MCAT BASICS+

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MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

MedSchoolCoach
  • 4.8 (615)
  • SCIENCE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join us as we detail MCAT exam topics. Each podcast covers several MCAT sections with lessons based on review material put out by the AAMC, such as practice tests and question banks. Sam also interviews MCAT tutors and experts who share tips on how premed students can raise their score to get into medical school.

  1. The Endocrine System

    2D AGO

    The Endocrine System

    In this episode, we’ll cover crucial aspects such as hormones, their origins and mechanisms of action, and the various structures within the endocrine system. We'll also decode complex cell-to-cell communication and distinguish between different hormone types—peptide, protein, steroid, and lipid-derived.   Furthermore, we'll explore key endocrine disorders like diabetes and hyper- and hypogonadism, discussing their causes, symptoms, and relevance to the MCAT. In addition, we'll touch upon the functions and hormones of several glands, including the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands, and pancreas.   Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   Jump into the conversation: 00:00 Introduction to the MCAT Basics Podcast with host, Sam Smith 03:34 Exosomes act as information carriers for cells. 09:00 Large, charged substances dissolve in blood easily. 10:30 Protein kinase A activates multiple molecules quickly. 15:57 Podcast discusses prostaglandin, thromboxins, leukotrienes and glands. 18:22 Hormones explained: flat peg and pineal gland. 23:15 Endocrine diseases: hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, hyperinhypogonadism, diabetes. 26:33 Autoimmune disorder characterized by overactive thyroid production. 29:28 Hypothalamus role in hormone production and disorders. 34:01 Type 1 diabetes: Genetic and environmental factors. 35:47 Diagnosis and causes of type two diabetes. 39:18 Med School Coach elevates your application level.

    39 min
  2. Sleep and Circadian Rhythms

    4D AGO

    Sleep and Circadian Rhythms

    This episode is packed with essential high-yield information for your MCAT prep, covering the biological, physiological, and psychological aspects of sleep. We’ll explore various sleep theories, like the Memory Consolidation and Brain Plasicticity Theories, and even discuss the controversial “Sleeping When You Die” theory. We’ll also delve into dream theories, including Freud’s interpretations and the Activation Synthesys Hypothesis. Plus, we’ll address common sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy, alongside the effects of different drugs on your sleep patterns.    We’ll cover critical brain structures involved in sleep, such as the hypothalamus and the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and break down the stages of sleep measured through EEG, EMG, and EOG.    Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   [00:00] Introduction to the MCAT Basics podcast with host, Sam Smith [04:05] Pineal gland, amygdala, basal forebrain in sleep. [07:40] Measuring postsynaptic potential, not action potentials. EEG waves distinguish sleep stages. EMG records muscle electrical activity. [10:46] Alpha waves awake, theta waves asleep. Hallucinations in stage N1 sleep. [15:01] Unconfirmed sleepwalking. Stages of sleep explained. [18:18] Sleep cycles lengthen REM stage, diagrams illustrate. [19:50] We don't remember all our dreams. [23:55] Shifting circadian rhythms due to changes in light. [29:10] Blind people's melatonin release entrained with light. [29:41] Cortisol secretion cycle follows a circadian rhythm. [35:09] Freud: Dreams represent unconscious desires; manifest vs latent. [38:53] Divorce dreams related to spouse thinking time. Broad sleep disorder categories: insomnia, breathing, hypersomnolence. [41:18] Hypersomnia, narcolepsy, drugs' impact on sleep. [44:14 Brief primer on drug effects on sleep.

    45 min
  3. The Excretory System

    JAN 15

    The Excretory System

    In this episode, we're covering the anatomy and physiology of key organs such as the kidneys, liver, skin, lungs, and large intestine, and discuss the crucial role they play in eliminating waste products from our bodies. From the structure of the hepatic lobules in the liver to the sweat glands in our skin and the alveoli in our lungs, we'll cover how each component functions to maintain homeostasis. We'll also delve into the metabolic breakdown processes and the excretion of waste molecules such as urea, electrolytes, and gases like carbon dioxide.  Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.   Jump into the conversation: [00:00] Introduction to the MCAT Basics Podcast with host, Sam Smith [04:50] Kidney, adrenal glands, nephrons filter blood. Bladder stores waste connected to kidneys. [09:57] Liver has lobes and functional hepatic lobules. Skin excretes through sweating. [12:20] Lung anatomy: trachea, bronchi, alveoli, gas exchange. [16:54] Urea cycle energy requirement, deamination of amino acids. [20:35] Urea density calculates volume of small ice cube. [24:15] Carbon dioxide is a metabolic byproduct. [27:46] Liver metabolizes drugs into water-soluble compounds.

