Problem with Biochem and its importance

[The One Who Knocks]

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Hi all,

I am currently taking Biochemistry, and unfortunately, I was forced to take the class with a notoriously horrible professor on campus. Believe me when I say, I am not the type of student to complain about a professor, but she may be the worst teacher I have ever had. Her lectures are unorganized, unnecessarily complicated, and I honestly feel like I haven't learned a single thing since entering her class (most has been a review from Cell Bio, but I am not sure it is supposed to be). She does not use slides, and instead, comes in and simply talks.

I am quite afraid since many people have told me Biochem is very important for the MCAT, and I feel as though I am not adequately learning the material. We have not discussed any "pathways" in Biochem yet. My question is, is Biochem heavy on rote memorization of pathways and the like? Are the pathways themselves the most important for the MCAT? I am hoping so, since these should be relatively easy to self-study for after this class is over with.

I am worried on how to move forward. How are the MCAT Prep books in Biochem preparation? If I study those closely, will I be okay?

Thanks for the help, it is much appreciated.

 

[deleted407021]

Amino acids are the most important biochem material from the MCAT, by my estimation. While you have to memorize the names (including 3 and 1 letter names), you must learn their properties in different pH solutions, how they'll behave relative to one another, what conformation a given poly-peptide will take based on its residue sequence, how a mutation will affect said conformation, among other things. Additionally, coopertivity within globular, tetrameric proteins like Hgb is also very important.

 

[endoplasmiceggplant]

.

 

[rilte4]

As far as the MCAT, Khan Academy videos are an excellent starting point. Don't watch them for the purpose of memorizing minutiae from the start, but more for getting a feel for where you should be focusing your efforts. Doing a few KA videos first will give you a better eye for what's important when you dive into books.

 

[Goro]

Yes.
My question is, is Biochem heavy on rote memorization of pathways and the like?


In your current situation, you're simply going to have to either go have lots of chats with the Professor, or do a lot of self-learning.

 

[studentdocftw]

Learn on your own. Use a test prep company, you'll be fine.

 

[BigChief]

Not sure what textbook you use in class, but check out Principles of Biochemistry by Nelson and Cox very well written and informative. Sorry about your ****ty teacher.