Are you wondering which books you should get in your 2nd-year?
Then, this is the right post for you.
The good news is that you will need a few books to survive the year. Hence, you will save money.
In addition, none of the following books compares to the pain of reading an anatomy book. Generally speaking, they are enjoyable readings.
Biochemistry
Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Biochemistry by Denise Ferrier is the recommended book.
The students I talked to before I dove into biochemistry were quite negative towards this book. I still wonder why.
I love this book. Clear explanations, good tables, chapter summaries, and a reasonable number of review questions at the end of each chapter.
So stop wondering whether or not you should buy it. Go get it!
Physiology
Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach by Dee Unglaub Silverthorn is the reading everyone goes for.
It is an easy book to read. Good analogies whenever difficult concepts are introduced, great tables, chapter summaries and amazing pictures.
I absolutely recommend reading this book.
Guyton and Hall Textbook of Human Physiology by John E. Hall is also recommended but unless you are book geek, like me, there is no need to buy it.
I bought it just to have a reference book. No regrets.
Microbiology
Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple by Mark Gladwin is my top recommendation.
Honestly, this is a great book. The bittersweet truth is that I gave it a real try too late.
I ended up buying the book new after passing microbiology. I love the geeky pictures, the mnemonics and the simplicity of the explanations.
Give this book a fair try and you will fall in love with it. I promise you.
Medical Microbiology is the recommended book and I bought some weeks after the beginning of the school year. Not nearly as fun to read as the book I mentioned above.
I used it mostly while we were studying the bacteria and I think it is an OK book. I would not have wasted my time with it though, had I known there was a better option.
Immunology
Basic Immunology: Functions and Disorders of the Immune System is one of the many recommended books.
I must admit that I have not had the time to read this book thoroughly. However, I really like the way the information is presented. Good tables and great pictures.
Reading this book is definitely on my to-do list for the next years.
You do not need to buy it in order to pass the subject. Nevertheless, it is a good complement to the lectures/seminars and especially useful when you feel lost regarding a certain topic.
Trust me, these are all the books you need to rock your 2nd-year.
Some students choose to not read the recommended books and manage to pass every single subject with fairly good grades. According to them, the lecture materials are good enough.
In the end, you do whatever you are more comfortable with.
Every piece of advice should be taken with a pinch of salt. Including mine.
