MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach)
Episodes
Circuit Variables & Elements
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of MCAT Basics covers the world of circuits. We will explore electrical circuits and their fundamental principles. We’ll start with dis...
Separation and Purification Techniques
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of MCAT Basics covers several separation and purification techniques you may see on the MCAT. We’ll cover these techniques in three dis...
Innate Immune System
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The immune system is split up into two main categories - the adaptive immune system and the innate immune system. This episode will cover the intric...
Adaptive Immune System
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
To continue our discussion on the immune system, in this episode, we will cover the second type of immune system – the adaptive immune system. ...
Renal Physiology
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Understanding the kidneys' role in the body’s balance is essential for the MCAT and beyond. In this episode, host Sam Smith discusses renal physiolo...
Cell and Tissue Types
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Thermodynamics
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Thermodynamics is fundamental to mastering chemistry concepts and understanding the energy dynamics within biological systems crucial for the MCAT. In...
DNA Replication and Central Dogma
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
DNA replication and the central dogma are fundamental concepts in molecular biology, and breaking down the different replication methods and the proce...
Psychology and Sociology Theories
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Understanding social and psychological theories is crucial for success on the MCAT, as these concepts shape everything from human behavior to societal...
Electromagnetism
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Electromagnetism is a critical component of physics, playing a pivotal role in everything from circuits to medical imaging technologies like MRIs. It ...
Functional Groups: Physical and Chemical Properties
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 bi...
Psychosocial Development and Identity
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The essentials of identity theories and psychosocial development reveal the foundational elements of human behavior and self-perception. In this episo...
Learning and Memory
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Light and Optics
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ep...
Atomic Chemistry
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Atomic chemistry is a core component of the MCAT, essential for understanding molecular behavior and periodic trends. In this episode, host Sam Smit...
The Reproductive System
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of MCAT Basics, Sam Smith discusses the reproductive system and development, breaking down essential topics for the bio and biochem se...
Genetics: Gene Expression
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore key topics in genetics, including how sex-linked and autosomal traits are inherited. We'll break down inheritance patterns...
Social Groups
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mastering the concept of sociological groups can unlock a deeper understanding of how we interact and influence each other. On top of that, social int...
Organic Chemistry Mechanisms To Know
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sam Smith will discuss and help you understand the essential organic chemistry mechanisms and reactions you may encounter when taking...
Study Types and Research Design
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Understanding study design and research variables is crucial for mastering the MCAT and in medical research. In this episode, host Sam Smith discusse...
Metabolism: Gluconeogenesis, Pentose Phosphate Pathway, and More
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we're diving deep into the nuanced aspects of metabolism that are essential yet less prominently featured on the MCAT. We'll cover gl...
Biomolecule Structure, Naming, And Function
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’ll learn the intricate world of biomolecule structure, naming, and function. We'll explore the structural nuances between glucos...
Enzyme Kinetics, Inhibition, and Categorization
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore enzyme kinetics and inhibition, key concepts for the MCAT Bio/Biochem section. We’ll cover how enzymes accelerate biolog...
Genetics: Chromosomes, Meiosis and Mitosis, and Inheritance Patterns
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we cover the foundational concepts of genetics, focusing on chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, and inheritance patterns—important topic...
Metabolism: Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, Electron Transport Chain
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Sam Smith covers the intricacies of metabolism, focusing on glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain. First, t...
Acids and Bases
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Acids and bases are foundational topics in chemistry, crucial for understanding various biological and chemical systems you'll encounter in the MCAT. ...
The Nervous System
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A foundational topic for the MCAT is the nervous system, appearing in several exam sections and impacting everything from neurotransmission to brain s...
Amino Acids
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Amino acids are the building blocks of life and an essential topic for the MCAT. In this episode, host Sam Smith takes us through the key concepts of ...
Gluconeogenesis
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of the body's key survival mechanisms is gluconeogenesis, a vital metabolic process, and the body's clever way of making glucose when supplies are...
Electron Transport Chain
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The electron transport chain is a fundamental pathway in biochemistry, critical for understanding the energy production that powers cellular function....
Fluid Statics
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This MCAT Basics episode covers fluid statics (fluids standing still). It begins with different fluid properties, including surface tension, vapor pre...
The Muscular System
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This MCAT BAsics episode covers the muscular system. It begins with the differences and similarities between the three types of muscle (smooth, cardia...
Social Stratification
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This MCAT podcast covers social stratification. It begins with a definition and examples of many terms related to social stratification and inequality...
Classic Psychology Experiments
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we delve into classic psychology experiments –relevant to the Psych/Soc section of the MCAT. We cover a range of significant studie...
The Cell Cycle
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the different phases of the cell cycle: Interphase (G1, S, G2) and the M phase (mitosis). Next, we discuss the regulation ...
Isomers
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we delve into three common types of isomers that you are likely to encounter on the MCAT: structural isomers, geometric isomers, and ...
Emotion and Motivation
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we cover motivation and emotion–key concepts that will show up in the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior...
