MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach‪)‬ MedSchoolCoach

This MCAT BAsics episode covers the muscular system. It begins with the differences and similarities between the three types of muscle (smooth, cardiac, and skeletal). Then, the podcast explores the basic structure of a skeletal muscle cell and the various organelles unique to this cell type, including the sarcolemma, sarcoplasm, myofibrils, sarcomeres, and more. Next, it discusses three main differences between Type 1 and Type 2 muscle fibers. Finally, it delves into muscle contraction, starting at the neuromuscular junction and ending with the shortening of sarcomeres, which causes muscle flexion.
 
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[00:00] Introduction
[02:09] Types of muscle - smooth, cardiac, skeletal
[04:49] The structure of a muscle cell in skeletal muscle
[15:11] The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 muscle fibers
[23:08] Understanding how a muscle contracts
[27:53] The Cross-Bridge cycle

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.
 
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[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.  
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[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.