Hey D Wade
THanks for the info!
In regards to studying for exams, I wonder how much we need to read from the books. For example, for my psych major I dont read the book at all since the notes cover everything. In med school, do people read the book, the notes, or both. I imagine that it depends on the class.
You hit the nail right on the head, it does vary class to class.
Here is DWade's super-secret and foolproof guide to each class you encounter in first year:
Biochemistry
This year the class was a joke; no telling whether they will increase the difficulty next year. You can pass and probably score at least in the high 80s without reading the book; you may even be able to get high 90s. I personally like the Lippincott's book tho (used it in undergrad) and because I think biochem is pretty cool I actually read the book for some of the course.
Conclusion: Only read the book if it interests you or as a reference for when you don't understand a concept.
Genetics
No book required, nuff said. Dr. Werner has his own notes for molecular genetics and the medical genetics stuff I just read the slides. Don't bother with the book, waste of money and time.
Conclusion: Exnay on the ookbay.
Cell Biology
Dr. Warren will give you his own notes and test straight from there. For the boards I picked up a secondhand copy of BRS Cell bio and histology.
Conclusion: Playoffs??!!?
Anatomy
You NEED to get an Atlas. Not maybe, you NEED to get an atlas. Doesn't matter which one as long as it works for you. You also will probably have required readings in Moore's Clinical Anatomy but hold off on buying it to see whether they will cover the material in class or if you can make copies. Moore's is a useful reference but I didn't buy it, I inherited it and many don't buy it. Flash cards may also be beneficial, and the embryology book by Langman is a MUST if you don't understand the complexities of Pitx2 expression.
Conclusion: Atlas for sure (edition doesn't matter, could get it from AMSA), probably the embryo book (buy an older cheaper edition), maybe Moore's and flashcards.
Histology
Don't buy a book. Please don't. Dr. Clark will give you sufficient material to learn. If you are anal buy the BRS Cell bio and histo book for boards.
Conclusion: "George Bush doesn't care about black people"
Microbiology
Don't buy the recommended text unless it is Clinical Micro made Ridiculously Simple. That book doesn't correlate well with the class but is useful as a reference and also is great for boards.
Conclusion: Clinical Microbiology Made Simple (older edition if possible)
Immunology
I didn't buy or read the book and I aced the class, mainly because immunology isn't very fact-based. However, because immunology is so conceptual consider buying some sort of text if you find yourself lost in class. I recommend either Langman's Micro and Immuno Review (dense but great for boards) or the required text which is relatively straightforward and has diagrams.
Conclusion: Buy a text if you don't understand the teachers explanation of concepts.
Pathology
Robbins is required and IMO is a good read when I find time to read it. It is a huge book and will serve you well as a reference for the rest of your career if you go into any sort of primary care. Others hate it and think it is too dense; some prefer the Pocket Robbins which is more portable or BRS Pathology (which I personally dislike). Either way you can ace the class without reading a book. But for boards you will need something extra.
Conclusion: No book for class, either Robbins or BRS Path for boards. Also Robbins Question Book for boards. Get used whenever possible.
Cell Physiology
You probably will need the book but trust me, buy it from a second-year. No one wants to keep it and you can get it dirt cheap. It is written by the professor and corresponds exactly with the lecture material. I am willing to sell my copy (hint, hint)
Conclusion: You should buy it USED. Don't waste 30+ dollars on the book.
Pharmacology
I used my powerpoints and First Aid occasionally. Katzung is recommended but I never touched it and did fine. Others bought it and complained about it. Some like it, so read it through and see if it suits you. Buy it used because many want to get rid of it.
Conclusion: Nothing, Katzung if you really like it.
Neuroscience
I already had the recommended Bear textbook (used at UM undergrad neurobiology class). It is a great read but very dense and demanding of time invested. Consider, however, that for many neuroscience can be very challenging to understand and many of the teachers tailor their lecture to the book. For neuroanatomy Dr. Clark's notes are sufficient, although if you want a good book to read look at Goldberg's Neurobio made Simple or High Yield Neuroanatomy (buy USED)
Conclusion: I recommend Bear but you can do well without it.
Cardiology
The cardiovascular physiology book is a must but buy it cheap and used, becasue like the cell physio book the lectures are taken directly from it and then it is not very useful. First Aid and BRS Physiology also correspond very well with the course material and can summarize the major concepts.
Conclusion: Cardiovascular Physiology by Mohrman and Heller is def read. BRS Physio IMO is recommended and useful for boards but get USED.
Don't forget to get an older edition of First Aid to glance at throughout your modules.
-DWADE
ALWAYS BUY USED!!!
(sorry, I just noticed the super duper smilies)
