personal statement example for biochemistry

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Chemistry personal statements

Biochemistry degree personal statement example (1b) Cambridge offer

This is a real personal statement written by a student for their university application. It might help you decide what to include in your own. There are lots more examples in our .

The human body consists of just three main elements: oxygen, carbon and hydrogen: a group of atoms which can form an infinite number of substances, from water to plastics. When these billions of separate atoms combine in precise arrangements, they can form beautifully specialised molecules which create a living, sentient organism. The sheer complexity of my own chemical make-up fascinates me, particularly considering how an entire organism can be reduced to its constituent elements and their interactions, whilst the slightest change to a single molecule can spell disaster. Studying the transcription of DNA into proteins last year intrigued me; the concept that an entire organism can be broken down into a code written in four chemical bases compelled me to read 'Genome: The Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters'. It was fascinating to learn the devastating effect of CAG repeats on chromosome 4, causing the irreversible Huntington's chorea; this also presented the question of the extent to which our biochemical makeup impacts upon our daily lives, and how much our characteristics and actions can be attributed to our genetics, and how much to external influences. I soon discovered that the more I learned about this topic, the greater my curiosity: I also wanted to understand another piece of the genetic code, mitochondrial DNA. Brian Sykes' 'The Seven Daughters of Eve' proved an illuminating read, detailing the extent of our ancestry that is discernable from a short segment of this genetic loop. I have followed this with works by other authors, such as Richard Dawkins and Steve Jones, and I am a regular reader of New Scientist. My views of life itself, and the criteria by which it can be defined, were challenged when I attended Lewis Dartnell's lecture and planetarium show on astrobiology; it was fascinating to consider how life could be defined, and how this might affect our recognition of extra terrestrial life. It was also thrilling to consider where, within our own solar system, alien life might be found, given the conditions which some terrestrial extremophiles are known to survive. In addition to this, I attended the Royal Society's Summer Science Festival and Cafe Scientifique discussion session, and other lectures held by the Royal Society and the Natural History Museum. I was selected to represent my school at the 2010 Student Summit on biodiversity at the Natural History Museum. Hearing leading scientists discuss some of the current problems facing the world, such as global warming, the value of biodiversity and the impact of genetic modification of food crops was an enlightening experience. The debates which concluded each day's talks were also thoroughly enjoyable: I am a long-standing member of my school's debating team, which has given me the opportunity to participate in both the English Speaking Union's Mace competition and the Student Parliament at the House of Commons. Additionally, I took part in the UK Mathematics Trust Senior Team Challenge. This encouraged lateral thinking and an inventive attitude to problem solving; this year I am participating in the National Cipher Challenge, which will develop these skills further. Furthermore, undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh's Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards has tested my endurance and team work. As part of these awards, I have volunteered with Oxfam and been an active participant in my school's Amnesty International society. This interest in global issues in part led to my appointment as Senior Prefect responsible for charities in school, in which capacity I have assisted with running a talent show fundraising for the Disasters Emergency Committee, and with many other events such as the induction week for new students. I have only just begun to uncover the secrets of biochemistry, yet already it fascinates me. My unrelenting curiosity compels me to understand the full complexity of the subject; my determination and dedication will enable me to do so.

Universities Applied to:

University of Cambridge (BCF0 Natural Sciences) - Offer (A*AA) Firm
The University of Sheffield (C709 Biochemistry) - Offer (AAB) Insurance
The University of York (C700 Biochemistry) - Offer (ABB)
University of Surrey (C700 Biochemistry) - Offer (AAB)
The University of Manchester (C700 Biochemistry) - Offer (AAA)

Grades Achieved:

Biology (A2) - A*
Chemistry (A2) - A*
Mathematics (A2) - A*
Critical Thinking (AS) - A
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personal statement example for biochemistry

Personal Statements
Biochemistry Personal Statements

Biochemistry Personal Statement Examples

Sample statement.

My interest in science first began as a child watching science fiction television programmes and I was thrilled when I got older to discover that molecules and biochemistry really existed.

I became fascinated with how life works at a molecular level and that something as tiny as a water molecule can make such an impact on our daily lives. I feel that the study of Biochemistry is the key to understanding everything about our life process and how we can ensure the survival of the human race.

