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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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)...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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:...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outlineA foundational topic for the MCAT is the nervous system, appearing in several exam sections and impacting everything from neurotransmission to brain structure.
In this episode, Sam Smith walks us through the nervous system, covering its major components and functions. From the organization of the central and peripheral nervous systems to neurotransmitters and brain structures, Sam provides clear explanations to help you understand key topics like the autonomic nervous system's fight-or-flight response, brain imaging techniques, and more.
Visit medschoolcoach.com for more help with the MCAT.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(01:03) How the central and peripheral nervous systems are organized
(02:33) Autonomic and somatic systems
(03:22) Sympathetic and parasympathetic branches
(04:12) How the brain is structured: forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain
(11:44) How brain imaging techniques (CT, MRI, EEG, fMRI, PET) are used
(14:06) How neurons are structured and how they transmit signals
(16:00) How action potentials work and how ion channels play a role
(20:30) How myelin sheaths speed up signals
(25:00) How language processing happens in Broca's and Wernicke's areas
(28:00) Neurological disorders
(43:45) The structures of the limbic system
(47:25) The structures of the brain related to addiction