books to read for biochemistry personal statement

Recommended Reading List

Recommended Reading

Finding out about biochemistry: The following are popular science books and give a good place to start for anyone who wants to find out something about biochemistry, or just wants some fun background reading.

“The selfish gene”, “The ancestors' tale” and other books by Richard Dawkins. “Y, the descent of man” by Steve Jones. “The eighth day of creation: the makers of the revolution in biology” by Horace Judson. “Power, sex and suicide - mitochondria and the meaning of life” and other books by Nick Lane. “Advice to a young scientist” by Peter Medawar. “Genome - autobiography of a species”, “Nature via Nurture” and other books by Matt Ridley. “The seven daughters of Eve” by Bryan Sykes.

There is a series of booklets on different aspects of biochemistry “Understanding Biochemistry” available for download free from the Biochemical Society  (link below).

There are also web resources available at the Association for Science Education (ASE) web site (link below).

From school to university biochemistry - transitional textbooks: These provide a gentle introduction to studying biochemistry at a university level.

“Life, chemistry and molecular biology”, W. Pickering, C. Smith and E.J. Wood, pub. Portland Press. “Why chemical reactions happen”, J. Keeler and P. Wothers, pub. OUP. “Bringing chemistry to life: from matter to man”, R.J.P. Williams and J.J.R.F. da Silva, pub. Oxford University Press. “Catch Up Maths & Stats for the life and medical sciences”, M. Harris, G. Taylor and J. Taylor, pub. Scion. “Catch Up Chemistry for the life and medical sciences”, M. Fry and E. Page, pub. Scion.

Useful books to prepare for the start of the Oxford biochemistry course: These are very highly recommended for students who are daunted by the maths and organic chemistry components of the course to look at in advance, but would be useful for everyone.

“Foundation maths” (2020) A. Croft and R. Davison, pub. Pearson. “Foundations of organic chemistry” (1993) M. Hornby and J. Peach, pub. Oxford University Press.

First year text books for the Oxford biochemistry course: There are no set course texts (and you will probably want to try books out from libraries before deciding what, if anything, to buy) but the following are some of the more popular recommended texts.

“Biochemistry” (2019) J.M. Berg, J.L. Tymoczko, G.J. Gatto and L. Stryer, pub. W.H. Freeman. “Biochemistry” (2011) D. Voet and J.G. Voet, pub. Wiley. “Molecular Cell Biology” (2021) H. Lodish, et al,  pub. W.H. Freeman. “Molecular Biology of the Cell” (2014) B. Alberts et al., pub. Garland. “Practical Skills in Biomolecular Sciences” (2016) R. Reed, D. Holmes, J. Weyers and A. Jones, pub. Pearson. “Principles and Problems in Physical Chemistry for Biochemists” (2001) N.C. Price, R.A. Dwek, R.G. Ratcliffe and M.R. Wormald, pub. Oxford University Press.

... and on the lighter side:

The Biochemist's Songbook (MP3 files) . Zheng Lab - Bad Project .

External Websites with Related Information:

Understanding Biochemistry

ASE - biochemistry resources

Biochemistry Personal Statement at Oxford: TOP Tips

Oxford biochemistry personal statement tips: – top 10 dos and don’ts.

The Oxford Personal Statement is a crucial component of your university application as it presents a unique opportunity for you to differentiate yourself from other applicants. In your Biochemistry personal statement, Oxford admissions tutors will be looking for you to be able to articulate your story and explain your interests beyond that of numbers on an admissions test. Furthermore, it gives the interviewer a chance to understand who you are, providing a platform to bounce off questions during your interview. 

They can tailor questions to your personality, interests, and commitment to who you are as a person and your amalgamation of experiences before you. To guide you through the arduous university application process, our Oxbridge application experts have compiled a list of top 10 Biochemistry Personal Statement Oxford tips. This includes dos and don’ts for your personal statement for biochemistry for the 2023/24 application cycle. 