    29 min
  4. Common Hormone Axes

    JAN 13

    Common Hormone Axes

    In this episode, we'll explore three crucial hormone axes: the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone (RAAS) system. We'll decode the complex interplays among the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and various peripheral organs, focusing on how these hormone systems regulate everything from stress responses and reproductive functions to blood pressure and fluid balance. We'll break down the HPA axis and its pivotal role in stress response, featuring hormones like corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and cortisol. Next, we’ll navigate through the HPG axis to understand the hormonal orchestration behind testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone production. Lastly, we’ll zero in on the RAAS system, demystifying its essential function in blood pressure regulation and electrolyte balance. Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.  Jump into the conversation: [00:00] Introduction to the MCAT Basics Podcast with host, Sam Smith [03:11] Hypothalamus: brain section, regulates hormones, monkey bread. [08:57] Hypothalamus releases hormones to stimulate pituitary gland. [12:12] Cortisol is a crucial stress response hormone. [13:12] Steroid hormones need carrier proteins for transport. [17:05] Hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis involves important structures. [21:01] Hypothalamus releases gonadotropin hormone for sex development. [27:14] Sex hormones regulate important body functions through feedback. [28:31] Juxtaglomerial cells respond to changes in blood pressure. [33:20] Angiotensin III and IV stimulate aldosterone release. [35:36] Renin angiotensin system increases sodium, blood pressure.

    38 min

  5. JAN 12 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    General Chemistry 10 - Electrochemical Cells

    In this episode of MCAT Basics+, we will be covering the intriguing topic of electrochemical cells. We will begin by outlining the different types of electrochemical cells and their operational mechanisms. Following that, we will examine the structure of an electrochemical cell, focusing on its essential components and their collective function in generating electricity. Additionally, we will highlight the significance of a salt bridge in an electrochemical cell and its role in sustaining ion flow between the two half-cells. To conclude, we will review cell notation and its application in depicting the components and reactions occurring within an electrochemical cell. By the end of this episode, you will gain a comprehensive insight into the mechanisms of electrochemical cells and their significance in various applications.

    15 min

  6. JAN 12 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    General Chemistry 9 - Electrochemistry

    In this episode of MCAT Basics+, we will be covering the intriguing topic of electrochemistry. Our journey begins with an overview of half and full reactions, essential for grasping how electrons are transferred in electrochemical cells. Next, we will move on to the calculation of cell potential, a key element in assessing the direction and magnitude of an electrochemical reaction. Grasping cell potential is crucial for forecasting the behavior of electrochemical cells. We will also discuss Gibbs Free Energy within an electrochemical cell, which offers insights into the likelihood of a reaction occurring spontaneously. With this knowledge, it becomes possible to anticipate whether a reaction will advance or reverse. The Nernst Equation is another topic we will address, enabling the calculation of cell potential under non-standard conditions. This equation serves as an invaluable resource for evaluating electrochemical systems in practical scenarios. Concluding our discussion, we will touch on electroplating, a significant application of electrochemistry in various sectors. Gaining an insight into the fundamentals of electroplating will enhance your comprehension of electrochemistry's impact on daily life.

    26 min

  7. JAN 12 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    General Chemistry 8 - Reduction and Oxidation

    In this episode of MCAT Basics+, we will be discussing redox reactions. We will start by defining redox reactions and talking about the roles of oxidizing and reducing agents in these chemical processes. We will also examine common oxidizing and reducing agents found in redox reactions. Additionally, we will cover the importance of redox reactions in electron carriers and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Following that, we will provide guidance on how to calculate oxidation states in redox reactions and discuss the significance of redox reactions in electrochemical cells. By the end of this episode, you will gain a clearer understanding of the principles behind redox reactions and their relevance in various chemical processes.

    32 min

  8. JAN 12 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    General Chemistry 7 - Acids and Bases

    In this episode of MCAT Basics+, we will discuss acids and bases. We will define what they are and how they interact with each other. Next, we will cover how to calculate the pH of a solution, which measures its acidity or basicity. We will also look at logarithms and their role in pH calculations. Following that, we will talk about titration curves and indicators, important tools for determining the endpoint of a titration reaction. Understanding these curves and indicators is important for accurate chemical analysis. Lastly, we will examine buffers and the blood buffer system, which are crucial for maintaining pH balance in our bodies. By understanding how buffers work, you will gain insights into how our bodies regulate acidity and alkalinity.

    30 min
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About

Join us as we detail MCAT exam topics. Each podcast covers several MCAT sections with lessons based on review material put out by the AAMC, such as practice tests and question banks. Sam also interviews MCAT tutors and experts who share tips on how premed students can raise their score to get into medical school.

Information

  • Creator
    MedSchoolCoach
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    151
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © MedSchoolCoach
  • Show Website
    MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
  • Provider
    MEDSCHOOLCOACH LLC

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