I was wondering if courseware is necessary for the cmst 1ao3 course? I got an offer to buy the textbook and the courseware for $60, but someone else is selling just the textbook for $40. Is better to get the courseware too, or will the textbook suffice?

I would suggest going for both materials. In my first year, having both texts assisted me really well.

Courseware is usually more useful than the textbook.
But you should still get both

Custom Courseware varies from year to year. It depends on the professor and what he wants to include and even professors can change his mind from year to year.

Varies from student to student.

Wait until classes start and see if there is an actual need for the textbook.

Originally Posted by blackdragon

Varies from student to student.

Wait until classes start and see if there is an actual need for the textbook.

It's good advice to wait. If you are looking for more options for used textbooks try searching on the bookstore's Used Book Classifieds - it is an all student board http://bit.ly/b0UQbH

A note about Custom Courseware - the copyright for Custom Courseware only lasts for one semester so copyright law prohibits the resale of old coursepacks.

Professors do tend to update the content of the coursepacks each semester.