Biochemistry

[I'mJustCurious]

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So I heard biochemistry is very important for the MCAT. I'm about to finish my first semester of biochemistry in a few weeks and then probably get into MCAT mode. Not sure if my biochem course at my university was the best so I was wondering if there are other ways to learn biochem (recommend textbooks, websites, ect) before I get into my MCAT prep. Thanks.

 

[Cotterpin]

What are you planning on doing for MCAT prep? If you get a set of prep books, there will probably be one dedicated to biochem and I imagine that would fill in any blanks for you. I used the Kaplan book set and I felt very well prepared (got a 517.)

 

[I'mJustCurious]

What are you planning on doing for MCAT prep? If you get a set of prep books, there will probably be one dedicated to biochem and I imagine that would fill in any blanks for you. I used the Kaplan book set and I felt very well prepared (got a 517.)

For my MCAT prep I was going to buy the Kaplan book set. You think that would be good enough to make sure I'll do well on the MCAT?

 

[Cotterpin]

For my MCAT prep I was going to buy the Kaplan book set. You think that would be good enough to make sure I'll do well on the MCAT?

I used the Kaplan book set and then did as many full-length practice exams as I could get my hands on and it worked out for me, but everybody's different and it probably depends largely on how you study. Content review and practice, practice, practice is my best advice.

 

[0dee]

I suggest taking a glance at the major prep companies and see which one works best for you. For example, I couldn't for the life of me spend one hour studying from a Kaplan book, but TBR worked wonders for me. So it all depends on your style of studying.
Also, AK lectures on YouTube, the dude is a medical student that goes over major biochemistry topics in lots of detail.

 

[NeedACar]

I can second Kaplan as a way to learn biochem. I also (co-incidentally) got a 517 using their books + EK/Kaplan/AAMC full lengths

 

[Dagrimsta1]

Content review will only take you so far... You need to make sure you can properly interpret and read the passages! Many questions are more intellectual than strictly fact recall. Keep that in mind in your studies. I found reading scientific articles (and I mean REALLY dissecting them) extremely helpful.

 

[aldol16]

If you need help on any one topic in particular, I highly recommend the Lehninger textbook. It's the best book on biochemistry I've seen that is written for non-chemists. (If you're a chemist, the structures and mechanisms will definitely disappoint you). It's concise and clear.

 

[Kr#36]

Content review will only take you so far... You need to make sure you can properly interpret and read the passages! Many questions are more intellectual than strictly fact recall. Keep that in mind in your studies. I found reading scientific articles (and I mean REALLY dissecting them) extremely helpful.

What resource did you use to find scientific articles? I've heard this advice from several places and would like to incorporate it into my schedule. However, I haven't found a site that allows me to read articles about a wide range of topics for free.

 

[Dagrimsta1]

What resource did you use to find scientific articles? I've heard this advice from several places and would like to incorporate it into my schedule. However, I haven't found a site that allows me to read articles about a wide range of topics for free.

Stick to science and Nature. Two excellent and relatively easier sources. I believe science articles are free last I checked. The reason they are easier I think Is because of their high impact factors. The research tends to be more impactful on society more applicable to real life, and more complete because of the rigorous standards to publish. Our professor would sometimes choose articles from PNAS and they would be killer.

As for which articles to read, do yourself a favor and pick the ones you think you'll find most interesting. The content is less important than actually the dissection and understanding of it.

Again this is the method I used and I recommend it.