General Advice for the Biochemistry Personal Statement Oxford

Biochemistry is a course that uses molecular procedures to investigate and explain biological processes. The understanding and knowledge of these vital processes that are necessary for life are constantly growing and expanding. Biochemists have designed applications in drug design, environmental monitoring, and forensic sciences, amongst other fields.

Your Biochemistry Oxford personal statement must clearly demonstrate your interest in biological processes and the study of them at a molecular level. Moreover, when planning out your personal statement for biochemistry, make sure you research the University’s achievements in their relevant fields and use it as a guide to illustrate your interest in Biochemistry. 

Top 5 Tips for Oxford Biochemistry Personal Statement

1. explain why you are interested in biochemistry.

Oxford tutors are looking to teach students with genuine interest and passion for their course. Hence, make this the focus of your Oxford personal statement, explaining why you want to study your chosen subject. Using concrete examples that display your interest will go a long way in demonstrating this interest. For example, this could include participating in biology or chemistry competitions. It could also be partaking in research projects, and reading up on the latest innovations published in articles or books. Do not worry if you do not have a specific example or time where your ambition became crystal clear to you. Your decision in choosing to study biochemistry can be illuminated through an amalgamation of your experiences or understanding of yourself and your strengths. Take your time in explaining why you align well with the course!

2. Display a good understanding of the course

Understand the course that you are applying for. Ensure that you do not have a superficial or misguided view of what the course entails. Most people’s perception of a course is shaped by what they see in the media or by their high school subjects. However, this is not always the case and it leads to a one-dimensional view of the course. Try to talk to graduates or people currently working in the field to gain a better understanding of the course and your options post-graduation. You can demonstrate this understanding in your Oxford personal statement by linking similarities in your past experiences to aspects of Biochemistry (if applicable). Or you can elaborate on personal qualities or traits that make you suitable for Biochemistry. For example, Biochemistry is research-heavy, which would make perseverance a good quality for an applicant to have.

3. Read around the subject you’re applying for

Of course, Oxford does not expect you to be an expert in your field of study. You are going to university to study the material after all. However, being well-read in your course and reading ahead is a great way of demonstrating your interest in it. Look at it this way: if we are interested in a movie star, we would want to find out everything about him. Similarly, if you are genuinely interested in your course, you would also naturally want to learn more and explore the topic on your own. Reading does not only include books. This could also include podcasts, magazine articles, or even Netflix documentaries. Listening to a podcast on your ride home from school can be a nice way to ease such material into your lifestyle. You can find some good articles in Nature or Scientific American that publishes the latest innovations in biochemistry. You can also visit Oxford’s recommended reading list for some book inspirations: Oxford Biochemistry  

4. Have a good structure for your Biochemistry personal statement

The points listed above give you a lot of content to write about. However, all of that information can be difficult to get through for the reader if it’s not organised well! Try and follow a fixed overall structure for your Oxford personal statement. Also try and structure it into individual paragraphs to enhance readability. For example, your introduction could be a short 2-3 lines outlining your interest in Biochemistry. You could use one paragraph explaining your interest in academic vigour, and another paragraph explaining how you display perseverance. You can conclude by wrapping up the points mentioned above! For individual paragraphs, start off the paragraph with a point (such as your interest in the research aspect of biochemistry). Next, use concrete examples to support this.

5. Ask your friends and family to proofread your Oxford personal statement

Sometimes we are not able to be objective about our own work, especially when we are telling our own story. Try and approach friends, family, or seniors (especially those already in the same course or university!) to proofread your Biochemistry personal statement Oxford and to provide you with feedback. They can comment on the structure and readability of your Oxford personal statement, which could be really valuable! That being said, don’t share your personal statement for biochemistry in case it gets plagiarised by someone else.

Top 5 things to AVOID for your Biochemistry Oxford Personal Statement

1. writing a list of achievements.

Oxford isn’t necessarily choosing the most decorated candidate that applies– they are looking for students who are genuinely interested in the course, and students who are a good fit for it. This means that you could have started a non-profit and dedicated 10,000 hours to volunteering, but if you don’t show how this is relevant to your studying of biochemistry, the Oxford tutors may not necessarily think you are suited for the programme. When talking about your achievements, always link back to how this is relevant to either your interest or your suitability for biochemistry.

