biochemistry masters personal statement

Sample Personal Statement Biochemistry

by Talha Omer, M.Eng., 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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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.

Register to access our complimentary e-book "So You Want To Go To Oxbridge? Tell me about a banana…"

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.

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Effective Guide: Writing a Biochemistry Personal Statement

Table of Contents

Do you want to study biochemistry? If so, you’ll need to write a personal statement explaining why. Every application to a graduate or professional school requires some form of a written statement.

For those interested in the field of biochemistry, crafting a biochemistry personal statement can be one of the most important parts of the process. This is your opportunity to show admission officers you have what it takes to succeed in this challenging field.

Keep reading to learn how to write a great personal statement for biochemistry, along with examples.

What Is a Biochemistry Personal Statement?

A biochemistry personal statement is a document in which an individual states their reasons for wanting to study biochemistry. This document can be used by those applying to universities, and it can also help individuals stand out from the other applicants .

The purpose of a biochemistry personal statement is to show you have a genuine interest in the subject and that you understand it. This document lets you share your experiences and love for biology and chemistry that led you to want to pursue this field of study.

Why Is a Personal Statement Important for Biochemistry?

A personal statement is an integral part of any application process. And for students looking to study biochemistry, it can be the key to unlocking their future career opportunities. This document allows universities to get to know you as an individual. It lets them see your passion for biochemistry and why you’re interested in studying this subject.

Additionally, a strong personal statement demonstrates your academic ability and highlights any previous research or work experience you may have undertaken in this field. All these factors could make you stand out from the crowd. If you’re serious about pursuing a degree in biochemistry, take the time to craft a well-written personal statement that showcases your skills and dedication.

Skills and Attributes for a Biochemistry Student

A biochemistry student should have strong analytical skills and be able to think critically. They must also have a good understanding of scientific methodology, mathematics, and statistics.

In addition, the student should be proficient in laboratory techniques and instrumentation. Excellent oral and written communication skills are also essential for success in this field of study.

Tips to Write a Personal Statement for Biochemistry

Below are some tips to keep in mind while drafting your personal statement for biochemistry:

• Start by introducing yourself and explaining why you are interested in studying biochemistry.
• Discuss your previous academic experiences and highlight any courses or projects that have particularly interested you in the subject area.
• Explain how you developed your interest in biochemistry. Give examples of how you have demonstrated your passion for the subject through extra-curricular activities or work experience.
• Make it clear why studying biochemistry at the graduate level is your next logical step. Explain what specific skills and knowledge you hope to gain from a degree course in this field.
• Finish by restating your reasons for wanting to study biochemistry. Emphasize how excited you are about beginning this new chapter in your education journey.

Examples of Personal Statements for Biochemistry

It is vital to create a personal statement that outlines your strengths and unique experiences. In biology, a personal statement is going to be key when you’re applying to selective majors, highly competitive schools, and professionals.

Below is an example of a personal statement for biochemistry:

Personal Statement Example 1

I am fascinated by the complexity of biochemistry and its ability to impact our everyday lives. I was first introduced to this field when I took a biochemistry course during my undergraduate studies. The way molecules interact with one another to carry out complex processes amazed me. This sparked my interest in pursuing further education in this area to gain a deeper understanding of these fascinating interactions.

The rigor of my academic background has helped me develop strong critical thinking skills, which are essential for research-based fields such as biochemistry. My previous educational experiences have also allowed me to cultivate relevant laboratory skills and experience working with different data sets. These skills will be valuable assets as I continue towards graduate studies and pursue a career in the field of biomedical science or pharmaceuticals.

I am extremely excited about the opportunity to attend [university name]’s Biochemistry program! The world-renowned faculty at this university are experts in their respective fields. And there’s no doubt they’ll provide an excellent learning environment for me, and other students enrolled in the program. Furthermore, [university name]’s location provides ample opportunities for collaborations with leading researchers from all over the world. This is invaluable for any scientist looking to explore the field better by working with experts.

Personal Statement Example 2

I am writing to apply for the biochemistry program at your esteemed university. I have always been fascinated by the molecular basis of life, and the intricate ways molecules interact with each other to create living tissues. My prior experiences in research and teaching laboratories have shown me that I genuinely enjoy exploring biochemical questions. I enjoy investigating how they can be applied to improve human health.

