Customer Reviews

Lange Biochemistry and Genetics Flash Cards (LANGE FlashCards)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was looking for a boards-specific review for biochem and this is it. A lot more clinically focused than other review sources out there with the high yield basic sciences. I would say this is the best source available for biochem step I review that I've come across.

I used these cards to prepare for the biochem and genetics shelf exam. They are very thorough and cover many of the concepts in biochem and genetics from a clinical perspective whereas a lot of review books on these topics are written with less emphasis on clinical presentations. I liked how they had some introduction cards at the beginning of each topic to help refresh my knowledge of basic principles.

I plan to keep using them to stay up on this knowledge for Step 1. For the reviewer who didn't like these, they are not intended for a student just learning biochem for the first time. I made my own flashcards for my undergrad biochem class. If you use them for what they are intended for (USMLE Step 1 prep), they should be fine.

Buyer's beware: These "flash cards" are shaped like flashcards but really aren't flash cards. Both the front AND back of most cards are printed with material to be memorized and going through these cards is basically going through a text book.

However, the content of these cards are very high yield. The subject is presented in a clear and concise manner. The authors do a wonderful job of breaking each subject down into smaller chunks that facilitate learning (especially the DNA salvage pathways). For purposes of studying for boards, these cards plus First Aid is all you need. I only used those resources for the test and ended up doing very very well on the boards (240+).

First off, these cards are for MEDICAL genetics and biochemistry, i.e. the basic sciences portion of medical school. Therefore, those looking for a review of the concepts, rather than their application, should look elsewhere - these flash cards will be of little use to you.

I purchased these because I'm colossally bad at biochemistry, and needed a little help with getting through, as well as writing the NBME shelf. Passed with a 90+ percentile on the shelf, and these cards were spot on in terms of what I needed to know! Highly recommended, especially for those without a biochemistry background/those for whom biochem is like pulling teeth.

The good: High-yield pathways are summarized in their own cards (maybe 10-20 of these). The rest have a clinical vignette on one side, and an explanation on the other - listed is the disorder/syndrome, biochemical defect, its pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, treatment, and a notes section with other little tidbits expanding the topic or connecting it to others. Overall, extremely representative of what I saw on the shelf. Definitely keeping these for path and Step 1.

The not-so-great: As you might imagine, these cards are... slightly on the dense side in terms of the amount of writing they contain. Not exactly "flash" cards in the traditional sense. Good for quick review, but unlikely to become your "day before the exam" miracle cramming tool.

so biochem on step 1 from what I hear focuses on the clinical aspects of biochem (i.e., a problem in an enzyme and what disease does it cause). These cards are amazing, because they focus on clinical aspects that are tested on step 1. There really aren't any good biochem sources out there for step 1. Champe and Harvey is ok, but its too detailed, long, and focused on basic biochemistry principles more than the clinical aspects. These cards in my opinion are the gold standard at this point for biochem review for step 1. Use these with first aid and you are good to go. I also have rapid review biochem, but these cards are better.

really helpful for step 1, especially towards the middle/end of studying when you get tired of just staring at First Aid for hours and going through UWorld questions a thousand times. Biochem was a weak subject for me so it helped to have these case vignette style flashcards. I also highly recommend you look at the biochemical pathways cards at the beginning of each things because they are the same ones listed in First Aid, except they are explained better. For instance, I was constantly getting the HGPRT/uric acid pathways messed up before I used the flashcards in this set for it. These and the BRS Pharm cards are the only 2 flashcard sets I used for boards and they were really good.

These are great. The clinical presentations really help quickly associate the material. These + FA should be sufficient for biochem/genetics (unless that is your weak are - then get HY Biochem). Many classic cases and great descriptions. Highly recommend if flashcards help you.

its good but most diseases are same as in pathology cards....
and i think pathology cards cover more...

These flash cards were useful in testing my knowledge in biochemistry and genetics. Though I used the cards purely for test review, I found it useful even when I wasn't sure of the topic. Overall, it was a useful tool, but not necessary to have.

I read a review saying that if u have the path ones don't bother. You'd be an idiot if you listened to that advice. To be fair, Yes there are probably more than a few that cross over from path to the biochem, but not all, i.e the glycogen storage diseases, etc. If you want a thorough review of everything that can be thrown at you for step 1 then def get these. Not that many, a solid few hrs with these will def pay off in the long run, at least thats what i am hoping for