Book Description

* Succeed in the Clerkship, Impress on the Wards
* High-Yield Topics
* Student-Recommended Resources, Opportunities, Scholarships
REAL ANSWERS TO CLERKSHIP QUESTIONS
* The only student-to-student, step-by-step guide to clerkship success
* Detailed how-to-succeed and what-to-study guidance from emergency medicine clerkship vets
* Hundreds of recently tested high-yield topics from shelf exams and the USMLE Step 2
* Insider tips for outstanding performance from students who’ve been there
* "Classifieds" do the research for you, featuring high-yield Websites and top extracurricular opportunities and scholarships
* Tear-out cards with essential emergency medicine concepts in pocket-ready format
The Student-to-Student Guide
* Discover med students’ “secret weapon” for the clinical clerkship
* Impress on the wards and succeed in the clerkship
* Get answers to shelf-exam questions from students who passed
* Save time with high-yield topics, mnemonics, and pocket-ready reminders
* Apply the First Aid formula for clerkship success! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A must-have book for young ecologists
This is a wonderful book. As a graduating senior in Ecology, I can say that there is no way I could have completed my research without this book. Krebs is cited in journal articles constantly, and there is a reason - this reference work is thorough, well written and gives many examples to follow. I also recommend the EcoMeth software mentioned in the text, it is well worth the cost. Just browsing through the book will give you ideas on how to analyze your data. It even provides wonderful advice for those just in the process of setting up their experiments. All in all, it's top notch!

Excellent reference text
Krebs' text is a thorough and outstanding reference for any ecologist. This is is the ideal balance of technical background and practical application of methods commonly used in ecology. Ive found other sources either too cursory or far too involved with derivations of formulae, etc. Krebs hits the major points for the methods he discusses, describes the strengths and weaknesses, and gives the original citations (for most) so the reader can seek more information if necessary. ... Read more

Book Description

This best-selling majors ecology book continues to present ecology as a series of problems for readers to critically analyze. No other text presents analytical, quantitative, and statistical ecological information in an equally accessible style. Reflecting the way ecologists actually practice, the book emphasizes the role of experiments in testing ecological ideas and discusses many contemporary and controversial problems related to distribution and abundance. Throughout the book, Krebs thoroughly explains the application of mathematical concepts in ecology while reinforcing these concepts with research references, examples, and interesting end-of-chapter review questions. Thoroughly updated with new examples and references, the book now features a new full-color design and is accompanied by an art CD-ROM for instructors. <P>The field package also includes The Ecology Action Guide, a guide that encourages readers to be environmentally responsible citizens, and a subscription to The Ecology Place (www.ecologyplace.com), a web site and CD-ROM that enables users to become virtual field ecologists by performing experiments such as estimating the number of mice on an imaginary island or restoring prairie land in Iowa.For college instructors and students. ... Read more

Book Description

The Ph.D. Process offers the essential guidance that students in the biological and physical sciences need to get the most out of their years in graduate school. Drawing upon the insights of numerous current and former graduate students, this book presents a rich portrayal of the intellectual and emotional challenges inherent in becoming a scientist, and offers the informed, practical advice a "best friend" would give about each stage of the graduate school experience. What are the best strategies for applying to a graduate program?How are classes conducted?How should I choose an advisor and a research project? What steps can I take now to make myself more "employable" when I get my degree?What goes on at the oral defense? Through a balanced, thorough examination of issues ranging from lab etiquette to stress management, the authors--each a Ph.D. in the sciences--provide the vital information that will allow students to make informed decisions all along the way to the degree. Headlined sections within each chapter make it fast and easy to look up any subject, while dozens of quotes describing personal experiences in graduate programs from people in diverse scientific fields contribute invaluable real-life expertise. Special attention is also given to the needs of international students.

Read in advance, this book prepares students for each step of the graduate school experience that awaits them. Read during the course of a graduate education, it serves as a handy reference covering virtually all major issues and decisions a doctoral candidate is likely to face. The Ph.D. Process is the one book every graduate student in the biological and physical sciences can use to stay a step ahead, from application all the way through graduation. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

What you've always wanted to know about graduate school...
This is the first book I've seen that deals with the opportunities and challenges of being a graduate student in the sciences in a fair and equitable fashion. You'll find neither university-specific recruitment cheerleading nor intellectual snobbery in this book, just what the reality of life is like for students in graduate school. And make no mistake - this reality is very personal. From choosing a graduate school to tying up the loose ends of your dissertation, this book explains just what you can expect from this exhilarating, unnerving, and sometimes overwhelming experience. I wish this book had been available when I was applying to graduate schools! I highly recommend it to anyone, whether they are simply considering going to graduate school or are weeks away from a defense date.

Being a graduate student in the sciences can be very isolating, and reading about other students' experiences that echo your own (especially in other universities around the country) provides a sometimes much-needed perspective on both your feelings and your attitudes about your current work and your upcoming career. If you are considering a Ph.D. in the sciences, READ THIS BOOK.

Great Introduction to Graduate School
I am a senior in college and I've just finished the graduate school application process. Although I have been exposed to graduate school life at my university, I just bought this book to get a complete review of the whole process. I think this book does a great job explaining every step from chosing a school to writing a dissertation. It was nice to read this book before I go to graduate school because now I know exactly what to expect.
The quotes from students are very helpful and you get an honest opinion of what students are thinking about graduate school. It might have been nice to have a longer chapter about the application process itself, how the schools notify you if you'ce been accpeted, how long you should wait before you can assume you didn't get in etc. All in all though, this is a very informative book. Although I haven't actually started graduate school yet, I would reccomend this book to anyone considering applying.

