older books

[umean2tellme]

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What do you guys think about using older versions of some books for medical school. I mainly want a cheaper version of anatomy just because nothing new can come up, but as far as biochem and histology does information in that field really change that much or can I get away with a 1-2 year old text?

 

[zenlike]

As I understand it, most students end up getting Netter's for free when they start school due to various organizations giving them to new student members.

 

[Bacchus]

According to my cell bio professor, a new edition of a text is released every 5-10 years unless something drastic happens. That said, you're 1-2 year old book will probably be as out of date as one sitting in the bookstore, wrapped.

 

[MossPoh]

I wouldn't rush out and buy books anyway. Most of the people I've talked to (excluding the PBL ones) have said they rarely use their textbooks. The few times they've needed one, they've gone down to the library or something.

But something like anatomy, probably doesn't matter. One of the best pieces of advice I think I got was to take whatever anatomy book you get and go down to a place that can do binding. Have it broken up into 3 or 4 suitable sections for your anatomy syllabus and then rebound. It cost about 20-30 dollars, reduces the weight you have to carry, and it can be in a nice spiral bound fashion that is easy to read.

I inherited my dad's old anatomy textbook but I doubt I will use it. It is more of a sentimental thing. 😉

 

[beachblonde]

I would say for histology and anatomy, older texts will be ok.

Using an older text for immunology probably will be an issue (talk about a quickly changing field), but you'll be able to get away with older issues for biochem, cell biology, physiology, and (maybe) neuroscience.

But like others have said, don't rush out to buy textbooks. I've got a lovely, $150 biochem textbook I was "required" to have, and I think I've opened it once. Talk about a waste of cash!

Edited to add: you will need atlases! I would save money on not getting textbooks and buying the most up to date atlases you can for anatomy, histology, and neuro.

 

[MossPoh]

I would say for histology and anatomy, older texts will be ok.

Using an older text for immunology probably will be an issue (talk about a quickly changing field), but you'll be able to get away with older issues for biochem, cell biology, physiology, and (maybe) neuroscience.

But like others have said, don't rush out to buy textbooks. I've got a lovely, $150 biochem textbook I was "required" to have, and I think I've opened it once. Talk about a waste of cash!

Edited to add: you will need atlases! I would save money on not getting textbooks and buying the most up to date atlases you can for anatomy, histology, and neuro.

As well as an atlas for eastern europe

 

[Punchap]

I'm in a PBL curriculum and several of my books are older editions. Really, for the most part..they are the same as the newer versions (pictures, everything). The publishers will sometimes add/edit things so they can make more $.

You can always check your older edition books against the newest ones they keep at your school's library to make sure you're not missing anything.

As for anatomy, I would try to use the book your school requires (old or new version)...I know that my school liked to use clinical-based questions from our anatomy text for tests.

 

[singinfifi]

I've looked at textbooks maybe 4 times so far this year... Histology is given to us entirely in a note packet, physiology too. OPP and CP are both note packets, anatomy is a note packet, but a netters is ESSENTIAL for at home study. (I looove the online portion). Biochemistry is all lecture notes...yeah

Don't worry too much about books. at least at NSU

 

[MossPoh]

I plan on using the same approach I us with tools. If I have to use it once then I will go to the library or borrow it. If it is twice, then I will see about buying it. If it is really expensive then maybe throw in one more time before buying it. 😛