What to use for biochem?

[USArmyDoc]

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Guys,

I looked at the recommended book list for Step 1, but I can't seem to find a consensus on Biochem. Some say FA is sufficient others say RR biochem. This is a weak point in my knowledge base.

So what is the definitive answer for the following subjects:

Biochem
Immunology
Micro

Thanks guy

 

[lankysudanese]

if you can get a hold on the first book (volume 1) in the Kaplan Home Study series then you will be set. this volume consists of biochem, cell bio, micro and immunology. the chapters are complete, detailed and well-organized. biochem was a weak subject for me, but after going over the biochem chapters in detail, i ended up being very comfortable tackling biochem question.

Good Luck

 

[BabyPsychDoc]

Guys,

I looked at the recommended book list for Step 1, but I can't seem to find a consensus on Biochem. Some say FA is sufficient others say RR biochem. This is a weak point in my knowledge base.

So what is the definitive answer for the following subjects:

Biochem
Immunology
Micro

Thanks guy

Biochem was my weak point, too, with my performance being below average on two paid-for NBMS forms. I studied biochem using Goljan's notes, Clinical Biochem Made Ridiculously Simple and FA. The result: 238/99, with an asterisk in Biochem!

Immunology for my test was well covered in FA + Goljan.

CMMRS is a fine resourse for micro.

Good luck!

 

[Pathinterpreter]

What does one asterisk means. (that's on your test score, right?). (Didn't know it has any meaning)

 

[BabyPsychDoc]

Asterisk means off the scale to the right.

 

[NDsUltimateJugg]

Lanky, are you referring to the 4 book series? Or that 7 book series? I just obtained the 4 book set and the book 1 I'm looking at sounds like what you're referring to. I haven't flipped through it at all yet seeing as how I'm mid-finals, and am trying to decide if I need to go out and get RR Bchem or what.

 

[riverie]

Biochem and micro were my weak points too. I just took the test today.

Biochem - RR was a little overkill, but it helped me brush up on my basics. Also skimmed HY, but that was rather basic. Nearing the test, just focus on FA and the stuff you anotated from RR.

Immuno - not sure, I had a good foundation from undergrad. Know your immunodeficiencies!

Micro - oh micro how I love to hate you. Used HY micro to get a foundation; thought it was excellent. But for quick and dirty review and absolutely high-yield stuff right before the exam, focus on FA.

 

[KECKington]

Lanky, are you referring to the 4 book series? Or that 7 book series? I just obtained the 4 book set and the book 1 I'm looking at sounds like what you're referring to. I haven't flipped through it at all yet seeing as how I'm mid-finals, and am trying to decide if I need to go out and get RR Bchem or what.

Did you buy them new? or would old editions suffice? I am taking it 2009 but want to start studying now. IS the 2005 too old and should i just get the 2007?

 

[ASDIC]

I found USMLE Road Map Biochemistry to be an excellent book for biochem. They have good tied in clinical correlates and its written in a nice outline form.

 

[lankysudanese]

Lanky, are you referring to the 4 book series? Or that 7 book series? I just obtained the 4 book set and the book 1 I'm looking at sounds like what you're referring to. I haven't flipped through it at all yet seeing as how I'm mid-finals, and am trying to decide if I need to go out and get RR Bchem or what.

4 book series.

 

[lankysudanese]

Did you buy them new? or would old editions suffice? I am taking it 2009 but want to start studying now. IS the 2005 too old and should i just get the 2007?

I bought the books new. I ended up using the 2005 edition for my 10/25/07 test b/c the 2007 editions were not out. If you can get your hands on the 2007, then I would highly recommend it.

 

[Knicks]

4 book series.

What about the 7 book series (2006-2007 Edition)?

 

[darkmansaad]

i used the 7 book series along with First Aid to finish off the week before the exam. I did not get an asterisk however my score all the way to the right. The kaplan biochem book i used had a lot of detail and was extremely hard to get through for me, especially the molecular biochem but on the exam I thought i did extremely well with the subject matter thrown at me. UsmleWorld is also really good as I only got 58% of their biochem questions right but after reading explanations and answers, also felt very qualified to tackle biochem on the boards

 

[lankysudanese]

What about the 7 book series (2006-2007 Edition)?

I can't comment on these books since I didn't use them, but I have 2 friends who used the 7 book series and also did very well (>255).

 

[KECKington]

I can't comment on these books since I didn't use them, but I have 2 friends who used the 7 book series and also did very well (>255).

Wait what did you get if you dont mind me asking?

It may determine which books I get. I would love to get a >255!😱

 

[UCLAstudent]

First Aid is not enough. I liked Rapid Review Biochem. It is a little bit too detailed, but I feel like it gave me a good foundation. Use it to annotate First Aid.

 

[Ursus Martimus]

Although lengthy the BRS Biochem has all kinds of clinical correlations which are perfect for boards. They are embedded in the text as boxes so you can see the relevant pathways of need be.

 

[mm3781]

I personally liked the format of lippincott's review biochemistry book. I can't really compare it to others since it is all I used, but it served me well. It has fairly good pictures to illustrate pathways and covers just about everything you need to know. It is a bit of an extended read, so I would start with it earlier rather than later.