Home Podcasts MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)

MedSchoolCoach 76 Episodes Aug 20, 2026

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.

Episodes

Renal Physiology
Renal Physiology Aug 20, 2026 00:52:54 Understanding the kidneys' role in the body’s balance is essential for the MCAT and beyond. In this episode, host Sam Smith discusses renal physiology, covering everything from kidney anatomy to the nephron’s critical functions in filtration, reabsorption, secretion, and excretion. You’ll explore the roles of the renal cortex and medulla, learn about the loop of Henle, and uncover the importance o
Cell and Tissue Types
Cell and Tissue Types Aug 18, 2026 00:49:26 Cells and tissues form the building blocks of life, which are crucial for mastering key concepts in the MCAT’s biology and biochemistry sections. In this episode, host Sam Smith breaks down the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, exploring animal, plant, and bacterial cell structures alongside unique cell types like erythrocytes. You’ll gain insights into the various tissue types
Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics Aug 13, 2026 00:40:22 Thermodynamics is fundamental to mastering chemistry concepts and understanding the energy dynamics within biological systems crucial for the MCAT. In this episode, host Sam Smith dives into the laws of thermodynamics, covering everything from the zeroth law to the third. You'll explore key concepts like enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs Free Energy and learn how they apply to reaction spontaneity and
DNA Replication and Central Dogma
DNA Replication and Central Dogma Aug 11, 2026 00:51:23 DNA replication and the central dogma are fundamental concepts in molecular biology, and breaking down the different replication methods and the processes of transcription and translation is crucial for understanding how genetic information is expressed and passed on in cells. In the first part of our episode, we'll break down DNA replication, exploring the concepts of conservative, semi-conservat
Psychology and Sociology Theories
Psychology and Sociology Theories Aug 6, 2026 00:50:14 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-wor
Electromagnetism
Electromagnetism Aug 4, 2026 00:46:33 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
Functional Groups: Physical and Chemical Properties
Functional Groups: Physical and Chemical Properties Jul 30, 2026 00:43:22 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 gro
Psychosocial Development and Identity
Psychosocial Development and Identity Jul 28, 2026 00:40:01 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 rep
Learning and Memory
Learning and Memory Jul 23, 2026 00:35:04 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 exp
Light and Optics
Light and Optics Jul 21, 2026 00:46:11 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
Atomic Chemistry
Atomic Chemistry Jul 16, 2026 00:45:39 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
The Reproductive System
The Reproductive System Jul 14, 2026 00:34:17 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 medschoolcoach.com for more help with the MCAT. Jump into the conversat

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