<p>I’m going into my second year in my Fall semester. I’ll be taking genetics and biochemistry courses for the first time. I feel my foundations for genetics, heredity, and molecular biology topics, especially the former two, from intro biology aren’t too strong. I’m hoping that those with experience in these subjects can suggest some great books. If anyone can suggest any guides (please, no “Genetics for Dummies” or “Biochemistry for Dummies” unless you truly found it helpful) I would be most appreciative. Thanks.</p>
<p>My son read Matt Ridley’s “Genome” and enjoyed it. It wasn’t a textbook but it was interesting reading. He read it over the summer for AP Language. My older son, who is entering his soph year of college, recently picked up the book and is also enjoying it. You can pick it up and just read one chapter at a time- each chapter explores a different gene on a chromosome. It’s more “fun” reading than academic.</p>
<p>“Singularity”, by Ray Kurzweil. He also writes about artificial intelligence and has many inventions, but I believe this book concerns his ideas about biochemisty and extending life.</p>
<p>He is considered to be quite a genius.</p>
<p>Check out the syllabi for the courses you think you need to bone up on on the MIT Opencourseware site. There should be lists of assigned and suggested readings.</p>
<p>marite: I checked out the MIT OCW, but there are no recommended books for the Genetics course. Thanks for your suggestion, though.</p>
<p>If you have passed all the prerequisites for the courses with decent grades you shouldn’t have big problems, study guide or no.</p>