ODP books and resources

Starting university was really daunting for me, and before I started the course, I was desperate to run out and buy loads of books! I really wish I had someone to tell me...NO, DON’T DO IT! (I would have saved a lot of money!) I wasn’t too sure which books to buy so I bought a selection and it turned out they weren’t very helpful to me and my course.

All the books I bought before starting the course, I haven’t used yet. Since starting, I have purchased 2 books: one is an Anatomy and Physiology book and the other a book about Operating Department Practice. A lot of the resources we need are available online and at the library (even the books I have mentioned can be read online).

If you really want to do a bit of light reading before starting the course, familiarising yourself with the basics of anatomy and physiology online might be good idea. I also found the following websites useful: The Association for Perioperative Practice and the HCPC websites.

There will be a reading list for your course, where books will be recommended for you. You can if you choose to, purchase these or as I mentioned above, they will be available online and/or at the library (depending on availability). Once you have started the course, you will receive a talk from the librarian linked to your course, and they will go through how the library works and how you can access books online. The library at the university is fantastic, and the staff who work there are so friendly and will be more than happy to help you.

I'm about to enter my 2nd year in a few months and I may require more books then as my modules change, but for your 1st year, I would definitely hold off buying books until you have had the chance to talk to your tutors who will be able to point you in the right direction and advise you.