MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

Aging is an essential topic for the MCAT, and in this episode, we’ll explore it from multiple angles. We start with the biological aspects of aging, including key processes like telomere shortening, cell senescence, and mitochondrial dysfunction—each providing insight into how and why cells age. From there, we dive into how aging impacts the brain, including the types of memory and cognitive functions that either decline or improve with age. Lastly, we’ll cover the sociology of aging, focusing on the life course theory, the social significance of aging, and demographic changes.
Expect a comprehensive breakdown of these concepts, with real-world applications and examples to reinforce your understanding.
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
 
Jump Into the Conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(02:30) Cellular markers of aging: Protein aggregation and telomere shortening
(04:55) Exploring cell senescence and autophagy dysregulation
(07:20) Mitochondrial dysfunction and its role in cellular aging
(09:10) Deep dive into telomeres and the Hayflick Limit
(12:30) Introduction to aging in the brain
(13:45) Memory and cognitive functions that remain stable with age
(15:30) Brain functions that improve as we age: Crystallized intelligence and emotional intelligence
(17:00) Brain functions that decline with age: Episodic memory and processing speed
(19:30) Causes of changes in brain function: Brain size, vasculature, and neurotransmitter levels
(22:15) Introduction to the life course theory and its relation to aging
(24:45) The social significance of aging in different cultures
(26:00) The aging population and its impact on healthcare

In this episode, we break down aromatic compounds, a crucial topic for the Biochem and Chem/Phys sections of the MCAT. You’ll learn what makes a compound aromatic, how to identify them using Huckel’s Rule, and the difference between aromatic, antiaromatic, and nonaromatic compounds.
Sam Smith covers key examples like benzene, toluene, and phenol, and explains their role in biological systems like DNA and the electron transport chain. With practical tips and MCAT-focused insights, you'll be ready to tackle questions on aromatic compounds with confidence.

Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
 
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Introduction and Med School Coach Promotion
(01:03) Introduction to the Topic: Aromatic Compounds
(02:08) Definition of Aromatic Compounds and Electron Delocalization
(04:43) Explanation of Huckel’s Rule and Aromaticity Criteria
(07:59) Introduction to Antiaromatic Compounds
(09:58) Definition of Polycyclic and Heterocyclic Aromatic Compounds
(12:02) Common Aromatic Compounds to Know: Benzene, Toluene, Phenol, Aniline
(14:54) Properties of Aromatic Compounds: Physical, Stability, Fluorescence, Basicity
(20:15) Aromatic Compounds in Biology: Amino Acids, DNA/RNA, Electron Transport Chain
(28:14) Conclusion and Outro

In this episode, we focus on the structure and role of key social institutions for the MCAT Psych/Soc section. We'll break down the five major institutions—health and medicine, education, family, religion, and government—and explain how each shapes societal norms and individual behavior.
You’ll learn about concepts like medicalization, the sick role, and how healthcare is delivered, as well as the hidden curriculum and educational segregation. We’ll also cover family structures, kinship types, and how religion influences social change. Lastly, we’ll touch on political systems and the difference between power and authority, all of which are important for the MCAT.
By the end, you’ll be equipped to understand how these institutions impact society and approach related MCAT questions with confidence.
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
 
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(01:03) Introduction to Social Institutions
(01:54) Definition of Social Institutions
(04:24) Formal vs. Informal Institutions
(05:03) Health and Medicine: Structure and Function
(07:49) Medicalization and the Sick Role
(09:56) Delivery of Healthcare
(12:18) Illness Experience
(13:59) Social Epidemiology
(17:05) Education: Structure and Function
(19:37) Educational Segregation and Stratification
(24:03) Teacher Expectancy
(25:06) Family: Structure and Function
(28:46) Violence in the Family
(29:26) Religion: Structure and Function
(32:25) Religion and Social Change
(35:43) Government and Economy: Structure and Function
(37:11) Power vs. Authority
(38:23) Types of Political Systems
(41:06) Division of Labor

In this episode, we cover the topic of viruses. We explore a comprehensive range of subtopics including the definition and structure of viruses, their life cycles, and the differences between transduction and transfection. We also discuss virus classification, viral mutations, and subviral particles. This material will primarily appear in the Bio/Biochem section of the MCAT. 
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
 
Jump into the conversation:
[00:00] Introduction
[01:57] Definition of a virus
[02:55] Virus structure
[10:41] The viral life cycle
[17:34] The bacteriophage life cycle
[21:40] The retrovirus life cycle
[21:40] The retrovirus life cycle
[27:11] Virus classification
[32:09] Viral mutation 
[40:31] Subviral particles

The Doppler Effect is a crucial concept for the MCAT, particularly in the Chemistry & Physics section. We'll explore how the Doppler effect occurs when a wave source moves relative to an observer, affecting the observed frequency and wavelength. Using practical examples like an ambulance speeding towards you, we'll bring these concepts to life.
We'll also break down the Doppler effect equation, examining what it reveals—and what it doesn’t—about wave behavior. By the end of this episode, you'll have a solid understanding of The Doppler effect and will be ready to tackle any related questions on the MCAT. 
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Introduction to the MCAT Basics
(02:09) Conceptual Explanation of the Doppler Effect
(03:55) Example: Doppler Effect with an ambulance
(04:55) Speed of sound and wave propagation
(05:31) Impact of ambulance motion on sound wave speed
(06:37) Relationship between wave speed and frequency
(07:30) Detailed explanation of sound frequency
(08:45) Introduction to the Doppler Effect equation
(10:08) Proportionality in the Doppler Effect equation
(11:08) Discussion on wavelength and frequency relationship
(12:29) Application of the Doppler Effect equation