Which physics book?

pivoxa15

I am doing a subject called "Atomic, Molecular & Solid State Physics"

Description:
The content of this subject includes aspects of the following: systems of identical particles, symmetrisation and antisymmetrisation, the Pauli exclusion principle and applications; the helium atom; degenerate perturbation theory; an introduction to many-electron atoms; fine and hyperfine structure; atoms in static external fields, the Stark and Zeeman effects, magnetism; time-dependent perturbation theory, electromagnetic transitions in atoms, spectroscopy and lasers; exponential decay and barrier penetration; an introduction to molecules and chemical bonds; crystal bonding and structure; crystal imperfections and mechanical properties; lattice vibrations and thermal properties; band theory of electrons: metals, insulators and semiconductors; dielectric and magnetic properties of solids; and superconductivity.

There are two recommanded books
* B H Bransden and C J Joachain, Physics of Atoms and Molecules. Longman, 1983.
* C Kittel, Introduction to Solid State Physics. 6th edn, Wiley.

The lecturer said the course won't be based on any of them. Should I buy one over the other?

SpitfireAce

atoms and molecules are boring