MCAT Basics

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Latest Episodes:

Translational Motion Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

This podcast addresses translational motion. First, vectors are covered. Then, the variables of acceleration, velocity, and position are discussed. Next, the host discusses the relationship between those three variables. Finally, it covers free fall, projectile motion, air resistance, and friction.

The example link for this segment is provided here: Geogebra Example

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Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] MCAT Tutoring from MedSchoolCoach

[00:34] Welcome to MCAT Basics

[01:06] Topics covered in this episode

[01:57] What is translational motion

[04:08] Vectors

[14:21] Velocity, acceleration, and position/displacement

[20:08] The relationship between acceleration, velocity, and position

[34:53] Free fall and projectile motion

[44:40] The four equations to know for projectile motion

[47:20] Air resistance and friction

Cardiovascular System + Fluids Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we focus on the cardiovascular system and its connection to fluid mechanics. Beginning with an exploration of cardiovascular anatomy, the discussion covers various aspects of the heart: its function, contraction mechanism, the diverse cell types found within it, and its essential role in regulating blood pressure.

Finally, in the latter part of the episode, several fluid mechanics topics pertinent to the MCAT and their application to the cardiovascular system are addressed. These include total peripheral resistance, viscosity, the continuity equation, and the Bernoulli equation, offering insights into their relevance in understanding cardiovascular dynamics.

Visit www.HealthAdmissionsIQ.com for more help with the MCAT.

[00:00] Intro

[02:32] Circulatory system overview

[08:48] Blood's journey from the heart through systematic circulation

[11:49] The reason the heart needs one-way valves

[15:14] The path of blood flow through the body

[16:52] Function of the heart

[22:21] QRS complex

[24:24] Cells that make up the heart

[28:33] Hormonal control of blood pressure and its relationship to the heart

[40:39] Application of physics fluids to cardiovascular system

[43:31] Peripheral resistance

[48:38] Viscosity

[51:54] Continuity equation

[55:02] Bernoulli equation

Emotion and Motivation Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we cover motivation and emotion–key concepts that will show up in the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section of the MCAT.

We start with the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. We then go into various theories including evolutionary, arousal, drive-reduction, incentive, three needs theory, Maslow’s hierarchy, and the correlation between harmful behaviors like addiction and motivation.

Lastly we get into emotion, covering its three components, the relationship between emotion and the brain, and an array of theories including evolutionary, James-Lange, Cannon-Bard, Schachter-Singer, Lazarus, and facial feedback theories. Additionally, we discuss the influence of culture on emotion and delves into emotional disorders.

Visit www.HealthAdmissionsIQ.com for more help with the MCAT.

Jump Into the Conversation:

[00:00] Introducing MCAT Basics

[02:09] Defining Motivation

[03:00] The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation

[04:30] Theories of Motivation - Evolutionary, Arousal, Drive-reduction, Incentive, Three Needs and Maslow’s Hierarchy,

[19:30] The correlation between harmful behaviors like addiction and motivation.

[26:07] Defining emotion

[27:50] The psychological, cognitive, and behavioral components of emotion

[31:11] The theories of emotion - evolutionary perspective of emotion, James Lang theory, the Cannon Barr theory, and the Schachter Singer theory.

[41:09] The facial feedback theory

[46:28] Emotional disorders that you're most likely to see on the MCAT- depressive disorders anxiety based disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorders.

The Respiratory System Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

This MCAT podcast covers the respiratory system. First, I cover the anatomy of the respiratory system. Then, I dive into its main functions:

Gas exchange (breathing mechanisms here too)
Thermoregulation
Particle filtration
pH control

Lastly I talk about how the respiratory system is controlled.

Thanks for listening!

Genetics: Chromosomes, Meiosis and Mitosis, and Inheritance Patterns Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

This podcast is the first in a series of lectures covering genetics. I cover the following topics: brief history of basic genetic principals, evolution, chromosomal theory (including mutations), mitosis and meiosis, and inheritance patterns.

Thanks for listening!

Atomic Chemistry Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

This lecture covers basic quantum theory, quantum numbers, hybridization, types of bonds, and nuclear decay.

Thanks for listening!!