2. Valuing vocabulary over conciseness

Some students feel the need to use bombastic words or flowery language in order to impress Oxford tutors and use it as a way to demonstrate their strong command of the English language. However, this usually works against them– the Biochemistry personal statement (Oxford) comes off as sounding unnatural and difficult to read. Understand that the Biochemistry personal statement is a medium for you to tell your story and your passion. If using a thesaurus is getting in the way of that, opt for simple language. Oxford tutors value a personal statement for biochemistry that they can read with ease and understand! If you’re not familiar with certain words, don’t use them as it might work against you instead!

3. Not showing the link to biochemistry

When writing your Biochemistry personal statement, Oxford tutors are not necessarily looking for good students– they are looking for students who are a good match for the course. Always make sure to draw any personal experiences, quality or trait mentioned to how it is relevant to your passion for biochemistry or how it makes you a good fit for the course.

4. Misunderstanding what the course is about

Make sure you thoroughly research the course– this includes the course syllabus, attending seminars or speaking to seniors who are currently studying biochemistry (preferably at Oxford!) or have graduated from the course. A simple google search and thoroughly reading all university brochure materials is a good start on understanding what you are in for! Try to forget all previous assumptions you have about the course, and make sure you thoroughly understand what you would be studying.

5. Being cliché

When talking about your interest and passion for biochemistry, try to explain it in a genuine and authentic way. You don’t need a movie-like moment, such as your whole life-changing because of applications in biochemistry, to justify your motivation for the course. A simple explanation of how unique aspects of biochemistry intrigues you or draws you in, although seemingly simple and ordinary, would be even more valuable if explained well. Try to be authentic and original, and really understand why YOU would love to study biochemistry.

→ What is the Oxford Biochemistry programme?

The Oxford Biochemistry programme is an undergraduate degree programme offered by the University of Oxford’s Department of Biochemistry. The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the chemical and molecular processes that occur in living organisms, with a focus on the biochemistry of cells, genetics, and molecular biology.

→ What are some tips for writing a strong Oxford Biochemistry personal statement?

Some tips for writing a strong Biochemistry Oxford personal statement include demonstrating a clear understanding of the subject and why it interests the candidate, highlighting relevant academic achievements and extracurricular activities, showcasing research experience and analytical skills, and demonstrating a genuine passion for biochemistry and molecular biology.

→ What should be included in an Oxford Biochemistry personal statement?

A Biochemistry personal statement for Oxford should include information about the candidate’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities, research experience, and personal qualities that are relevant to the program. It should also include specific examples of how the candidate has demonstrated analytical skills, critical thinking, and an understanding of the subject.

→ How long should an Oxford Biochemistry personal statement be?

The Biochemistry personal statement for Oxford should be no more than 4,000 characters or 47 lines, whichever comes first. Candidates should use this space wisely to showcase their strengths and demonstrate their suitability for the programme.

→ Is it important to tailor the personal statement to the Oxford Biochemistry programme specifically?

Yes, it is important to tailor the personal statement to the Oxford Biochemistry programme specifically. This includes researching the program and understanding its unique features and requirements, as well as demonstrating a genuine interest in the subject and a strong motivation to study at the University of Oxford.

→ How important is the personal statement for the Oxford Biochemistry programme?

The personal statement is a crucial part of the Oxford Biochemistry application process as it allows candidates to showcase their passion for the subject and their potential to succeed in the programme. The personal statement also provides the admissions team with insight into a candidate’s motivation, academic background, and personal qualities.

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PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE Biochemistry C700

Submitted by Rovena

Biochemistry C700

Working alongside Dr. Sergio Bertazzo at UCL on the 'formation of biominerals' is what sparked my interest in Biochemistry. We used Raman Spectroscopy to gain information on hard material formed in the body due to an underlying pathology. I found it amazing that a technique that was just a concept in the classroom was brought to life and is put to remarkable use on a day-to-day basis. We explored calcium deposits in breast cancer, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and analysed samples from a range of other diseases in order to gain fundamental data on the formation of the biominerals.

