Psychosocial Development and Identity
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
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...
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Functional Groups: Physical and Chemical Properties
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
A deep understanding of functional groups is crucial for excelling in the MCAT, as they play a key role in the reactivity, physical properties, and biological functions of molecules. In this episode, Sam Smith breaks down the essential functional groups, covering their physical and chemical properties, biological relevance, and common reaction mechanisms. From alcohols and carbonyl-containing groups like aldehydes and ketones, to nitrogen-containing amines and amides, Sam explains how these groups are presented in exam questions and their impact on biological systems. Visit for more...
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Electromagnetism
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
Electromagnetism is a critical component of physics, playing a pivotal role in everything from circuits to medical imaging technologies like MRIs. It is also a crucial topic for the MCAT, appearing frequently in the physics and chemistry sections. In this episode, Sam Smith breaks down the fundamental concepts of electricity and magnetism. Sam walks through the basics of static electricity, charge conservation, and Coulomb’s Law and explains how moving charges create currents and the forces exerted by electric and magnetic fields. Visit for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the...
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Psychology and Sociology Theories
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
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 for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:58)...
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The Reproductive System
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 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...
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Atomic Chemistry
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
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 for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation:...
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Light and Optics
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
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 for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the...
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Learning and Memory
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
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 for more help with the MCAT. Jump...
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Study Types and Research Design
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
Understanding study design and research variables is crucial for mastering the MCAT and in medical research. In this episode, host Sam Smith discusses the essentials of study design and research methods, from understanding independent and dependent variables to navigating the complexities of correlation, causation, and confounding variables. You’ll learn about the different types of studies, including experimental, observational, case-control, and cohort designs, and how they apply to MCAT questions. Plus, we’ll explore odds ratios, study validity, and the importance of specificity and...
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Organic Chemistry Mechanisms To Know
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
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 for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Intro (01:42) SN1 and SN2 nucleophilic substitution reactions, mechanisms, and key...
info_outlineIn this episode, we focus on DNA mutations and repair, a key topic for the Bio/Biochem section of the MCAT. We'll cover the different types of mutations, including point mutations, insertions, and deletions, and explain how they occur due to replication errors or environmental factors like UV radiation.
You'll also learn about the repair mechanisms that fix these genetic changes, such as direct reversal, mismatch repair, and base excision repair. We’ll also discuss how double-strand breaks are addressed through homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining.
By the end of this episode, you'll gain a thorough understanding of how mutations happen and the processes the body uses to repair them, helping you prepare for related MCAT questions.
Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(01:07) Overview of DNA Mutations and Repair
(01:45) What is a Mutation?
(02:30) Mutations During DNA Replication
(03:29) DNA Polymerase Slippage: Causes duplication of repeated sequences in DNA
(06:15) Mutations Before or After Replication: Caused by mutagens like radiation or chemicals
(07:19) Mutagens vs. Carcinogens: Differences between agents that cause mutations and those that cause cancer
(09:56) Types of Mutations: Overview of point mutations, insertions, and deletions
(12:00) Frameshift Mutations: How insertions or deletions shift the reading frame
(29:50) Chromosomal Mutations: Inversions and translocations
(35:35) DNA Repair Mechanisms: Introduction to replication repair, mutation repair, and break repair
(36:51) Proofreading by DNA Polymerase: Repairing replication errors
(39:20) Direct Reversal DNA Repair: Enzymes directly fix damaged DNA
(40:41) Mismatch Repair: Fixing base mismatches and insertion-deletion loops
(43:25) Base Excision Repair: Correcting single-base mutations
(46:03) Nucleotide Excision Repair: Fixing bulky DNA damage like pyrimidine dimers
(47:56) Interstrand Cross-Link Repair: Repairing DNA strands covalently cross-linked together
(50:27) Single-Strand Break Repair: Ligating broken DNA strands back together
(51:16) Double-Strand Break Repair: Homologous recombination and non-homologous end joining
(54:13) Summary of DNA repair mechanisms