Kinetics and Solubility Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

This podcast discusses chemical kinetics and solubility. It begins with an exploration of kinetics, including the general concept, collision theory, rate laws, and the Arrhenius equation. Next, it delves into solubility, covering the general concept, solubility product (Ksp), the common ion effect, selective precipitation, and Henry’s law.

Visit www.HealthAdmissionsIQ.com for more help with the MCAT.

Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] MCAT Tutoring from MedSchoolCoach

[00:34] Welcome to MCAT Basics

[01:06] Topics covered in this episode

[02:37] What is general kinetics

[08:53] Collision Theory

[11:08] Rate Laws

[21:15] Arrhenius Equation

[28:00] What is Solubility

[32:08] Solubility Product (Ksp)

[43:49] The Common Ion Effect

[45:22] Selective precipitation

[48:35] Henry’s Law

Biosignaling Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we focus on biosignaling and cover how cells communicate through systems like voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels, using real-world examples such as neuronal signaling and muscle contraction.

We also break down the role of enzyme-linked receptors, specifically receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and explore how these pathways are involved in cell growth and cancer. Additionally, we take a detailed look at G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their role in activating secondary messenger systems like cyclic AMP (cAMP).

Visit www.HealthAdmissionsIQ.com for more help with the MCAT.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(00:32) Overview of Biosignaling

(01:05) Introduction to Biosignaling and its Importance

(01:49) Stimulus-Response Concept: Fight or flight, glucose homeostasis, transcription regulation

(02:34) Voltage-Gated Ion Channels: Activated by changes in membrane potential

(03:29) Action Potential: Sodium channels and signal propagation

(05:01) Ligand-Gated Ion Channels: Role in neuron-to-neuron signaling

(06:01) Muscle Contraction: Acetylcholine's role in skeletal muscle contraction

(07:29) Misconception on Calcium: Sodium initiates muscle cell depolarization, not calcium

(08:33) Enzyme-Linked Receptors: Focus on receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs)

(09:39) RTKs and Cancer: How RTK signaling pathways are linked to cancer

(12:00) G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCR): Structure and function of GPCRs

(14:43) Adenylate Cyclase and cAMP: Role of GTP in activating adenylate cyclase and producing cAMP

(18:10) Quiz Question 1: Ion specificity in potassium channels

(22:54) Quiz Question 2: Hypertension treatment and G-protein pathways

(25:00) Biosignaling as the foundation for cellular responses

Glycolysis Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, guest host Alex Starks introduces the Metabolism series by examining glycolysis, a fundamental biochemical pathway for energy production. The discussion covers glucose digestion, the role of insulin and glucose transporters, and the step-by-step breakdown of glucose within cells. Alex also offers a detailed explanation of how glucose is processed to generate energy and outlines the key reactions involved. This episode provides a thorough overview of glycolysis offers valuable study strategies for mastering this topic on the MCAT.

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Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:08) Overview of metabolism and starting the series

(02:41) Digestion and absorption of glucose into the bloodstream

(04:10) The liver’s role in glucose transport and GLUT2

(05:05) The role of insulin in glucose uptake by muscles and fat cells

(07:48) Trapping glucose in the cell with glucose phosphorylation

(09:32) Glycolysis Step-by-step breakdown of glycolysis

(17:41) NADH and ATP production during glycolysis

(22:30) Pyruvate and NADH fates in anaerobic and aerobic respiration

(25:12) Quiz: Metabolism quiz and study tips for the MCAT

The Krebs Cycle Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

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/Biochem sections of the MCAT, so understanding it is key.

In this episode, our guest host, Alex Starks, walks us through the transformation of pyruvate into acetyl CoA via the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex (PDC). We’ll explore how thioester bonds help transfer energy within the cycle, how acetyl CoA combines with oxaloacetate to form citrate, the difference between enzymes like synthetases and synthases, and how GTP is produced. We’ll also make connections to the electron transport chain and discuss how the TCA cycle influences blood pH through CO2 production.

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Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:05) Recap of glycolysis and pyruvate

(02:45) Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC)

(03:40) Role of acetyl CoA in the Krebs cycle

(05:37) How citrate is formed

(07:17) How isocitrate is formed

(10:00) How alpha-ketoglutarate is formed

(13:42) How succinate and GTP are formed

(16:28) How succinate, fumarate and oxaloacetate are formed

(18:23) Fumarate converted to malate