacies of quantum theory, hybridization, and molecular geometry. You'll gain insights into electron configuration, periodic trends, and the role of quantum numbers in describing electrons. Sam also discusses the significance of nuclear decay, from alpha to beta and gamma decay, and how it impacts atomic structure. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:48) Understanding atomic orbitals and the planetary model (04:54) Quantum theory and the wave-particle duality of electrons (06:52) Types of atomic orbitals (08:29) Electron configuration and its real-world applications (12:24) Hund’s Rule and the Pauli Exclusion Principle (17:45) The four quantum numbers (22:10) Hybridization and bond formation (26:14) Molecular geometry and its relevance (29:44) Ionic vs. covalent bonds and electronegativity (34:48) Periodic table trends: Atomic radius, electronegativity, and ionization energy (37:49) Nuclear decay: Half-life and types of decay (alpha, beta, gamma) (44:46) MCAT advice of the day

A foundational part of the MCAT, light and optics bridge the gap between physics and biology, making them vital for your exam preparation. In this episode, Sam Smith breaks down the fundamentals of light, covering both its wave and particle properties. From the energy of photons and the photoelectric effect, to wave behavior and the principles of refraction and reflection, Sam simplifies complex concepts to help you grasp key equations and principles. You'll also learn about lenses, ray tracing, and the real-life applications of polarization. Visit medschoolcoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:03) Introduction to light and optics (03:10) How photons carry energy (05:34) The photoelectric effect and its significance (17:47) Introduction to waves and simple harmonic motion (18:46) Longitudinal vs. transverse waves explained (21:47) Constructive and destructive interference in wave behavior (23:40) Polarization, reflection, and refraction in light (36:40) How lenses and ray tracing work (44:59) MCAT Advice of the Day  

Learning and memory are foundational concepts that play a critical role in acing the MCAT, especially in the Psych/Soc section. In this episode, host Sam Smith discusses the key concepts of learning and memory, covering the brain structures involved in memory formation, like the hippocampus and amygdala, as well as the different types of memory—explicit, implicit, and working memory. Sam also explores types of learning, including latent learning, observational learning, and the essential principles of classical and operant conditioning, and more. Visit medschoolcoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:03) How brain structures support learning and memory (02:39) The role of memory in learning processes (03:20) How the information processing model explains memory (16:28) Types of learning: latent, observational, and conditioning (17:48) How observational learning works in social contexts (18:23) Overview of classical and operant conditioning (34:44) MCAT Advice of the Day

Dive into the essentials of study design and research methods critical for MCAT success. Understand the difference between independent and dependent variables, and explore correlation versus causation. Discover various study types, including case-control and cohort studies. Learn about odds ratios and the significance of specificity and sensitivity in diagnostics. The discussion also highlights common biases and limitations in research, sharpening your critical thinking skills for exam day.

In this episode, Sam Smith will discuss and help you understand the essential organic chemistry mechanisms and reactions you may encounter when taking the MCAT. From nucleophilic substitution reactions like SN1 and SN2 to aldol condensation and oxidation and reduction of alcohols, Sam will cover the high-yield topics that are crucial for your test prep. He will also touch on key IR and NMR values that could appear on your exam.  Visit medschoolcoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation:  (00:00) Intro (01:42) SN1 and SN2 nucleophilic substitution reactions, mechanisms, and key concepts (03:18) Carbonyl substitution and addition reactions (06:12) Introduction to aldol condensation reactions (07:17) Overview of oxidation and reduction reactions (10:09) Explanation of Fischer esterification and saponification (12:51) Summary of elimination reactions (E1 and E2) and their distinguishing features. (13:38) What numbers to know for IR and NMR