For Science, Engineering, and Computer Science Grad Students
The following was copied from another website's review of The Ph.D. Process, and I think it describes the book perfectly:

Graduate school in science is not an experiential extension of undergraduate education, where the passing of a sufficient number of courses usually guarantees one a degree; nor is it medical school or law school, where there is a delineated and set curriculum. Ph.D students are actually pretty much on their own--and they will sink or swim depending upon their own interpretation of how the system works.

The purpose of this book is to provide students with some insight into this unusual system. The authors--each a Ph.D. in the sciences--reveal the generally unspoken "rules" of the game. They offer the secrets of survival and success: What should you discuss in your application essay? What types of research advisors should you avoid? What kinds of research projects should you never undertake? How hard do you have to work? Are grades important? What steps should you take now to make yourself "employable" when you finish? What decisions can make or break your career? How can you network in the scientific community? What goes on at the oral defense, and how can you prepare?

Described also is the daily experience itself: research life, classes, seminars, journal clubs, lab meetings, interactions with peers and professors, qualifying exams, professional meetings, oral exams, dissertation preparation, etc. Anxiety, frustration, and joy-- all normal responses to a grad student's life--are also examined. (In quotes sprinkled throughout the text, numerous past and present grad students relate their individual experiences and emotions during their doctoral training.) A separate chapter is devoted to the special problems of foreign students, strangers to our culture and educational system.

There are many intellectual and emotional challenges inherent to becoming a scientist. This book prepares students for each stage of the experience. They will learn what to expect--socially, psychologically, and academically!

What Grad School is Really Like
The PhD process is a great overview of graduate school in the sciences. It covers most basic topics such as choosing a type of school, applying, preliminary exams, comps, thesis work, etc. Of course each school does these things slightly differently, but the main points are there and the authors do a good job of pointing out where differences between programs are likely to turn up. This book also explains things that graduate programs aren't likely to advertise such as using students as 'cheap labor' and what things to look for in an advisor other than interesting research. This is a fun to read honest book, and the anecdotes from current and past graduate students are the best part. I enjoyed reading them because so many of the same things have happened to me, and it's nice to know that I'm not alone.

I wouldn't say that I received any great insights from the book because I had some experience with academic labs before I applied to graduate school and had a pretty good idea of what I was getting into. I found it a little calming to read about others' experiences as I was waiting to get started. I think most students who apply to graduate school have already spent much time in labs with current graduate students so this might not be that useful to them as practical advise; however, I found this book to be an excellent resource for my parents. My parents had no idea what graduate school is like, and the fact that I'm at school all day and only go to class for an hour baffles them to no end. Reading this book helped them to understand the structure and goals of graduate school. Though I still don't think they understand journal club. (Why would anyone join that club? It doesn't sound like very much fun.)

I recommend this book to grad students for their parents or to undergraduates who aren't sure if graduate school is the right path for them. This book gives great insight into what graduate school is really like.

Required Reading
This book should be required reading for anyone applying to gradutate school in the sciences (physical or biological). A quick read of the text will give one plenty to think about before making the big decision. The earlier you read it the better off you will be. The most important reading regards selecting an advisor. I am in the process of completing my degree and in hind sight agree with the issues on which the author has choosen to focus. ... Read more

Book Description

For many applications, a randomized algorithm is either the simplest or the fastest algorithm available, and sometimes both. This book introduces the basic concepts in the design and analysis of randomized algorithms. The first part of the text presents basic tools such as probability theory and probabilistic analysis that are frequently used in algorithmic applications. Algorithmic examples are also given to illustrate the use of each tool in a concrete setting. In the second part of the book, each chapter focuses on an important area to which randomized algorithms can be applied, providing a comprehensive and representative selection of the algorithms that might be used in each of these areas. Although written primarily as a text for advanced undergraduates and graduate students, this book should also prove invaluable as a reference for professionals and researchers. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A subtle introduction to probablistic algoritms
This book is a jewel. It demonstrates how clever and beautifully simple probabilistic ideas can lead to the design of very efficient algorithms. I like its very verbal intuitive style,
with proof strategies being always transparently explained.
For computer scientists, this is *the* reference work in randomized algorithms, by now a major paradigm of algorithms design. For classical probabilists, this
could serve as an eye-opener on unsuspected applications of their field to important areas of computer science.

An enciclopedia for randomized algorithms.
The book has an exoustive amount of algorithms. Not everything is proved. Sometimes the proof contains to few steps to be understood. There are many algorithms explained well. After reading this book it is easy to create your own randomized algorithms.

extremely informative but obscure
I've taken two CS classes that use this book and I always felt like this book was very informative. The algorithms and concepts that Motwani brings forth are extremely insightful and interesting. However, the presentation of the proofs has a lot of room for improvement. Notation is carried over from previous chapters and is sometimes unexplained, which makes it very difficult for someone who does not have a lot of familiarity with the material presented. The book presents very interesting topics and leaves a lot of open (unresolved) questions to the reader's curiosity and challenge.