Being a STEM ambassador encouraged me to explore the overlap between my A level subjects: Biology and Chemistry. I was particularly fascinated by the chemical mechanisms for the reactions of proteins given that they form the basis of every single metabolic function in the body. From attending 'The Great Ideas Of Biology' lecture at Imperial College London , I realised that one of the most fundamental ideas related to Biology is 'Life as Chemistry'. Chemistry forms the basis for understanding many biological ideas. For me, the revelation that Chemistry is so pertinent, even in the study of Biology, made me further appreciate the overlap between the sciences and the role they have played in our understanding of the world.

Over summer I completed a work placement with the Mayor of London. As part of this experience, I was given the opportunity to write articles for the Mayor, conduct my own research and analyse demographic data. I also had the opportunity to sit in on meetings such as that with MedCity, where the discussion was centred around developmental plans and investment in research. This experience was useful in developing my understanding of the limitations to scientific research due to the financial constraints businesses face. Despite this, my passion for Biochemistry remains undiminished.

When reading an article in The Biochemist titled '3D- printed synthetic tissues', by Michael Booth and Hagan Bayley I was intrigued by the way 3D printing is being used to create synthetic tissues following specified patterns using water droplets. I realised that all scientific projects face many issues before completion, but through perseverance and creative application of knowledge, solutions can be found. In a similar sense, Booth and Bayley creatively discovered that by externally controlling the synthetic tissue, using light and a combined water droplet network with the LA-DNA, light-activated synthetic tissues could be produced.

As Head Girl, I have many responsibilities: I am the main point of contact between my sixth form peers and the senior management team at school; I lead the senior prefects and ensure they are aware of their obligations; and I also communicate with parents on a regular basis in order to address their concerns. These duties have allowed me to develop transferable skills such as teamwork, time management and communicating professionally. In addition, I regularly volunteer with a local homeless shelter, which motivated me to join the NCS Youth Board, where I worked with other young adults to raise awareness on the issues of youth homelessness. Being involved with this project encouraged me to prioritise my time in order to meet my academic deadlines, as well as integrate with people from different walks of life.

To conclude, I feel that much of the work that a biochemist does is to advance human life and the thought of helping people is what drives me to want to study biochemistry. I like the fact that this field is unpredictable. It is constantly developing and to be at the centre of some cutting-edge research and new innovations excites me. This was further summed up for me during a conversation with the Deputy Mayor. He told me that, "we are currently part of the 'transition generation,' where we always need to be open to what is out there that will be beneficial to the development of the world."

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Biochemistry Personal Statement (Emily Ng)

Emily Ng is currently studying MBioch Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular) at the University of Oxford. Emily completed her A-Levels at Help Academy and will be graduating in 2023.  This personal statement was part of her successful application to  University of Oxford, Imperial College London, UCL, King’s College London,   and  University of St Andrews  for Biochemistry.

My first riveting encounter with Biochemistry was during a conversation about the coiling of DNA around histones. It enables us to accomplish the otherwise impossible task of compacting 3 meters worth of DNA into a tiny nucleus that is only 10 microns in diameter! The discussion then progressed into a debate on how the development of this phenomena was critical in producing the organisms that we know today. I was fascinated by how Biochemistry looks at the mechanisms of life through a microscope, and that it represents the unseen architecture that builds up our complex life.

I was fortunate to have arranged work experience with a plastic surgeon at Sunway Medical Centre, and was amazed at the skin grafting technology that improved the quality of life of a patient suffering from Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Intrigued, I sought out to learn more. After extensive research, I was excited to find an article in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology on the use of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC) in Skin Regeneration. This brought me back to a Biology lesson, when I was first introduced to iPSC, and wondered, how do cells differentiate to take on such diverse roles in our bodies? And how do slight differences in a cell give rise to different organisms? It is questions like these that fuel my curiosity but it wasn’t very long before I realised an answer would surely, but rather ironically, lead to more questions. However, I believe that is the beauty of studying the complexity of life.