The coursework in your biochemistry program looks like an excellent fit for my interests. And I would be honored to learn from your world-renowned professors. I feel confident that my skills as a researcher will contribute significantly to whatever field of biochemistry I may choose to pursue after graduation. During my undergraduate studies, I worked on a project where we investigated new methods for treating Alzheimer’s disease using nanoparticles targeted against beta-amyloid plaques. This experience gave me invaluable hands-on training in nanotechnology. I also had experience working with various experimental techniques, such as western blotting and ELISA assays.

It has been my great privilege over the years to work with some amazing faculty members who are passionate about their fields of research. This type of mentorship is incredibly important to me moving forward into graduate school. With your world-renowned program and incomparable faculty members on board, I know that my dream is well within reach.

A biochemistry personal statement should highlight the skills and experiences you have that make you a good fit for a biochemistry graduate program. It’s essential to be specific and discuss your research interests and any relevant coursework or laboratory experience you have. You should also mention why you are interested in studying biochemistry. This article provides practical tips and examples to inspire you to write a good statement for your own.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Biochem & MolBiophysics PhD

Biochemistry and molecular biophysics phd admissions.

Thank you for your interest in the UC San Diego Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD Program. Our goal is to prepare students for careers in the biochemical sciences as researchers and educators. Our students work with faculty across the UC San Diego campus with research programs focused on structural biology, protein, RNA, and lipid biochemistry, experimental and computational biophysics, and systems biology. Below you will find information on the needed application materials and criteria.

Application Deadlines

General application information.

To begin your online application or to check the status on your application, please visit  connect.grad.ucsd.edu/apply . Information you enter may be saved at any time.

The Admissions & Recruitment Committee recommends submitting your application as soon as you complete it, even if we have not yet received all your letters of recommendation. We also highly recommend that you answer some/all of our additional questions about your educational experiences.

We review PhD files continuously beginning in late November and try to get the good news out to those we are recruiting to our program as soon as possible. If you have yet to hear from us, your file is still pending a final decision.

Transcripts

For application review purposes (only), scan and upload copies of unofficial transcripts for all institutions attended after high school. In the online application, you will be prompted to upload a PDF of your scanned documents. Please upload both the front and back sides of the unofficial transcript, even if the back side is blank. Uploaded transcripts should be recent and include the following: your name, the institution name, dates of attendance, grades/marks received, credits earned, and grading legend.  If no unofficial transcript is available, please upload a statement explaining the circumstances. Official copies of your transcripts will be required if you accept a potential admissions offer.

Statement of Purpose

We recommend that you structure your Statement of Purpose to address the following four prompts:

• Describe your personal and professional motivations for pursuing research in biochemistry and molecular biophysics.
• the overall context of the work,
• the specific goal of the work you were doing
• What you learned and what your new understanding means for the future of the project. Include a short discussion of how your research experience has shaped your decision to apply to our graduate program.
• Specify one or more faculty members in our department whose current research aligns with your interests. Provide some insight into why you made the choice(s) you did.
• Describe any obstacles that you have overcome to achieve your academic and personal achievements as well as any contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion you have made.

Letters of Recommendation

We  require three letters of recommendation. Letter writers that are able to provide context and clarity with respect to your ability and potential to excel in a graduate program are the most helpful in evaluating your application (e.g. a research advisor or a professors from a course that knows you well).

If your letter writer needs a new link to submit their letter, please follow the instructions below:

• Log into  online application
• Click “Update Application”
• Go to “Letters of Recommendation” page
• Click “Resend” next to the name of your letter writer

The GRE General & GRE Subject are not required and will not be used in the evaluation of your application.

Research Experience

Upload PDF copies of research products such as peer-reviewed publications, bioXriv pre-prints, posters, presentation slides, etc. Please do not upload thesis documents (Honors, MS, etc.). There are four slots with 4MB of space under the “Upload Poster/Research” section.

Additional Educational Experiences

This section allows us to acknowledge the non-academic/research commitments of applicants. While the application lists this section as “Optional”, we strongly encourage you to provide us with information that provides a holistic view of your prior experiences and activities. You may use sections from your Statement of Purpose as your answers to some of these questions.

Fee Waiver Programs

There are a couple of fee waiver programs offered by the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Please visit the GEPA website ( https://grad.ucsd.edu/admissions/requirements/application-fee-and-fee-waiver/index.html ) to see if you are eligible for a fee waiver with them. Follow their steps to request for one of their fee waivers. If you are ineligible for an application fee waiver through GEPA, then please follow the steps below to be considered for one of our limited number of fee waivers by our department.