A very good high-level survey of Randomized Algorithms
I have just completed a graduate course using this book. At times the book is a bit terse (not necessarily a negative!) and overall I can highly recommend it.

Wolf Bein, UNLV ... Read more

Book Description

Sure to become the backbone of a diverse range of academic programs in the health professions! Epidemiology as a discipline has evolved over the years from a relatively obscure field in public health and preventive medicine to one that has gained increased prominence in all the health sciences, including health education, health administration, environmental health, allied health, and nursing. This comprehensive, user friendly, and academically sound textbook covers the basic principles and methods of epidemiology in such a way that will appeal to a broad range of undergraduate and graduate students in the health professions. Beyond its clear, concise writing, Essential Epidemiology offers unique pedagogic aids, such as an algorithm to help students identify epidemiologic study designs, a discussion of problems students typically encounter in calculating and interpreting incidence rates, and annotated step-by-step solutions to numerical problems. In addition, the text introduces topics sometimes ignored in other texts, such as hybrid studies, the controversy surrounding the use of hypothesis testing versus confidence intervals, and the differences between rate and risk measurements. Helpful features contained in each chapter include: 1) highlighted learning objectives and a brief overview; 2) study questions and practical exercises; 3) bulleted summary to stress key points; 4) list of key terms, all boldfaced within text; 5) useful tables and figures to clarify important material; 6) boxed exhibits with engaging supplementary information; 7) sample problems with step-by-step solutions to illustrate essential calculations; and 8) easily remembered mathematical symbols to aid memorization of formulas. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent and practical overview of epidemiology
This is an excellent epidemiology book. It gives a good overview of epidemiology and has a practical slant to it. The things I like about it:
* It's easy to read and understand. It has a non-academic style of writing that's easy to follow.
* It not only explains what the different epidemiological parameters are, but teaches the reader how to calculate them. Case studies are then given demonstrating the calculations with finer points highlighted and explained.
* The organisation of topics in the book is logical and clear. Much better than previous epidemiology texts I've read. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

One of the best text books I've read yet...
I have the new 5th edition. As a nursing student this text has been extremely easy to read and understand the concepts. It keeps you interested in the information with practical examples and lively dialogue and includes helpful memory tips. It also comes with a cd-rom and access to a web site that really help you study and review the material. My only complaint is the chemistry chapter (Chpt. 2) is a little long and dry but then that is probably due to the subject matter and not the author. I would highly recommend it to anyone!

Anatomy
Good book for the basics. Very helpful for those who wouldlike to learn more about basic anatomy.

anatomy in a few words
This book was verey good for many of the areas that I wanted to learn about. It did lack a little in the basics and in defining word roots. over all this was one of the better anatomy books that I have used. ... Read more

Book Description

In one, easy-access loose-leaf manual, the Dieticians Patient Education Resource Manual supplies totally up-to-date dietary guidance on over 40 essential nutrition topics, from health eating for specific population groups (women, children and older adults) to weight management and cardiovascular fitness, to diet related health conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, kidney disease, diabetes and more.You get: Ready-to-copy nutrition handouts-all specially designed for patients with limited reading ability A choice of English or Spanish language versions of each handout A choice of two low levels of literacy (third and sixth grade) for most handoutsBy copying these forms from the loose-leaf volume, or printing them from the companion CD-ROM on your computer, you can: Quickly and easily reinforce verbal instructions given during the patients visit Provide your patients and their families with a quick reference that can be taken home Motivate patients to achieve improved self-care and compliance Document the patient education your supply with our Tracking Form by including it in the patients file Stay up-to-date in the latest nutrition strategies with annual updates from leading nutrition expertsDieticians Patient Education Resource Manual lets you quickly and easily create customized patient handouts to address specific health or nutrition needs.Just slip the handy companion CD-ROM into your computer and you can instantly generate a customized patient education handout.Add to the existing textadd individualized instructionsor tailor the forms with slip art or your facilitys logo or contact information.The options are limitless and the effort required is minimal.For Orders and Inquiries, please call: 1-888-427-5800. ... Read more

Book Description

Within the past decade, molecular systematic methods have been applied in most fields of biology to provide an evolutionary framework whenever comparisons are made among individuals, populations, or higher taxa. The first edition of Molecular Systematics became a standard reference for this vigorous field by describing each aspect of the planning, execution, and analysis of a molecular systematic study. The new edition updates and expands this coverage, and includes considerable information on new molecular techniques and methods of analysis.

Molecular Systematics includes chapters on sampling design, the collection and storage of tissues, each of the major molecular techniques, and intraspecific and phylogenetic analysis. The sampling chapters describe how to plan a study and how to collect, transport, and store the appropriate tissues for each study. The techniques chapters cover principles, assumptions, applications, limitations, and protocols for isozyme electrophoresis, molecular cytogenetics, DNA hybridization, the polymerase chain reaction, restriction site and fragment analysis, and nucleic acid sequencing and alignment. Advantages and disadvantages of alternative approaches are discussed for each technique, and recent developments (such as new methods of fluorescent in situ hybridization, rapid screening methods for detecting DNA sequence variation, automated sequencing methods, new approaches for PCR, and microsatellite analyses) are detailed. Three additional chapters cover the rationale and methodology of molecular data analysis at both the population and interspecific levels, and provide information on using and obtaining the relevant computer programs (including the many programs available for free across the Internet). The chapter on phylogenetic analysis has been considerably expanded to include the latest developments in maximum likelihood analysis, spectral analysis, methods for reconstructing reticulating networks, corrections for complex models of sequence evolution, and methods for assessing confidence in phylogenetic results. The book also includes discussion of processes of molecular evolution, experimental molecular studies, molecular simulations, the molecular meaning of homology, and limitations and applications of the molecular clock hypothesis.

