Quality of TBR for Biochem

[655703]

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After the first couple administrations of the exam it seems like people are really beginning to favor TBR given how much biochem there was and how extensively TBR goes into the nitty-gritty details of biochem.

My question: do you (future test-takers and especially those who took the April exams) really think we need THAT much detail? I'm talking about knowing every step of every pathway, the structures of all common biomolecules like NAD/FAD/CoenzymeA -- that kind of detail.

I'm under the impression, still, that the MCAT tests basic science knowledge in complex and varied situations, not the nitty-gritty specifics that TBR focuses on.

What do you all think? Thanks in advance!

 

[Abraxas305]

Most of the passages are quality. The text however, is not really up to my liking which is why I'm reading selectively from a textbook.

 

[nomdeplume1234]

I think TBR is missing some things which is why I would be wary in relying too heavily on their books alone. For example, in their treatment of enzymes they only go over competitive/non-competitive without discussing the other types.

 

[655703]

I think TBR is missing some things which is why I would be wary in relying too heavily on their books alone. For example, in their treatment of enzymes they only go over competitive/non-competitive without discussing the other types.

This is a good point. Unfortunately, the last thing that I want to hear is that TBR is MISSING some information. In my opinion they cover so much minutiae that it's hard enough to filter out what we actually need to know v.s. what they put in their books simply to "cover all bases." I'd like to hear, for those who have read through the chapter on metabolic pathways, how in the hell they made sense of what is important v.s. what is extraneous (without using other more streamlined resources like EK).

 

[isgianati]

I am using two books and following the AAMC syllabus...so, if TBR misses something, generally, my other book has it. I have never taken a biochem course and am wondering if it will completely screw me over. I mean, it doesn't seem like the material is so hard. Mostly, it's just the jargon that is a bit confusing. What do you think?

 

[blahblahpremeds]

Being someone who took two semesters of Biochem, I can say that the subject is not conceptually difficult. There are a few principles to keep in mind when dealing with reactions/metabolic pathways. Usually, given these, the patterns are predictable (somewhat unlike Orgo). I am also using TBR, but I've heard Kaplan BC is a excellent. Any thoughts on Kaplan BC?

 

[Avicenna]

is this from the old TBR bio review books? Or have they released new ones with biochem. I bought a 2013 TBR set hoping the new mcat won't be wildly different

 

[655703]

is this from the old TBR bio review books? Or have they released new ones with biochem. I bought a 2013 TBR set hoping the new mcat won't be wildly different

Yes I believe that one is fine. I think TBR said that they're not updating their books any time soon.