• Applying for Fall 2024
• Please fill out the application as much as you can  ( https://connect.grad.ucsd.edu/apply/ )
• Do not submit the application nor enter any payment information
• Take note of your application's reference number (you'll need that for the next step)
• Fill out our Fee Waiver Request Form to be considered ( link )
• The deadline to be considered for a department fee waivers is December 1, 2023.
• If selected for an application fee waiver, we will contact you with further instructions by December 5, 2023.

Commitment to Diversity

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD Program welcomes all applicants. Our program has a long-standing commitment to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion within STEM fields from. Our commitment to diversifying the scientific workforce also includes people who self-identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community, people of socio-economic disadvantaged backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities.

English Proficiency Exams (International Applicants Only)

Applicants that have recently studied full-time for one uninterrupted academic year at a university-level institution in which English is the language of instruction and in a country in which English is a dominant language, may be exempt from language testing requirements.

Demonstrated proficiency in the English language (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE) is required for all other international applicants whose native language is not English. Requirements for demonstrating proficiency are listed below.

International applicants must include an official report of their TOEFL iBT or TSE scores from  ETS . The university-wide minimum TOEFL score for graduate admission is  550 for the paper based test (PBT), and 85 for the internet based test (iBT) . The minimum for the IELTS Academic Training exam is a score of 7 and a score of 65 for the PTE Academic.

At minimum, international applicants must also have a TOEFL iBT Speaking subscore of 23 , an IELTS Speaking subscore of 7 , or a PTE Speaking subscores of 65 .

Outreach Conferences 2024

National organization for the professional advancement of black chemists and engineers (nobcche).

September 30 - October 3 | Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando, FL

American Chemistry Society National Meeting

August 18 - 2 | Denver, CO

California Diversity Forum

October 19 | UC Riverside

Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)

October 31 - November 2 | Phoenix, AZ

Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS)

November 13 - 16 | Pittsburgh, PA

Fall 2024 PhD Deadline:

Dec 6, 2023

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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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Biochemistry personal statement example 4.

My curiosity for Biochemistry started when my sister first developed the symptoms of sickle cell anaemia. She had to have immediate treatment in the form of drugs such as morphine and codeine, as she was in great pain. This treatment was aimed at relieving the symptoms of sickle cell rather than curing it. Hours later, she seemed perfectly normal; this fascinated me and I wondered how these drugs had worked so quickly.

The concept of pain intrigues me and I am keen to explore the mechanisms through which we experience pain, and how painkillers are designed to suppress these pathways. This is one of the many reasons why I want to pursue a degree in biochemistry, to study the complex chemical processes in the body.

In my GCSE and A-level studies, I have demonstrated that I have a natural instinct for science. Taking Biology, Chemistry and Psychology at A-level has given me the opportunity to study these subjects in more depth, intensifying my interest.

In Chemistry, I have particularly enjoyed the problem solving nature of chemical equilibria and entropy topics and am fascinated by the complexity of organic chemistry.

I am particularly interested in how the structure of organic molecules relates to their chemical reactions and how this can be employed usefully in the pharmaceutical industry.

In Biology, I enjoy topics relating to the human body and understanding its function at a molecular and cellular level, through studying genetics and the immune system. I have developed analytical skills that help me interpret graphical and numerical data.

I am fascinated by how our bodies are adapted to fighting disease, and I have really enjoyed learning about the non-specific and specific immune responses that enable it to do this. But even with our elegant defence mechanisms, our bodies still fail to combat many of these pathogens. This is where drugs can help, and why I think that studying a biochemistry course is particularly relevant.

Studying psychology, I have learnt how to memorise numerous research studies in great depth and how to evaluate and interpret them. I have particularly enjoyed learning about how the brain creates and stores memories, and about behavioural and evolutionary theories of attachment.

My interest in science goes beyond the classroom. As a school prefect, I have been a mentor, helping the lower years to cope with personal problems that may be affecting their schoolwork.

This experience enhanced my confidence and communication skills and the ability to explain and teach something. I have also supported Year 8 pupils in their Science lessons, helping them understand the content fully and to increase their confidence.