This edition of Molecular Systematics will provide new insights and is an important reference work for established investigators, as well as a comprehensive introduction for newcomers to the field. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

simply brilliant
Hillis gets down to the nitty gritty right away in this information packed book. The text is very readable and he goes into some detail on the methods used to reconstruct phylogenies from sequence data. He pulls no punches in describing the weaknesses and strengths of each method, and further offers insight as to where the field is headed and what we can expect in future analyses as genomic and EST databases become ever larger.

In short, this is a detailed overview of using sequence data to test evolutionary hypotheses. It is an essential part of your bookshelf as an evolutionary biologist. Highly recommend!

What is Molecular Phylogenetics?
This book does not tell anything about sequence alignment.
Except this 'little problem' it is a good book anyway.
But do you think that sequence alignment is not an important issue in molecular phylogenetics?

review of Molecular Systematics
Molecular Systematics is the best general text on population and evolutionary genetics I have read. It provides sufficient depth to give adequate understanding of molecular phylogenetics and molecular population genetics data for most purposes. The broad research behind the work makes it an excellent starting point for finding journal articles on specific subjects within this field. The only drawback to the book is that it is five years old and the field is quite fast moving. Hopefully a new edition will appear shortly. ... Read more

Book Description

Picture a childhood void of the joyful images and sensations we associate with play--a childhood lacking in curiosity, diversity and symbolic meaning--a childhood without playmates or friends.Children on the autism spectrum are among those who face serious challenges learning how to play in both social and imaginative ways.

But no longer do these children have to remain lost souls on the fringes of playgrounds and other social gathering places.In Peer Play and the Autism Spectrum: The Art of Guiding Children's Socialization and Imagination, Pamela Wolfberg turns her award-winning research into a practical manual for practitioners and caregivers seeking to address the unique and complex challenges children on the autism spectrum experience.

This practical guide offers an introduction to the basic principles, tools and techniques that comprise the Integrated Play Groups model, designed to support children of diverse ages and abilities on the autism spectrum (novice players) in mutual play experiences with typical peers and siblings (expert players). Small groups of children regularly play together under the guidance of an adult facilitator (play guide) through a carefully tailored system of support.The emphasis is on maximizing children's developmental potential as well as intrinsic desire to play, socialize and form meaningful relationships with peers.At the same time, an equally important focus is on teaching the peer group to be more accepting, responsive and inclusive of children who relate and play in different ways.This innovative book is full of forms, checklists and other tools to facilitate implementation. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent, Practical and Refreshing
This book is an excellent practical resource for promoting play in children with autism or ASD. This book begins from a philosophy that incorporates and respects all children. It provides numerour practical resources and instructions for setting up integrated play groups. It incorporates research and resources. A refreshing book I can't wait to apply to children with ASD in my occupational therapy practice ... Read more

Book Description

* Unlike most books on the topic, this one utilizes a "top down" approach--general concepts are presented first and details follow
* For the most user-friendly and clear style possible, formulas and equations are used when necessary, but mathematics does not overwhelm the presentation ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Excellent home-schooling text
My two sons both used this book to help them understand their high school physics. It fills in some of the gaps that other books leave. The approach is unique, especially because the author lets the reader know that study is necessary in order to learn any subject. The text questions are helpful.

Good basic overview
Good basic overview of basic physics concepts (and the math behind them). Practice problems are useful as well.

Not a self teaching guide.
This book has a lot of material that makes it worthy to be called a reference book, but as a self teaching guide it really comes up short. There is quite a bit of math (which is good in a physics book), but too little in the way of helping someone new to physics really understand the concepts. I considered returning this book for a refund, but decided to hang on to it for future reference. I think it will be useful to me after I've used some other book(s) to help be learn the fundamentals.

Lots of math, too little physics
I bought this book to help me cram for a physics final and was disappointed by the book's content. The author devotes a large portion to many basic math concepts which can be helpful if you need to brush up. However, once I got to the real physics, it was just a brief overview of the simple topics. Most of the concepts are there but he does not go into them in more detail. For example, he does not go into at all 2D kinematics which I was looking for. Also, concepts like torque and springs are ignored. Overall, this book is best for those who want an introduction into physics.