Mastering the concept of sociological groups can unlock a deeper understanding of how we interact and influence each other. On top of that, social interactions and group dynamics form the backbone of the Psych/Soc section of the MCAT, so mastering this topic is key to a good score.  In this episode, host Sam Smith breaks down the essential topic of sociological groups. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the different types of groups, the dynamics within organizations, bureaucracy, and social networks, and key concepts like groupthink, group polarization, and social loafing. We also explore how these concepts apply to real-world examples, from business partnerships to historical events like the Salem witch trials.  Visit medschoolcoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: 00:00 Intro 02:09 Types of social groups and social networks 08:06 Organizations and bureaucracy 10:17 Normative organizations 16:16 Group interactions and dynamics 20:08 Difference between group think and group polarization 27:57 Deindividuation, aka the ‘mob mentality’ 31:57 Cultural groups and assimilation 34:22 MCAT Advice of the Day

In this episode, we explore key topics in genetics, including how sex-linked and autosomal traits are inherited. We'll break down inheritance patterns using real-world examples, like X-linked recessive diseases, and walk through Punnett square problems to show how these traits are passed down. We also cover the regulation of gene expression, focusing on epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation and how genetic imprinting impacts which genes are expressed. You'll gain insight into transcriptional and post-transcriptional control mechanisms in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, along with the processes of DNA repair that maintain genetic stability. Finally, we discuss important genetic lab techniques, such as PCR, blotting methods, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and how they are used in gene analysis and diagnostics. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:49)  Inheritance patterns (04:47) Solving X-linked inheritance problems using color blindness (06:37) Overview of autosomal dominant and recessive traits (08:08) Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses (10:40) How epigenetic changes affect gene expression (18:46) Transcriptional and translational control in prokaryotic operons (23:03) Enhancers, silencers, and chromatin remodeling (27:23) Post-transcriptional modifications (31:52) DNA repair mechanisms (40:14) Polymerase Chain Reaction (44:06) What different blotting techniques are used for (49:28) The FISH technique (52:01) MCAT Advice of the Day

In this episode, we cover the foundational concepts of genetics, focusing on chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, and inheritance patterns—important topics for the MCAT Bio/Biochem section. We’ll discuss how Gregor Mendel’s laws of segregation, independent assortment, and dominance influence inheritance and how Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection relates to modern genetics. The episode includes an overview of chromosome structure, the differences between X and Y chromosomes, and the effects of chromosomal mutations like deletions, duplications, and translocations. Mitosis and meiosis are also explained, with an emphasis on their roles in cell division and genetic diversity. Additionally, we explore genetic concepts such as codominance, incomplete dominance, genetic leakage, and how factors like penetrance and expressivity influence gene expression. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introduction to Genetics and Chromosomes (01:41) Background on genetics: Key figures and their contributions (Mendel, Darwin) (03:37) Mendel’s Laws: Segregation, independent assortment, and dominance (05:50) Charles Darwin: Evolution and natural selection in genetics (09:43) Chromosomes and DNA: Discovery and role in inheritance (11:29) Chromosome Numbers and Structure: Ploidy, chromatids, and human chromosomes (14:06) X and Y Chromosomes: Sex determination and sex-linked traits (18:34) Chromosomal Mutations: Duplication, deletion, inversion, translocation (22:00) Mitosis: Stages and the production of identical daughter cells (28:16) Meiosis: Gamete formation and genetic diversity (32:40) Centrosome, Centromere, and Centriole: Roles in cell division (33:50) Genes and Phenotypes: Alleles, genotypes, and their effect on traits (38:28) Dominant and Recessive Alleles: How traits are determined (40:37) Genetic Leakage, Penetrance, and Expressivity: Gene flow, expression likelihood, and variability (42:47) MCAT Advice of the Day

Dive into the fascinating world of enzymes and their critical role in biological reactions. Explore how enzymes work as catalysts by lowering activation energy and learn about the lock-and-key and induced fit models. Master the Michaelis-Menten equation, which reveals insights on enzyme efficiency and substrate binding. Delve into different types of enzyme inhibition, such as competitive and non-competitive, and understand their effects on activity. Finally, uncover the six major types of enzymes and their biological functions with real-world examples.