 The article on iPSC also lead me to the ongoing research by Stanford University on using iPSC as a vaccine for cancer. Though many questions still surround their ability to replicate their success with mice in human cells, such topics spark my interest and I intend to follow its development closely and hopefully contribute to it one day.

When I picked up the book ‘Mitochondria and The Meaning of Life’ by Nick Lane, I learned that a single structural difference of the mitochondria – its double membrane, saved us, eukaryotes from the same slimy fate of bacteria. Reflecting on this, I realised how smart tiny cells are, and how by understanding their chemical compositions, we can harvest their ingenuity, just like this year’s Nobel Laureates. Their success in the manipulation of the T-cell proteins (CTLA-4 and PD-1) can change the future of cancer treatment! It dawned on me that not only must we constantly add to our wealth of knowledge but it is imperative that we’re able to transform it into something that can benefit the public. Hence, it affirmed my decision in pursuing a career in research and innovation.

My interest in innovation stemmed from my participation in the Seimens-STEM competition. We were challenged to design a sustainable ‘green’ city of the future, and my idea to harvest energy by using genetically engineered enzymes to digest waste in landfills secured me the winning prize. Moreover, participating in such competitions and various debates expanded my scientific and general knowledge as well as honed my presentation skills.

What I am today is built upon the foundation acquired in school as the Deputy Head Prefect, President of the Mathematics club, Vice President of the Red Cross Society and as a certified medic in First Aid and CPR. These experiences instilled a strong sense of responsibility and taught me how to work under pressure. In addition, pursuing piano up to Grade 8 (ABRSM) taught me to value persistence and discipline in achieving my goals.

Biochemistry is where all my interests align, and pursuing it in your esteemed university will give me the best chance to delve deeper into the realm of science and to pursue scientific mysteries. For all we know, scientific achievements such as identifying the cure to cancer are just at the ends of our fingertips, waiting to be found.

DISCLAIMER:  The personal statements on this site are strictly meant as a starting point to give an idea of how successful personal statements look like. There is no surefire formula to writing good personal statements.  COLLEGELAH IS STRICTLY AGAINST PLAGIARISM OF ANY KIND .  UCAS employs a plagiarism check system  that checks applicants’ work against other published writing so please  DO NOT PLAGIARISE.

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Sample Personal Statement Biochemistry

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to top Ph.D. programs in biochemistry. Variations of this personal statement got accepted at University of Utah and Johns Hopkins. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in biochemistry should look like.

The day I dared to tell my parents, with a transcript in my hands with excellent grades in humanities, that I had decided to study Biology rather than Philosophy… the day I dared to ask my supervisor to change my research focus to fish virology, which had a high risk of failure… the day I dared to stand in front of an audience attending an international zoology congress, barely prepared to present my very first paper … are the moments that made me realize my daring nature and my passion for my domain.

Research captivated me from the beginning of my undergraduate thesis. My newfound fascination blossomed under the aegis of my Biochemistry Professor. My professor was a research enthusiast and an inspirational teacher. He combined knowledge with research in a truly intriguing way that traditional teachers simply could not equal. Therefore, despite growing up in a culture where doctors and engineers are the only scientific community accorded social preeminence, I embraced research as my vocation.

Becoming a dedicated researcher was tough, especially in Canada, where few institutes are committed to producing meaningful research work in Biosciences. Nonetheless, I have persevered, always striving for perfection and never allowing limited resources to hinder my progress. Indeed, the hurdles I have faced have only deepened my passion for research.

In research, more than in any other field, it is often the tortoise who wins the race. Consistency and hard work outstrip ingenuity. Excellence is acquired through unwavering passion rather than God-giftedness. Research demands consistency more than anything. Here, we learn why things sometimes operate differently than we want. Every day, we regather our energies, return to our work, and patiently proceed toward perfection.

Graduate school is the next logical step in a career dedicated to scientific research. For me, research in Biosciences is about responsibility, individuality, and the discovery of new branches of innovation. My experience in a non-traditional research environment will add immense value to the well-structured research-oriented set-up of graduate school.

