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 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, breaking down the chemical shifts and spin-splitting essentials for understanding hydrogen and carbon bonds in various compounds. You'll learn how to identify functional groups using Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and how mass spectrometry can help determine molecular weights and identify unknown compounds. We'll also touch on UV-Vis spectroscopy and its role in quantifying compounds based on absorption spectra.

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(00:00) Intro

(01:50) Introduction to absorption spectra and molecular structure

(01:52) Absorption spectroscopy and its applications

(03:39) IR spectroscopy: Analyzing functional groups with infrared radiation

(07:57) Key IR peaks to know for the MCAT

(09:52) Visible light and its role in determining compound color

(10:57) UV-Vis spectroscopy: Connecting visible and ultraviolet light for compound analysis

(14:06) Quantifying compounds using UV-Vis spectroscopy and Beer's Law

(16:48) Mass spectrometry: Determining molecular weight and identifying compounds

(22:18) Interpreting mass spectrometry graphs and calculating molecular weight

(26:44) NMR spectroscopy: Understanding molecular structure through proton shifts

(31:23) Key NMR shifts to know for the MCAT

(33:21) Spin splitting in NMR and the n+1 rule

The Doppler Effect is a crucial concept for the MCAT, particularly in the Chemistry & Physics section. We'll explore how the Doppler effect occurs when a wave source moves relative to an observer, affecting the observed frequency and wavelength. Using practical examples like an ambulance speeding towards you, we'll bring these concepts to life.

We'll also break down the Doppler effect equation, examining what it reveals—and what it doesn’t—about wave behavior. By the end of this episode, you'll have a solid understanding of The Doppler effect and will be ready to tackle any related questions on the MCAT.

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(00:00) Introduction to the MCAT Basics

(02:09) Conceptual Explanation of the Doppler Effect

(03:55) Example: Doppler Effect with an ambulance

(04:55) Speed of sound and wave propagation

(05:31) Impact of ambulance motion on sound wave speed

(06:37) Relationship between wave speed and frequency

(07:30) Detailed explanation of sound frequency

(08:45) Introduction to the Doppler Effect equation

(10:08) Proportionality in the Doppler Effect equation

(11:08) Discussion on wavelength and frequency relationship

(12:29) Application of the Doppler Effect equation

In this episode, we cover the topic of viruses. We explore a comprehensive range of subtopics including the definition and structure of viruses, their life cycles, and the differences between transduction and transfection. We also discuss virus classification, viral mutations, and subviral particles. This material will primarily appear in the Bio/Biochem section of the MCAT.

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Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] Introduction

[01:57] Definition of a virus

[02:55] Virus structure

[10:41] The viral life cycle

[17:34] The bacteriophage life cycle

[21:40] The retrovirus life cycle

[21:40] The retrovirus life cycle

[27:11] Virus classification

[32:09] Viral mutation

[40:31] Subviral particles