Good quizzes and tests
This book is unique because of its "Part Zero" section on mathematics. I already knew this stuff (I learned it in high school) but the author says "Take what you can use and skip the rest." The quizzes and tests are in-depth and cover the subject well. I like this book. It does not assume I am stupid and it does not talk down. ... Read more

Book Description

The third edition of this popular introductory text maintains the character that won worldwide respect for its predecessors but features a number of enhancements that broaden its scope, increase its utility, and bring the treatment thoroughly up to date. It provides complete coverage of the statistical ideas and methods essential to students in agriculture or experimental biology. In addition to covering fundamental methodology, this treatment also includes more advanced topics that the authors believe help develop an appreciation of the breadth of statistical methodology now available. The emphasis is not on mathematical detail, but on ensuring students understand why and when various methods should be used.New in the Third Edition:"A chapter on the two simplest yet most important methods of multivariate analysis"Increased emphasis on modern computer applications "Discussions on a wider range of data types and the graphical display of data"Analysis of mixed cropping experiments and on-farm experiments ... Read more

Book Description

The 1986 publication of Manipulating the Mouse Embryo catalyzed the interaction between molecular biology and mammalian embryology. For the first time, detailed instructions on how to begin applying recombinant DNA technology to important questions about mammalian embryonic development were made available to a broad audience. The gathering pace of such studies in recent years has brought improvements to existing methods and fueled the creation of new and powerful technologies. The second edition of this classic manual has been completely revised and expanded to incorporate these advances. It contains new sections on the production and analysis of transgenic mice, the manipulation of preimplantation embryos to generate chimeras, the culture and manipulation of embryonic stem cells, including gene "knockouts," and techniques for visualizing genes, gene products, and specific cell types. As before, included with the protocols is a summary of current understanding of mouse development at a molecular level. In its new edition, this manual of proven distinction is again an authoritative and comprehensive source of technical guidance for experienced investigators and an essential resource for newcomers to mammalian genetics and embryology.

Please see the companion videos to this manual:

-Transgenic Techniques in Mice
-Targeted Mutagenesis in Mice ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Manipulating the Mouse Embryo
This book is essential for all who work in the transgenic and knockout mouse industry. Everything you need to know to begin, maintain, and analyze your transgenic or knockout facility is in this book. I have not required any other refernces to run my facility or perform my experiments. The books cover topics such as setting up the mouse colony, to microinjecting, to in situ hybridization, to preparing any solutions you made need. ... Read more

Book Description

_______

This review is ideal for medical students & residents who are looking for the ultimate board review book for the **USMLE Steps 2 & 3**. Students who are preparing for these exams and are thinking about a residency in medicine, as well as internal medicine residents will ALSO be way ahead of the game when it comes time to sit for their **MEDICINE BOARDS**, that one last boards you’ll take in your third year of medicine residency. This book is concise, thorough, and fully-outlined, so you will clearly see the relationships between all the concepts you’ll have to know. It also features tons of great MNEMONICS you’ll thank your lucky stars for.

Speaking of stars, we know you’ll appreciate our ample use of formatting, especially the use of ***STARRED ITEMS*** which highlight all the recently asked and most commonly asked material on the exam. You should know that this book is an excellent companion to the Frontrunners’ INTERNAL MEDICINE 2004 Q&A REVIEW: Self-Assessment & BOARD REVIEW, which features over 1200 Q&A to prepare you for your boards.

If you’re a mnemonics fan (and who isn’t when there's so much to know?), or like the ones here, then you’ll definitely want to check out TURBO MNEMONICS FOR THE BOARDS 2004: Memory Aids to Commonly Asked CLINICAL Material You GOTTA Know for the USMLE & Medicine Boards. It features OVER 400 truly excellent mnemonics that, we promise, will make your life a whole lot easier. At the same time these resources are outstanding study aids for medical students, residents, internists, and other health care professionals who simply want the best no-nonsense review of internal medicine. Originally designed as the syllabus for the FRONTRUNNERS' INTERNAL MEDICINE BOARD REVIEW COURSE, this book remains today much of the same core material for the board review course, which has seen unparalleled pass rates among its students on the boards. The course has been widely and enthusiastically received for its unconventional, no-nonsense approach to the review of internal medicine.

All major subsections of the exam have been represented with each section bearing its own chapter. Aren’t you tired of reading and rereading (or even falling asleep!) amid long-winded paragraphs from standard textbooks that never make it clear what’s important to know for the exam? So were we, and that’s how this book came into being. This book is completely outlined, so that the relationship between concepts is CRYSTAL CLEAR—no more guessing! You’ll also find tons of key mnemonics you’ll definitely be using on your exam, along with CONTRIBUTIVE FORMATTING through the use of bolds, underlining, italics, boxed-in points, and of course, the ***STARRED ITEMS*** to help call your attention to particularly important material, that the boards like to ask--an outstanding way to capitalize on those last few hours before your exam.

Having said all this, we also realize that there are individuals who have, over the years, grown weary of tedious self-study and who want to take advantage of a sit-down, "feed-me" style of board review, with all the same core material, slides, cases, and more, even if the syllabus can come to them. For this reason we continue to offer our formal WEEKEND MARATHON BOARD REVIEW, covering 18 hours of intensive internal medicine review of all the subspecialties over 1 Sat/Sun. 9 hours each day. Fast paced. High yield items only. Typically the first weekend in August. Don't miss it! Call 866-MDBOARD or 866-IMREVIEW for enrollment details and dates or to order any of our OTHER board review materials, including: 1) TURBO MNEMONICS FOR THE BOARDS, featuring > 400 anagrams and other mnemonics to markedly improve the efficiency of your board review studying; or 2) the Q&A REVIEW, featuring > 1200 Q&A, see the "Quick Order Form" at the very end of this book or just call 866-MDBOARDs or!866-IMREVIEW to order OR inquire. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

We're ALREADY Recommending It
My friend and I studied together last year, using Nail the Boards as our primary study aid, and we both did really well. There was a ton of stuff on the exam right from the book, and a well-organized, completely-outlined format saved us a lot of time. The mnemonics were great we got a lot of points on the exam from those alone. Tables and algorithms were equally well-chosen. The index is well-designed too and made it easy for us to look up specific topics where we were weak. She and I would recommend this review book for sure. The 2002 edition is actually even better. I'm recommending it now to my second and third year residents who are preparing for THEIR exam and am very happy I learned about the book before my exam.