In the summer of 2021, hoping to experience firsthand the application of the research tools in biochemistry, I began working with stressors that affect the immune system of foals. I was fascinated by the sensitive nature of this system and by the delicate balance in which disturbances cause autoimmune, allergic, and inflammatory responses. I recorded the numerical data and published my research in the Journal of Veterinary Science.

The diversity of nature unfolded further when as a principal investigator, I started working on interferon regulatory proteins in Cyprinus carpio. My research uncovered evidence that the fish body, even under healthy conditions, produced these proteins to counteract the viral attack. Ranging from IRF1 to IRF8, I isolated all transcriptional factors of IFNs proteins expression. I extended my project to gene sequencing by applying BLAST and arranging partial sequences. My work was later authenticated by RCMB (Research Centre in Molecular Biology), and a corresponding research paper was published in the Annual Review of Biochemistry. My future strategy would be to develop IFN vaccines because these vaccines, if successful, will enhance the overall immune system.

Soon afterward, I joined a project on the characterization of an inflammatory cytokine, TNF. I was responsible for training three undergraduate students in molecular biology techniques. Considering my deep curiosity in this domain, my supervisor made me part of two senior Ph.D. student teams. We worked on the characterization of MHC class II (Major Histocompatibility Complex) in Labeo rohita and Cyprinus carpio. Upon contact with foreign prions, toxins, poisons, viruses, and bacteria, these antigenic molecules are expressed naturally by dendritic phagocytes, B cells, and T cells.

While gathering data about Egyptian mummies and reading about curse diseases, I initially dismissed it as a perverse form of fictional beauty. Microorganisms have been close partners of human beings for centuries. However, while reading the paper “Pharaohs and Mummies: Diseases of Ancient Egypt and Modern Approaches,” I appreciated Mycobacterium’s enduring nature and concluded that these particles have been co-evolving with humans.

My childhood fascinations ceased to exist within the boundaries of strategies viruses employ during the “encephalitic” and “paralytic” phases of rabies. Instead, my curiosity embraced the swaths of molecular details of simple queries to complex inter-connected abstractions. How viruses use tricks to escape our defense system, and how HIV rapid mutation potential benefitted the viruses, but most mutations are deleterious to human beings.

All these have become new avenues of research for me. Working in Dr. Wayne Potts and Dr. Saveez Saffarian’s labs is particularly interesting in this scenario.

I look at microbes from a different perspective: they have enormous potential, and if something has potential, there is always a way to turn it to use. Therefore, we must search for a meaningful channel into which it can be diverted. Now, we are standing at a very primitive stage and must proceed with immense care.

After earning my Ph.D., I see myself working as a research scientist cum teacher of Virology and Biochemistry. I want to pass on to future generations of scientists the passion for research with which my teachers inspired me. My faith in mixing teaching and research work has strengthened as a lecturer.

If I were asked to give a single reason to pursue a graduate degree, my answer would be love. I love my subject and can achieve something marvelous in this discipline to help make the world a better place.

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A place to post news and discuss the frontiers of biochemistry and biotechnology. Please refrain from posting home videos with songs and raps.

Biochemistry knowledge for personal statement

Can anyone share their tips on writing a personal statement which includes biochemistry knowledge for UCAS when applying for universities in UK? I would love to learn about some basic knowledge or read about some papers which is related to biochemistry. Nothing advanced as I am still studyin A-Levels. Cheers!

Could somebody suggest some good books on biochemistry to read to put on personal statement?

Lehninger's principles of Biochemistry..

Voet and Voet, Biochemistry

Elliot and Elliot, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Sure, here are some recommendations: "Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry" by David L. Nelson and Michael M. Cox, "Biochemistry" by Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, and Lubert Stryer, and "Biochemistry: The Molecular Basis of Life" by Trudy McKee and James R. McKee. These textbooks are commonly used in university biochemistry courses and provide a comprehensive introduction to the subject.

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Both the Soviet/Russian space authorities and NASA claim that there has been no sexual activity in space. However, tantalizing tidbits of information suggest that there has been at least a few times when astronauts have completed their own personal docking maneuvers.