Cardiovascular System + Fluids
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we focus on the cardiovascular system and its connection to fluid mechanics. Beginning with an exploration of cardiovascular anatomy,...
Translational Motion
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast addresses translational motion. First, vectors are covered. Then, the variables of acceleration, velocity, and position are discussed. Ne...
Cell Organelles
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast explores cell organelles, organized into five categories: organelles found in all cells, eukaryotic cells, plant and bacterial cells, hum...
Kinetics and Solubility
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast discusses chemical kinetics and solubility. It begins with an exploration of kinetics, including the general concept, collision theory, r...
Atomic Chemistry
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This lecture covers basic quantum theory, quantum numbers, hybridization, types of bonds, and nuclear decay. Please email me if you have any comment...
Genetics: Chromosomes, Meiosis and Mitosis, and Inheritance Patterns
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast is the first in a series of lectures covering genetics. I cover the following topics: brief history of basic genetic principals, evolutio...
The Respiratory System
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This MCAT podcast covers the respiratory system. First, I cover the anatomy of the respiratory system. Then, I dive into its main functions: Gas exch...
Introducing MCAT Basics+
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
MCAT Basics+ covers the highest yield science content tested on the MCAT in even greater depth and clarity, helping you study smarter and achieve your...
The Krebs Cycle
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most fundamental biochemical processes is the Krebs cycle. This metabolic pathway plays a critical role in both the Chem Phys and Bio/Bioch...
Glycolysis
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, guest host Alex Starks introduces the Metabolism series by examining glycolysis, a fundamental biochemical pathway for energy product...
Biosignaling
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we focus on biosignaling and cover how cells communicate through systems like voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels, using real...
Gas Phase
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, guest host Alex Starks dives into Gas-Phase Concepts for the MCAT. He breaks down the physical properties of gases, explores the idea...
The Lymphatic System
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we focus on the lymphatic system, a crucial topic for the Bio/Biochem section of the MCAT. We'll cover the structure of the lymphatic...
Psychological Disorders
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into psychological disorders, a crucial topic for the Psych/Soc section of the MCAT. We’ll start by defining what a psychol...
The Respiratory System
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we cover the respiratory system, an important topic for the MCAT Bio/Biochem section. We'll go over the anatomy of the respiratory sy...
DNA Mutations and Repair
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In 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 mutatio...
Social Institutions
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 institu...
Aromatic Compounds
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 com...
Aging
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
Personality
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we focus on personality and the theories relevant for the MCAT. We’ll cover key perspectives, such as psychoanalytic theory, huma...
Molecular Structure and Absorption Spectra
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we cover molecular structure and the key spectroscopy techniques you need to know for the MCAT. We'll explore the intricacies of Nucl...
The Doppler Effect
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Doppler Effect is a crucial concept for the MCAT, particularly in the Chemistry & Physics section. We'll explore how the Doppler effect occurs...
Viruses
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we cover the topic of viruses. We explore a comprehensive range of subtopics including the definition and structure of viruses, their...
Work and Energy
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we cover the topic of work and energy. We’ll start off by talking about work, which includes the mathematical and conceptual defini...
Fat and Protein Metabolism
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’ll nail down all that is needed for the MCATB in relation to fat and protein metabolism. Two critical processes for gaining ener...
Social Norms & Deviance
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Social norms and deviance as covered in the MCAT is a fascinating topic, and in this episode, we'll break down the intersection of social norms—folk...
Population Genetics
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we discuss population genetics and see how genetically related individuals share the same alleles, delving into the mechanisms of gen...
Common Hormone Axes
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we'll explore three crucial hormone axes: the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axi...
The Excretory System
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is packed with essential high-yield information for your MCAT prep, covering the biological, physiological, and psychological aspects of ...
The Endocrine System
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’ll cover crucial aspects such as hormones, their origins and mechanisms of action, and the various structures within the endocri...
The Digestive System
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we'll break down the intricate processes of nutrient digestion and absorption, from the mechanical and chemical digestion in the stom...
Electrochemistry
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of MCAT Basics, we’ll cover Electrochemistry. We start with the role of salt bridges in electrochemical cells and cover the intricac...
Biological Membranes
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This MCAT Basics podcast covers biological membranes. First, the podcast introduces a few topics regarding membranes: what they are, how they are form...
Adenosine Triphosphate or ATP
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’ll talk about ATP or adenosine triphosphate. We will begin with a detailed examination of ATP's structure and composition as a...
Intelligence
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the topic of intelligence, which is primarily featured in the psychology and sociology section of the MCAT. We cover sever...
Redox Reactions: Reduction and Oxidation
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Redox reactions or reduction and oxidation are reactions in which electrons are simultaneously transferred from one chemical species to another. This ...
Sound and Hearing
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we focus on the physiology of sound and hearing. We begin by exploring sound-related concepts, including sound waves, pitch, ultrasou...
Physiology and Perception of the Eye
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast focuses on the eye. It begins with a brief overview of the eye's anatomy and physiology. The discussion then shifts to rods, cones, and t...