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 medschoolcoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:54) How the MCAT asks questions about functional groups

(02:01) Physical vs. chemical properties

(04:09) Alcohols: Structure and classification

(06:13) MCAT questions related to the physical properties of alcohols

(10:03) MCAT question examples related to boiling points

(11:54) Biological reactions involving alcohols

(34:23) Reactivity of carbonyl-containing functional groups

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 Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development, this episode helps make sense of the MCAT’s approach to personality and identity development.

Visit medschoolcoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:04) Psychosocial development and identity

(01:42) The different theories of identity formation

(01:57) Basic ideas regarding identity and self-concept

(08:29) Erikson's psychosocial development theory

(16:47) Testing strategies and MCAT questions

(17:57) Freud's psychosexual development theory

(24:01) Piaget's stages of cognitive development

(28:15) Kohlberg's theory of moral development

(32:42) Cooley's looking-glass self

(33:21) George Herbert Mead's the I and the Me

(34:34) Vygotsky's social development theory

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 medschoolcoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:03) How brain structures support learning and memory

(02:39) The role of memory in learning processes

(03:20) How the information processing model explains memory

(16:28) Types of learning: latent, observational, and conditioning

(17:48) How observational learning works in social contexts

(18:23) Overview of classical and operant conditioning

(34:44) MCAT Advice of the Day