EXCELLENT REVIEW ! * * * * *
I used this book for my step 3 and did very well, so I'm recommending it highly to any of my friends or anyone still looking. I used the starred items to cram a couple hours before the exam and got a ton of points just from those! I also used ALOT of the memory aids from the book on my exam! My friend used it for her step 2 as well and did great, but for step 3 I can definitely say you GOTTA have it.

THANK MY LUCKY 'STARS'...
I TRULY want to 'thank my lucky stars'. I went thru all the starred items in the book, which are all the most commonly-asked material on the boards, then went thru everything in detail, and finally reviewed the starred items only 2 days before the exam and scored 98%ile on my USMLE 3. I got TONS of questions just from those starred items. So, truly, I'm thanking my lucky stars. The 2nd & 3rd year residents are using it for ther medicine boards curriculum as part of our in-house board review. I guess I'll be ahead of the game. Anyway, I'm giving it a HUGE RECOMMEND.

EXCELLENT BOOK
This is an excellent book. This book was a major part of my success on Steps 2 AND 3. I support it whole-heartedly. From my experience, if you want to PASS USMLE STEPS 2 AND 3, this book is a MUST. Guaranteed, you will do much better than your fellow-mates.

Without a doubt, the best
Without a doubt, the best feature of this book is the STARRED items (*) which basically gives you all the commonly asked material on the exam. For me, it was a gold mine. I went thru all of the starred items the day before my exam. I know I got an extra 20-30 points on my STEP 3 from those items alone. Like one of the other reviewers, I also thought the Frontrunners q&a companion was a great way to prepare. It also had alot of stuff right out of the exam. ... Read more

Book Description

This is the second edition of a highly successful textbook (over 50,000 copies sold) in which a highly illustrated, narrative text is combined with easy–to–use thoroughly reliable laboratory protocols. It contains a fully up–to–date collection of 12 rigorously tested and reliable lab experiments in molecular biology, developed at the internationally renowned Dolan DNA Learning Center of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, which culminate in the construction and cloning of a recombinant DNA molecule.

Proven through more than 10 years’ of teaching at research and nonresearch colleges and universities, junior colleges, community colleges, and advanced biology programs in high school, this book has been successfully integrated into introductory biology, general biology, genetics, microbiology, cell biology, molecular genetics, and molecular biology courses.

The first eight chapters have been completely revised, extensively rewritten, and updated. The new coverage extends to the completion of the draft sequence of the human genome and the enormous impact these and other sequence data are having on medicine, research, and our view of human evolution. All sections on the concepts and techniques of molecular biology have been updated to reflect the current state of laboratory research.

The laboratory experiments cover basic techniques of gene isolation and analysis, honed by over 10 years of classroom use to be thoroughly reliable, even in the hands of teachers and students with no prior experience. Extensive prelab notes at the beginning of each experiment explain how to schedule and prepare, while flow charts and icons make the protocols easy to follow.

As in the first edition of this book, the laboratory course is completely supported by quality–assured products from the Carolina Biological Supply Company, from bulk reagents, to useable reagent systems, to single–use kits, thus satisfying a broad range of teaching applications. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

spotless
This book is the best book on the subject on the market. The subject matter is juxtaposed by easy yet informative experiments that can be carried out in a normal scholastic setting. I hear the writers are all hotties. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (16)

Easy General Overall Read
When Things Start To Think
By Neil Gershenfeld

When Things Start To Think was a very interesting overview from the authors personal point of view on of what happens when technology meets the traditional social world that we live in. Much of it is derived from Gershenfields own knowledge as he explores the world of new technology. He admits to discussing thoughout the book about his ground breaking experience with Yo-yo Ma, and how much of his experience is derived around his years in the Media Lab. Emerging from these detailed stories, such as how marries music with technology, we start to understand that his efforts is a vision of a future that is much more "accessible, connected, expressive, and responsive."

Gershenfield touches on many various areas of technology from wearable computers, to The Big Blue chess playing super computer, to the future of money. He attempts to cover massive amounts of ground on this huge topic of progressive and intelligent technology that some might not consider this book a very in-depth read. However, I would consider it a wonderful overview for those who are interested about the development and evolution of unique technologies that have inspired us to dream about the future. These dreams help us to envision what possibilities can be done when science, curiosity, and desire to create collide.

I don't think that Gershenfield meant this book to be a scholarly one at all, but it was a more causal, easy, and fun read for all to enjoy on a low- tech level. Overall I thought it was a enlightening story on Gresherfield's experiences, and he does drive home the idea that as technology develops out of it's "adolescence" it's important to bring it closer to people so that it's less obtrusive and more useful.

