Sam Smith

Sam completed his Bachelors of Science in Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. Following his graduation, he worked at the National Institutes of Health Vaccine Research Center studying HIV. Meanwhile, with a microphone in his garage, Sam founded the MCAT Basics podcast. The podcast has grown to become the top rated MCAT podcast on iTunes. In addition to podcasting, Sam enjoys the outdoors, sports, and his friends and family.
  • MCAT Basics PodcastThe MCAT Basics Podcast

    Immune System: Adaptive

    This podcast covers the adaptive immune system. First, I introduce the cells that make up the adaptive immune system. Then, I break down the two branches of the adaptive immune system: 1) humoral immunity, 2) cell-mediated immunity. I end by…

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    Immune System: Innate

    This podcast covers the innate immune system. First, I introduce the cells that make up the innate immune system. Next, I discuss three important aspects of the innate immune system: 1) anatomical barriers, 2) general inflammatory response, 3) the complement…

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    Separation & Purification Techniques

    This podcast covers several common separation and purification laboratory techniques that you may see on the MCAT. I have broken this subject down into three different categories: small molecules, proteins, and cells. Within the small molecule category, I cover: extraction,…

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    Circuits

    This podcast covers DNA replication and central dogma. First, I breakdown DNA replication, discussing: conservative, semi-conservative, and dispersive replication, and the DNA replication mechanism. Then, I discuss transcription and translation, including differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, mechanisms, and cellular location.…

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  • MCAT Basics PodcastThe MCAT Basics Podcast

    DNA Replication and Central Dogma

    This podcast covers DNA replication and central dogma. First, I breakdown DNA replication, discussing: conservative, semi-conservative, and dispersive replication, and the DNA replication mechanism. Then, I discuss transcription and translation, including: differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, mechanisms, and cellular location.…

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    Bonus Episode Interview: Kathryn Henshaw

    I interview Kathryn, an MCAT tutor for Medschoolcoach. She runs the @thepremed Instagram page and was a top scorer on the MCAT. We talk about designing a study schedule, study habits, CARS, taking a gap year(s), and answer Q/A’s from…

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    Thermodynamics

    This podcast covers thermodynamics. First, I discuss the four laws of thermodynamics, as well as their application on the MCAT. Then, I break down enthalpy, Gibbs free energy, and entropy (briefly). Lastly, I cover the three types of heat transfer:…

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    Cell and Tissue Types

    This podcast covers cell and tissue types. First, I discuss the difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. I further break down these categories and talk about the differences between animal, plant, fungi, protozoa, archaea, and bacterial cells. Next, I talk…

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    Renal Physiology

    This podcast covers renal physiology. I start with a brief introduction to renal anatomy, then discuss in detail renal physiology. Next, I introduce three hormones (ADH, aldosterone, and ANP) that effect the kidneys and discuss their effects on the nephron.…

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    Psychosocial Development and Identity

    This podcast covers identity and psychosocial development. First, I will define a few terms you may see on the MCAT regarding identity. Next, I will breakdown the following theories of identity development: Erickson’s psychosocial development theory, Freud’s theory of psychosexual…

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