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Biochemistry personal statement example 6.

I wish to read biochemistry at university because I want to discover the answers to the most profound and fascinating questions about the very essence of life. Some questions are so important but, paradoxically, can be overlooked by many people, for example, why are men naturally more predisposed to genetic conditions than women?

My deepening intrest in my A level subjects (and my frustration at the narrowness of the specifications) confirmed my belief that biochemistry is the subject I have to carry forward.

I am particularly interested in the origins of phenotypical expressions; how a mutation in one gene can result in dramatic changes in the body. "Nature and Genetics" offered me further insight, beyond what I learnt at GCSE, into a prime example of this occurrence.

Huntington's disease results from a mutation in the Huntingtin gene that codes for the protein Huntingtin, leading to variation in the length of the trinucleotide repeat. I wish to understand more about the ways the mutant Huntingtin protein causes a substantial effect on the function of the protein and eventually leads to the disease symptoms.

Amino acids are captivating bifunctional compounds; their structure directly contributes to the utility of proteins in our body. Conversely, as technological advances continue, we are now able to synthesise specific amino acids, and tailor them to whichever purpose we intend.

They surround our daily routine; an obvious example of this is biological cleaning agents, (Persil) where specific proteins are developed to break down carbohydrates and lipases on clothing.

On a recent trip to the University of Aberystwyth, I studied the trends of seaweed species on the west coast of Wales. I focused primarily on the genetic adaptations they have developed to thrive within their niche; finding that often it was the simplest changes in an animal's aesthetics which lead to drastic alterations in their behavioural patterns.

This led me to explore further how species become differentiated from one another; from simpler issues like the mating of Tungara frogs, to more complex ethical dilemmas such as the speciation of humans.

Ethics are an important element in many aspects of biochemical research, and must be considered in the way we develop and test new vaccines and drugs. Although the media seems to be captivated by topics such as animal testing, controversies such as the lack of testing into the long term effects of drugs (thalidomide a clear example) are equally significant.

Football plays a fundamental role in my extra-curricular activities. I am an active, member of the school football team, with whom I have played the last two seasons.

As a monitor, my role within school is vital. Supervising younger students in the school's library and in the lunch hall has enhanced my familiarity in a leadership position, and given me the responsibility of others. This year I was selected as a vice captain of my house; a position that allowed me to take responsibility for decisions regarding the co-ordination of house activities, including the development of charity projects.

Outside school I am an enthusiastic long distance runner; in April I will be running the Blackpool marathon. Although initially I chose to run it to test myself, in light of changing circumstances, it has primarily become an endeavour to raise money for the Bolton Hospice and Christies. As well as being a sportsman, I enjoy attending live music events. This has inspired me to teach myself to play the guitar.

At the weekend I work part-time as a sales assistant at Dunelm Mill; equipping me with skills to deal with problems that are both administrative and customer service related. It is my duty to ensure customers receive products on time by using the company ordering, or by communicating with other stores.

I am eager to embark into research and biochemical advancement, I await the opportunity to apply my skills and knowledge to a challenging yet rewarding career.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by dcoates3 for application in 2011.

dcoates3's university choices The University of Birmingham Cardiff University University of Leeds The University of Manchester The University of Sheffield

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

Related Personal Statements

It sounds like you just.

Fri, 22/07/2011 - 07:13

it sounds like you just opened up your text book and wrote about what you saw there. It doesnt sound like you really have an interest, just but that you are trying too hard to make it sound like you do.

it was difficult for me with

Mon, 25/07/2011 - 14:05

it was difficult for me with this, because i did 2 humanity subjects and 2 science subjects, so my interests were completely split. I knew i couldn't talk about history at all in the statment... so i dunno, might seem a little forced but i had to make a choice. Went with the science route mainly for the options it provided at university, although i do still enjoy it :)

Wed, 23/10/2013 - 14:20

what grades did you get because i want to study at manchester?

What grades did you end up

Wed, 10/09/2014 - 12:34

What grades did you end up getting?

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