Bossy Refridgerators?
An excellent book for the layperson to understand where computing is headed and where the lines between life sciences and technology blur. Gershenfeld makes it easy to understand how our lives will be affected by the incredible advances we are making in all fields of science. This book belongs on the shelf right along side Kurzweil, Norman and Metcalfe. It will round out our comprehension of the future, both near and farther out on the horizon. I learned about PEM three-dimensional printers and how they will help us model our ideas. I learned about the all too easy use of buzzwords such as "fuzzy logic" to confuse the public into thinking something "new" is happening. I learned a great new definition for religion-"Beliefs about our existence that are not falsifiable have a central place in human experience-they're called religion." And I learned about a great place for students of all backgrounds to work together for fun and maybe even profit-the Media labs at MIT. And I found an answer to a question that has long been bothering me. "Marvin Minsky believes that the study of artificial intelligence failed to live up to its promise, not because of any lack of intelligence in the programs or the programmers, but because of the limited life experience of a computer that can't see, or hear, or move." Anyone with even a hint of questions about the future and what it might hold for us should pick up this book. It is marvelous reading, despite the weight of the subject matter!

Do things have rights, too? Oh, Yeah!!!
Can you imagine books that can change into other books so all you need is one book or a pair of computerized shoes that communicates through your body network? "When Things Start to Think" is a book written by Neil Gershenfeld, director of the Media Lab at MIT that will let you get a head start for people who are interested in future technology development. The book gives a really good discussion on the digital evolution and answers three hard-to-answer questions: what are things that think, why should things think, and how will things that think be developed? Gershenfeld starts each chapter (idea) with a brief introduction and history background of the idea (technology). Then he discusses further into the development and current issues that are relatively close to the topic and maybe transforming it into a new concept with a little brainstorming.

Gershenfeld not only focuses on future technology development, but he also criticizes the perception that people have toward computers today. He suggests that people need attitude adjustment since the technology development is growing at an incredible rate. Digital money or smart money is an excellent example since everyone now does digital money transactions on-line. How do we adjust our attitude since we are rapidly changing from atom-money to bit-money? Gershenfeld has a very unique point of view. He also gives a fascinating opinion on why things should think, especially he proposes three rights for things: "have an identity, access other objects, and detect the nature of their environment" (Gershenfeld, 1999, p. 104).

"When Things Start to Think" is an easy-read book for people who not only looking for possible future technology development, but also are interested exploring the concepts and algorithms behind them. I found this book is very interesting and inspired me to explore further on the idea of "the personal fabricator" and the three rights for things. Some ideas he talks about in the book are very interesting, such as the wearable computer and the books that can change into other books. Some idea reminds me of another science fiction book "He, She and It." People might be excited and fascinated by these new ideas, but at the same time there is also one question we should ask ourselves: Are we ready? I would love to hear updated information of news experiments or ideas from Gershenfeld.

A tour of the future....
When I first read the book, I was astonished at how intuitive everything was - well explained, well thought out, and extremely well written.

I still look at the newspaper on my coffee table and wait for the day that it can do the tricks that the author suggested! If you're into technology, and are even remotely involved with the internet, this book is for you...

And it will be for your children.

Computers are for people...not the other way around.
The author of this book is clearly of the opinion that the "Digital Revolution" is more of what he calls a 'disinformation campaign'. His arguments are to the effect that computers and gadgets need to be responsive to human needs, this not being the case to this date. Computers should be a suit of clothes a person can wear (literally!!) and not a straightjacket, the author seems to say. We should expect more from computers, and the Digital Revolution should be for people, not computers.

The author is definitely correct in saying this, as computers are still difficult to use for most people. The author's book is an attempt to propose remedies for this state of affairs, and some of these are highly creative, making the book very interesting to read. Some of the more clever ideas include smart paper, wearable computers, and smart money. He also overviews more exotic notions of computation, such as DNA and quantum computation. These ideas and developments are all very exciting, and no doubt most of them will come about....and soon. ... Read more

Book Description

This book provides introductory-level health education students with a solid understanding of the scope and practice of health educators historically, philosophically, theoretically, and ethically. This book continues to provide the best overall introduction to the emerging profession of Health Promotion and Education by covering the roles and responsibilities of health educators, the settings where health educators are employed, and the ethics of the profession. In addition to covering the history of health, health care, and health education, the book provides a preview of what the future may hold for health promotion and education professionals. For health education students or anyone working in health education. ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive lab manual contains a wide array of experiments without sacrificing organizational clarity and includes categories on Energy, Kinetics, and Equilibrium. All experiments have undergone significant testing before being finalized, and many microscale experiments have been added to allow for more efficient and cost-effective means of conducting experiments. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Nice lab mannual, lot experiments
this manual is highly recommended if you bought Whitten's General Chemistry text,by the way, that's really a nice textbook.
This manual is also very good. Lot of experiments organized in to many categories. But i think it will be better if it has more information on the lab instruments. ... Read more

Book Description

This text provides students as well as practitioners (engineers, technicians, physical and biological scientists, clinicians, and technical managers) with a comprehensive introduction to the field of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray microanalysis. The authors emphasize the practical aspects of the techniques described. Topics discussed include user-controlled functions of scanning electron microscopes and x-ray spectrometers, the characteristics of electron beam - specimen interactions, image formation and interpretation, the use of x-rays for qualitative and quantitative analysis and the methodology for structural analysis using electron back-scatter diffraction. SEM sample preparation methods for hard materials, polymers, and biological specimens are covered in separate chapters. In addition techniques for the elimination of charging in non-conducting specimens are detailed. A data base of useful parameters for SEM and X-ray micro-analysis calculations and enhancements to the text chapters are available on an accompanying CD.This is the third edition of this highly acclaimed text and has been extensively revised. The text has been used in educating over 3,000 students at the Lehigh SEM short course as well as thousands of undergraduate and graduate students at universities in every corner of the globe. The authors have made extensive changes to the text and figures in this edition as a result of their experience in teaching the various concepts of SEM and x-ray microanalysis. ... Read more

Book Description

Learn the secrets that set apart the successful from the average third year medical student.