At school I worked hard to acquire the skill set I would need to study Biochemistry at university by taking Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. I also spent many hours studying around these subjects outside of lessons to equip myself with as much knowledge as I could.

In particular I find genetics highly interesting and with this in mind I completed a work experience placement in a hospital laboratory where I was able to observe the staff, take part in data collection, and get hands-on experience with laboratory equipment.

When I am not studying I enjoy travelling, dining out, and I am still very interested in science fiction films and television programmes. I also participate in several local sports teams including football, rugby, and cricket.

I find an active lifestyle outside of the classroom helps me to balance my studies and allows me to work more thoroughly when I am in the classroom.

After completing my work experience at the hospital I began working part time in my local Boots store pharmacy department to further my knowledge of diseases, medicines, and treatments.

This role also taught me about teamwork and encouraged me to gain a sense of responsibility and maturity that I feel will help me through my university career.

I look forward to gaining a more in depth understand of Biochemistry during my time with your university and having my analytical and research skills stretched. The new challenges I will face will give me the skill set I need to be successful in my future career as a Biochemist.

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Biochemistry Personal Statement at Oxford: TOP Tips

Table of Contents

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

Oxford Biochemistry personal statement additional reading

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.

Oxbridge Interview Tips Questions Tutoring

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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Biochemistry Personal Statement Example

A personal statement for a biochemistry programme should highlight your passion for the field and the unique experiences and qualities that make you a strong candidate. The following example is provided as a guide. See the biochemistry personal statement example below.

Growing up, I was always drawn to the natural world and the intricacies of how living things function. This curiosity led me to pursue a degree in biochemistry, where I have been able to delve deeper into the molecular mechanisms that drive biological processes.

One of the aspects of biochemistry that I find most fascinating is the way in which small changes at the molecular level can have profound effects on an organism’s health. This understanding is crucial for developing new drugs and treatments, and it’s what motivates me to continue exploring the field.

In addition to my passion for biochemistry, I have also gained valuable experience through internships and research opportunities. I have worked in a laboratory setting, conducting experiments and analyzing data, which has helped me develop important skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking.

My strong work ethic and dedication to my studies have also allowed me to excel academically, earning a 3.9 GPA in my major. I am confident that my passion for biochemistry, combined with my experience and strong academic record, make me a competitive candidate for your programme.

I am excited at the prospect of continuing my education and pursuing a career in biochemistry, and I believe that your programme will provide me with the knowledge and training I need to achieve my goals. Thank you for considering my application.

Biochemistry Personal Statement Writing Tips

Start with a strong opening sentence that grabs the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the rest of your personal statement.
Discuss your passion for biochemistry and why you are interested in pursuing a degree in the field. What sparked your interest and what do you find most fascinating about biochemistry?
Highlight your relevant experiences, such as internships, research opportunities, and relevant coursework. This can include hands-on laboratory experience, as well as any leadership or teamwork skills you may have developed.
Discuss your academic achievements, such as your GPA and any awards or honours you have received. Be sure to include any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your skills and abilities.
Conclude your personal statement with a strong statement about why you are an ideal candidate for the programme and how you plan to use your degree to achieve your goals.
Proofread your personal statement carefully to ensure that it is error-free and well-written. This can help to ensure that your personal statement makes a strong impression on the admissions committee.

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The real-world effects of biochemistry are what initially drew me to the subject. Having Perthes disease inspired me to look into the biochemistry behind it, and through the Genetic And Rare Diseases Information Centre, I found that it is caused by one or more genes not working properly. The gene responsible for the abnormality is the COL2A1 gene, which is in charge of the development of connective tissues.

This is what inspired my passion for clinical biochemistry. The idea of analysing specimens to help diagnose and treat diseases within a laboratory and improving people's quality of life through biochemistry excites me. I found the Inside Cancer course by the University of Bath gave me a great introduction to molecular biology, helping me develop an understanding of cancer.

I was fascinated by the fact that nearly all species, including dinosaurs, could develop cancer, except for one species-the naked mole rat. This species has a type of sugar called hyaluronan which causes the cells to become sticky, therefore preventing the overcrowding of cells in one area, thus preventing tumours. A species resisting cancerous growth gives hope for future biochemical research.

