Studying biochem without course

[davidxavi]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I am currently self-studying for the MCAT because my school doesn't offer a formal biochemistry course. I have 2015 Kaplan content review and the old 2011 Berkeley Review set. Is the Kaplan biochemistry book and the old Biology 2 book sufficient for content review? I am worried because I know review books are a light version of the content, and this is my first time learning it.

 

[Derberry]

If you are on the first time. Then you should continue what you have. But after that you could search for new one.

 

[davidxavi]

I saw other posts saying that review books are not sufficient for learning the material the first time around..any suggestions on how to self-study biochemistry?
Also, does anybody know what biochemistry concepts the old BR bio 2 book might be missing?

 

[BerkReviewTeach]

Also, does anybody know what biochemistry concepts the old BR bio 2 book might be missing?

Yes, the ones in the new BR Organic Chemistry II book. Some of these topics are found in the old Bio 2 book, but the new O Chem 2 book elaborates on the topics to the level of the new MCAT. That would be lipids, phospholipid structure, fatty acids, waxes, lipid-soluble vitamins, steroid structures, carbohydrate structure, carbohydrate nomenclature,carbohydrate reactivity, amino acid chemistry, the Strecker synthesis, the Gabriel synthesis, Amide chemistry, beta-Lactam structure, hydrophilic versus hydrophobic effects, and shortcuts for calculating the pI. The Bio 2 book addresses most of these topics, but the OC 2 book teaches how to apply the concepts and answer questions. Neither book alone is enough, but the combination is pretty solid. Read OC 2 before Bio 2 for best results.

 

[Dagrimsta1]

You'll be fine. Supplement your content review with Khan.

 

[Roayer]

Lehninger Chp 3 and Chp 6 on top of the prep books and maybe chp 5 and you would likely be alright.

 

[cyang55]

I saw other posts saying that review books are not sufficient for learning the material the first time around..any suggestions on how to self-study biochemistry?
Also, does anybody know what biochemistry concepts the old BR bio 2 book might be missing?

I would youtube any concepts you don't know. I'm even doing that in med school. Youtube will become your best friend.