Every year there are medical students that excel in their clinical clerkships while many others remain average performers.What is it that sets apart these top performers from their colleagues?Dr. Samir Desai identifies the mistakes that prevent students from reaching their full potential.These are the very mistakes that the top performers avoid.

Compiled from discussions with hundreds of attending physicians, residents, and students, this book shows you the 101 all-too-common mistakes students make.It also shows you how to avoid them so you don't fall into the same traps.Here are some of the mistakes you'll learn to avoid:

Mistakes made -
Before the rotation starts
During attending rounds
When admitting patients
When presenting newly admitted patients
On write-ups
When giving talks
- And much more

Take charge of your third year, instead of letting the third year take charge of you. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A Must for 3rd year med student!
As someone who just matched into dermatology, I can tell you that residency
program directors look closely at clerkship grades, especially for the more
competitive residencies. '101 Biggest Mistakes 3rd Year Medical Students Make
And How To Avoid Them' is a book that will help you get great clerkship grades.
When you first start rotations, it's tough. You're not always sure where you
fit in, what you should do, and how to handle yourself. That's where this book
comes in - it gives you great advice on what attendings and residents are
looking for in their students. It's done in the form of mistakes students make
year after year. The idea is if you know these mistakes beforehand, you won't
make them and you will come across as a better student. What many students
don't realize, however, is that a lot of the mistakes this book talks about are
REALLY easy to make. That's why I recommend referring to the book regularly
throughout the rotation (like on write-up or when giving talks) to train your
mind against making them. Otherwise, you'll find yourself unknowingly making
them and probably finding out you made them when your resident or attending
tells you so. By then, it may already hurt your evaluation. If you follow this
advice, work hard, and read, you will be in good shape for better evaluations.

A must have book!
Excellent book! It contained a tremendous amount of helpful information that went beyond the typical advice that I was given during rotations and that I had read. It had a great deal of information to make you become more efficient and struggle less.
One of the chapters that I gained a lot of information from was on presenting new patients. I think without these tips I would have ended up making those exact mistakes in my presentations.
The book did not go into a review of information for specific rotations like First Aid, however, by doing so this book focuses on its main purpose, doing daily work well and avoiding pitfalls.

Easy to read and full of crucial info
I am a med student who just started third year four months ago. My first rotation was Internal Medicine. During our clerkship orientation, the clerkship director recommended that we read this book. I had never heard of the book before then. He told us that if you follow the recs and tips, it will put you in line for great evals on all rotations. I can't speak for all rotations but it did the job for me during the Internal Med rotation. What was really helpful was the chapter on presenting newly admitted patients. I was really worried about presenting patients to my attending physician and resident but this book was a good guide, showing me where students have gotten into trouble before. It really helped me give good presentations from the get go. My attending physician even said that my presentation skills were better than most new students. I also liked the information on feedback (how to request it), how to set up meetings with the attending, tips to impress attendings, and suggestions for giving talks.

Must read before starting third year but don't use it alone
As an attending physician who works with and advises a lot of third year medical students, I'd like to offer students my thoughts about this book and compare and contrast this book with other guides. Currently, there are really only three books that deal with the third year of medical school. In addition to this one, there's also "First Aid for the Wards" and "How to be a Truly Excellent Junior Medical Student". All three have their strengths and weaknesses. "101 Biggest Mistakes" is a book that I recommend all medical students read at the start of the third year. Not only is it a quick read, it is really the only one that focuses on mistakes that third years make. I agree with the author when he says that these mistakes often prevent students from earning the best possible evaluation.

I have a couple of copies of this book that I hand out to my students on the first day of the rotation. Since it is a quick read, it doesn't take them long to read it. When they are done reading it, they often say to me "this is common sense" and I agree that some of the mistakes are common sense. Despite reading it, most then go on to make some of the same mistakes that are in the book. At first, this surprised me. But then I figured out why. It's because these mistakes are so easy to make that you don't realize you're making them. Now, I encourage them to read it every week - since starting this policy, they are making less of these mistakes on their write-ups, oral case presentations, talks, and attending rounds. One student told me that he read the write-up chapter every single time he wrote a write-up to make sure he didn't make any of the mistakes.

Don't get me wrong - it's not a perfect book. For example, it doesn't offer rotation-specific advice like "First Aid" does nor does it show you how to write a progress note or admit note like "How to be a truly excellent junior medical student" does. But none of these three books are perfect and that's the big take home point, in my opinion. Until that perfect book comes along, I recommend using either "First Aid" or "How to be a truly excellent junior medical student" along with "101 biggest mistakes".

101 Biggest Mistakes 3rd Year Medical Students Make: And How
This book basically picks up certain points from the First Aid for the Wards. There are not 101 mistakes..some are repeats. As well, these mistakes are common sense. DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!!! It's a waste of money. The First Aid for the Wards goes into much more detail and it has high yield facts for each rotations. ... Read more