The molecular mechanics of angiogenesis also intrigued me, and how tumour cells secrete vascular endothelial growth factor, which binds to receptors on endothelial cells that release proteases, integrins, and platelet-derived growth factor. These secretions contribute to the growth of tumours via chemical pathways, but there are multiple drugs which disrupt the series of reactions to prevent the growth of tumours. I found Sutent interesting, acting as an inhibitor to the VEGF receptor. Enzyme inhibition has been familiar to me since learning about it in my biology AS Level. Completing this course made me curious about how biochemistry can help to solve more modern-day problems.

My decision to write my Welsh Baccalaureate project on whether we will ever find a cure for all cancers was influenced by this course. During the summer, I was selected for a Nuffield research placement, where I was allocated to Swansea University for a project on the development of an experiment to determine the Ka of weak acids using visible spectroscopy of indicators. I gained invaluable experience when working alongside other ambitious students inside a laboratory with lots of new equipment, which I grew familiar with.

My IT and technical skills improved when I completed my project and wrote my scientific report. Finding and correcting errors in experiments and multiple maths problems such as the Beer-Lambert law, Ka calculations, and logarithms challenged and improved my problem-solving skills. This helped me gain a greater understanding of the content covered in AS Level chemistry.

Being prepared for potential failures in experiments is important in science. Sometimes, the results of my experiments did not match the hypothesis. Trying to understand why allowed me to develop my analytical and research skills. For example, the Ka in the experiment did not match the assumed Ka. I found that the anomalies were due to contamination and equipment issues. It was exciting to be involved in scientific research.

I gained a silver CREST award for my work. Outside of academia, I completed the DofE bronze award, which has helped me understand the importance of teamwork. I also ran and organised a school film club, which improved my leadership and communication skills. I learnt that these skills are important in a laboratory from my 40 hours of virtual work experience with the NHS, which demonstrated multidisciplinary teams working together and communicating effectively within the workplace.

I hope to someday be at the forefront of biochemical research where I will be able to unravel the complex chemical reactions and biological phenomena that occur in the variety of life forms around us and use the information to benefit people's lives.

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Author's Comments

This personal statement got me an interview at oxford (later got rejected. It got me into Imperial college London, Bath, Exeter and Cardiff.

This personal statement is unrated

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Biochemistry Personal Statement Guide

Your personal statement is an important part of your application to university. It is your first chance to make a lasting impression on the admission tutors in the Biochemistry department.

Your statement provides an insight into your motivations for wanting to study Biochemistry, showcases your potential contributions to the cohort and demonstrates your determination and skills that will aid your success on the course.

Personal statement writing can appear to be a daunting process for many Biochemistry applicants, especially when trying to strike a balance between discussing relevant accomplishments and academic interests, whilst condensing it all into one A4 page.

To help you get on the right track, our Personal Statement Guide covers everything you will need to know to write an amazing Biochemistry personal statement:

Why are Personal Statements Important?
What Should I Include in a Biochemistry Personal Statement?
What Should I Avoid in a Biochemistry Personal Statement?

Advice on How to Start a Biochemistry Personal Statement

Advice on how to finish a biochemistry personal statement .

What Should I Avoid in a Biochemistry Personal Statement ?

It is important at all costs to avoid cliches and waffle, since it wastes your already limited character count and does not impress universities. Including statements such as "I love peptide bonds" or "recent developments in biochemistry are interesting" are vague and do not tell universities much about you.

In a similar vein, mentioning that you have "always known" that you wanted to study Biochemistry is also vague and adds no value to your personal statement.

For your Biochemistry personal statement, remember to be straight to the point, clear in your wording, and demonstrate your interests or points with evidence as opposed to just stating them.

Another key element to avoid in a Biochemistry personal statement is misspelling key terms or incorrectly identifying information about topics relating to Biochemistry. Life sciences such as Biochemistry require attention to detail and depth of scientific understanding; be sure to demonstrate this in using the accurate language in the correct places.

Starting a personal statement can be challenging, which is why it is important to remember its purpose: to showcase your interests and passion for the subject.

