MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

This podcast dives into DNA replication and central dogma for the MCAT, covering topics like replication models, differences in eukaryotic and prokaryotic replication, transcription, translation, and protein processing. It explores the complexities of DNA replication, the roles of various enzymes and proteins, and the significance of understanding these genetic processes for the exam.

Dive into the fascinating world of thermodynamics and its impact on chemistry and biology. Discover the four laws of thermodynamics and understand key concepts like enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs Free Energy. Explore the differences between kinetics and thermodynamics with relatable examples, including the transition from diamond to graphite. Learn about the three types of heat transfer—conduction, convection, and radiation—and how they apply to everyday situations. Perfect insights for those preparing for the MCAT!

Dive into the fascinating world of cells and tissues, starting with the key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Learn about the unique structures of animal, plant, and bacterial cells, as well as erythrocytes’ vital roles in the body. Explore the four primary tissue types: epithelial, muscle, connective, and nervous, each with distinct functions. Gain insights on muscle types, the surprising role of microglia in Alzheimer's, and crucial information for tackling the MCAT with confidence.

Understanding the kidneys' role in the body’s balance is essential for the MCAT and beyond. In this episode, host Sam Smith discusses renal physiology, covering everything from kidney anatomy to the nephron’s critical functions in filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and excretion. You’ll explore the roles of the renal cortex and medulla, learn about the loop of Henle, and uncover the importance of ions, plasma volume, and pH regulation in kidney function. Plus, we’ll examine hormones like ADH and aldosterone and their impact on fluid balance, as well as essential measurements like glomerular filtration rate (GFR) for assessing kidney health. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.  Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro to renal physiology (02:43) Kidney anatomy overview (08:38) Nephron structure and function (09:50) Six key functions of the kidney (12:03) Nephron Processes: Filtration (17:32) Nephron Processes: Reabsorption and secretion (22:51) The Loop of Henle (26:05) Understanding osmolarity in the Loop of Henle (26:55) Ion transport in the ascending limb (32:04) The role of the collecting duct (37:18) Hormonal regulation of the nephron (46:50) Key measurements of renal function (50:15) MCAT Advice of the Day

The essentials of identity theories and psychosocial development reveal the foundational elements of human behavior and self-perception. In this episode, Sam Smith discusses the core theories around identity, from Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development and Freud’s psychosexual stages to Piaget’s cognitive framework and Kohlberg’s stages of moral growth. Sam talks about how each theory is represented in MCAT questions, explaining key differences and how they impact our understanding of self-concept, self-esteem, and social roles. Whether it's Cooley’s looking-glass self or Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development, this episode helps make sense of the MCAT’s approach to personality and identity development. Visit medschoolcoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:04) Psychosocial development and identity (01:42) The different theories of identity formation (01:57) Basic ideas regarding identity and self-concept (08:29) Erikson's psychosocial development theory (16:47) Testing strategies and MCAT questions (17:57) Freud's psychosexual development theory (24:01) Piaget's stages of cognitive development (28:15) Kohlberg's theory of moral development (32:42) Cooley's looking-glass self (33:21) George Herbert Mead's the I and the Me (34:34) Vygotsky's social development theory  

Dive into the world of functional groups essential for the MCAT! Discover how alcohols and carbonyl-containing groups like aldehydes impact molecular reactivity. Learn about their physical and chemical properties, including specific examples related to boiling points. The conversation highlights the biological significance of these groups and how they appear in exam questions. Plus, get insights into how alcohol influences brain function by altering neurotransmitter activity! Perfect for mastering organic chemistry!

Electromagnetism unites electricity and magnetism, crucial for understanding medical technologies like MRIs. The discussion includes the nature of charge, from positives and negatives to static electricity and charge conservation. Coulomb’s Law governs electrostatic forces, while electric fields are vital in generating currents. The right-hand rule simplifies magnetic forces on moving charges. Packed with practical applications, this topic highlights electromagnetism's significance in both physics and medicine.

Understanding social and psychological theories is crucial for success on the MCAT, as these concepts shape everything from human behavior to societal structures. In this episode, Sam Smith breaks down the essential sociological and psychological theories you need to master, ranging from functionalism and conflict theory to the theories of emotion. Sam explains how these theories apply to real-world scenarios, including their relevance in medicine, healthcare disparities, and patient interactions.  Visit medschoolcoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:58) Overview of social and psychological theories (03:23) Functionalism (09:55) Conflict theory (12:52) Symbolic interactions (15:12) Social constructionism (18:46) Rational choice and exchange theory (23:54) Feminist theory (26:10) Behaviorism (29:34) Life course theory (33:45) Theories of emotion (41:03) Motivational theories 

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