Reading before the start of 1st year?

[Tariq]

Hi People.

I'm a gapper, so naturally, I'm concerned as to whether I have enough brain cells left to start the course in September with all guns blazing

*I think a few of my brain cells have died as a result of doing not much thinking*

I was wondering whether it would be necessary/useful to review any A level material and/or to read some med books.

Are there any books that would be useful to read before I start the course?

Ps I'm going to B'ham Med School

[Cymro]

NO!!! You're on a gap year! Do nothing! It's really not necessary to do any reading, in my opinion (but I am a confessed slacker). Enjoy your year instead! If you feel that you have to do something maybe you could read up on anatomical terminology (e.g. proximal, distal, contralateral, dermatomes....), basically the introductory chapter of a decent Anatomy textbook or on the net.

Cymro.

[Cheeks]

Wouldn't bother - first term or thereabouts of whever you go is going to get you up to speed anyway.

Relax and enjoy life; learn to drink or something...

[*kAtHrYn*]

I wouldn't worry! I felt like you on my gap year (not that it inspired me to open a book).
Everyone will have different backgrounds and so will have different knowledge. It's true you forget a lot in a year but I haven't really needed anything I did at A-level yet (neither biology or chemistry).
You'll know early on the kind of stuff you need to learn - i really doubt they'll expect you to know anything specific. If you're really worried you could post the question on Birmingham's forum and a current student may be able to help.

[Face]

Relax while you can, because once the workload starts, you'll not have time to.

[rjm]

Dont do it. Everyone will have had at least 3 months off after exams and starting will be painful for everyone. However, I'm sure things will start pretty slowly and aim to bring everyone up the same level.

[Tariq]

Cheers people.

[dantheripper]

Chill Winstoooonnnnnnn