Before starting to write your Biochemistry Personal statement, consider making a mind map or list of the reasons you are interested in the subject. Reflect on what science experiments you have enjoyed at school, which books or science reports you have read, and interesting videos you watched.

Remember to focus on how each activity or resource has contributed to your interest in Biochemistry, and how you have considered the topics discussed at a high academic level. For instance, in studying organic compounds, what questions did it raise for you, and how have you explored the topic further? Your biochemistry personal statement should reflect the specific academic journey you have had with Biochemistry.

If you are struggling to get started, check out some of our recommendations for things to read, watch, and listen to. Hopefully something below might spark your interest!

Life Ascending by Nick Lane

Genome: The Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters by Matt Ridley

The Seven Daughters of Ev e by Bryan Sykes

Why Chemical Reactions Happen by J. Keeler and P. Wothers

Documentaries:

Your Inner Fish (a PBS Series)

The Human Body

The Secret Life of Chaos

The Drive with Peter Attia, MD

Imperial College London Biochemistry Podcast

Journals/Publications:

Journal of Biological Chemistry

Nucleic Acids Research

Annual Review of Biochemistry

This is not an exhaustive list, and we strongly encourage you to research your areas of interest.

Concluding a Biochemistry Personal Statement can be just as challenging as writing the opening line. Our key piece of advice is to aim for simplicity . Your last sentence or two should encapsulate your academic passion for Biochemistry and your eagerness to delve deeper into the subject.

Remember that you have laid out your key interests and conveyed your motivation in the previous paragraphs of the personal statement, so you don't need to write everything again in your conclusion. Focus on leaving the admissions tutors with something to remember you by, ideally by highlighting the main theme of your statement.

What are some Tips for Writing a Strong Biochemistry Personal Statement?
How Long Should my Biochemistry Personal Statement Be?
What Kind of Extracurricular Activities Should I Include in my Biochemistry Personal Statement?
How Can I Tailor my Biochemistry Personal Statement to the Oxford/Cambridge Course?

The strongest Biochemistry Personal statements are the ones that demonstrate a clear interest in and understanding of what the course entails. Often, applicants include content that is more relevant to other life sciences, such as medicine. Although incorporating interests in general life sciences is acceptable in moderation, especially if you are applying for different courses at different universities, it is still important to demonstrate your passion for Biochemistry.

Successful applicants manage to explore their academic interests in depth while also covering what they have learnt from the content, why and how it interested them, and in doing so, demonstrate genuine academic interest and a passion for their subject.

We advise that you use as much of the UCAS limit provided as possible, to maximise the opportunity to showcase your potential to be a fantastic Biochemistry student to the universities. While 4000 characters or 47 lines (whichever is reached first) may appear plenty, exhibiting your enthusiasm and mentioning your key areas of interest will rapidly take up the available space!

There are a wide range of extracurricular activities that you can cover in your Biochemistry personal statement. These can be activities focused either on academic relevance or demonstrating skills and experiences relevant to studying Biochemistry at undergraduate study.

Examples might include laboratory research projects, contributions to science, robotics or maths competitions, or volunteering in hospitals, clinics or research labs. When talking about your extracurricular activities, it is important not just to list them but to explain and elaborate on what you gained from each activity.

Tailoring a personal statement to any university will be difficult, as it is best to avoid mentioning any names of universities or course details in your personal statement to avoid losing out on a place at other institutions.

Ultimately, the key part of tailoring your statement for an Oxbridge application lies in the amount of academic content you choose to incorporate. Oxbridge tutors are keen to hear as much as possible about your academic interests, therefore we recommend aiming to focus 80-90% of your statement on academic content, whilst the remaining 10-20% talks about your extracurricular activities.

Book your Biochemistry Personal Statement Package

You can contact our Oxbridge-graduate Consultants on +44 (0) 20 7499 2394 or email [email protected] to discuss our personal statement packages.

If you’d like to know more about Biochemistry, we have admissions test guidance and interview preparation readily available.

Our Oxbridge-graduate consultants are available between 9.00 am – 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday, with additional evening availability when requested.

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7499 2394
Email: [email protected]

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