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 sensitivity in diagnostic tests. This episode also covers common study limitations and biases, helping you sharpen your critical thinking skills for exam day.

Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro

(01:22) Types of variables seen in studies

(03:10) Correlation and Pearson correlation coefficient

(05:38) Causation vs. correlation

(07:16) Confounding variables: Examples and impact

(08:55) Odds ratio and study applications

(11:00) Validities in experiments

(16:20) Specificity vs. sensitivity in diagnostic tests

(19:13) Types of studies: Experimental and observational

(31:32) Single blind vs. double blind studies

(32:58) Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)

(35:57) Research limitations and study bias

(45:39) MCAT Advice of the Day

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 gluconeogenesis, the pentose phosphate pathway, and ketone body generation—topics that, while subtle, play a crucial role in your comprehensive understanding of biochemistry.

We'll explore how your body manages glucose levels, the functions of NADPH, how glycogen is synthesized and broken down, and the metabolic adaptations during periods of low glucose.

Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(01:54) Pentose phosphate pathway overview
(02:42) Functions of NADPH in the body
(03:35) Difference between NADPH and NADH
(04:34) Key points to know about the pentose phosphate pathway
(07:01) Insulin and glucagon: hormonal regulation of blood glucose
(09:00) Effects of insulin & glucagon on the body
(10:48) Glycogen synthesis & breakdown
(15:51) Glycogen debranching enzyme and breakdown of branched chains
(18:49) Bypassing irreversible steps in glycolysis during gluconeogenesis
(21:19) Regulation of gluconeogenesis
(22:25) Ketogenic amino acids and their role in ketone body formation
(24:04) MCAT advice of the day: reading journal articles

In this episode, we’ll learn the intricate world of biomolecule structure, naming, and function. We'll explore the structural nuances between glucose and fructose and unravel the complexities of glycosidic linkages in sucrose. We'll also examine the vital roles of fatty acids, the composition of triglycerides and phospholipids, and their impact on cell membrane architecture and fluidity. Plus, we discuss cholesterol's bidirectional regulation of membrane stability and the contrasting roles of LDL and HDL in cardiovascular health.

We’ll dive into the essential structures and functions of steroids and nucleotides, as well as the fundamentals of DNA and RNA structure and the importance of ATP. We'll also look at the unique properties of sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, and signaling molecules like eicosanoids.

So, tune in as we break down these critical biomolecules that form the foundation of life and are essential knowledge for the MCAT exam.

Visit MedSchoolCoach.com for more help with the MCAT.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Intro

(01:03) Overview of Biomolecule Structure and Importance

(02:37) Steroid Structure and Function

(06:36) Nucleotide Structure and Function

(12:02) DNA Structure and Bonding

(16:30) Carbohydrate Structure

(19:53) Disaccharides and Polysaccharides

(24:47) Fatty Acids and Phospholipids

(28:57) Cholesterol and Its Role in Membrane Fluidity

(31:27) Sphingolipids and Their Functions

(33:02) Eicosanoids: Signaling Molecules

(38:12) Heme Groups and Their Functions

(41:12) Molecule Entry into Cells

(44:12) MCAT Advice of the Day