I have also helped Year 7 pupils in maths, showing them different methods of solving problems. This demonstrates that I am a responsible and trustworthy person. I am also able to work in a team and under pressure; as well as being part of the social committee in school, I was also nominated to be head girl. These experiences have developed my interpersonal and organisational skills.

I volunteer at Northwick Park Hospital's cafe and have worked for 6 weeks in Boots pharmacy which improved my teamwork skills. Here I was fascinated by how important different types of drugs are used in treating patients and allowing them to carry out normal daily activities.

These experiences developed my interpersonal skills in a way that I had not had the opportunity to do beforehand.

In my spare time I like listening to music and reading novels as well as playing basket ball and netball which help my team work and leadership skills. I like to draw and enjoy painting as it enhances my visual skills and helps me to relax.

I believe that studying at university will stretch me and provide further challenges that I am keen to take on. I am a motivated, responsible, mature and determined person and am certain that biochemistry in the right course for me.

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Thu, 16/12/2010 - 21:01

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Mon, 11/11/2013 - 12:02

you made spelling mistake at last should be is not in.

Your statement is very

Sat, 04/01/2014 - 17:40

Your statement is very inspiring! I want to get a degree in biochemistry before going on to medical school. Its good to see more people interested in biochemistry, it has amazing possibilities. I don't know many other people interested in biochemistry. Best of luck to you! Harrison, [email protected]

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Bovine highly pathogenic avian influenza virus stability and inactivation in the milk byproduct lactose

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A bovine isolate of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus was stable for 14 days in a concentrated lactose solution at under refrigerated conditions. Heat or citric acid treatments successfully inactivated viruses in lactose. This study highlights the persistence of HPAIV in lactose and its efficient inactivation under industrial standards.

Competing Interest Statement

Conflict of Interest Disclosure The J.A.R. laboratory received support from Tonix Pharmaceuticals, Xing Technologies, and Zoetis, outside of the reported work. J.A.R. is inventor on patents and patent applications on the use of antivirals and vaccines for the treatment and prevention of virus infections, owned by Kansas State University. Other authors declare no competing interests.

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• Chemistry personal statements

Biochemistry degree personal statement example (1d) Oxford offer

In the sciences, every answer raises a new question. The field is one of infinite possibility and this is what most attracts me to it. Studying biochemistry would allow me to understand in detail the complexity of life and how different systems within it interact. To me, it explains the beauty of life, how it can be broken down into various chemical reactions and by studying the chemical composition and structure of separate biological molecules, I hope to gain a more cohesive understanding of life.

I was fortunate to arrange work experience at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics. I was able to observe and take part in practical tasks such as running a PCR and to learn the importance of meticulous experimental design and analysis of data. I was encouraged to ask questions of the researchers in the laboratory: their commitment and patient determination were infectious. A subsequent visit to a chemistry lab at the University of Oxford confirmed for me that this is the kind of work that I want to be doing.

Being naturally inquisitive, when my chemistry teacher mentioned that amino acids in the body are exclusively left-handed, I set out to learn why. After extensive research I was excited to discover that it has not yet been definitively answered. I was particularly interested to learn that the left-handedness challenges evolutionary theory and felt compelled to explore further. I was surprised by the ambiguity surrounding abiogenesis: the more I discovered, the more unanswered questions I found. By reflecting on this I learnt the exciting consequence of asking a good question -- it leads to another.

This experience (and an article in Scientific American magazine) inspired me to design an experiment with a group of friends for the school science fair in which we found out how and why illusions affect different people to varying degrees and whether those variations are attributable to a person’s genetic makeup or to their environment. This led me to Matt Ridley’s ‘Nature via Nurture,’ which shed much light on the subject, and introduced me to the idea that nature and nurture are not opposing factors but, rather, interactive. It explained concepts such as alternative splicing, revealing how the same genes can encode multiple proteins and so can account for life’s complexity. I feel that the idea needs to be explored further, and the mechanisms of the interactions studied more closely. I am excited by the possibility that this could lead to a better understanding of the nature of personality, which in turn may help us to understand and treat its disorders.

I have also enjoyed the challenge of mathematics, particularly the difficulty of abstract reasoning and logical problem-solving, both relevant for much of my work in chemistry. I strongly believe in the importance of sharing ideas to progress, so aspire to build upon my language base by spending my gap year in Syria learning Arabic as well as taking one year Open University course in Mandarin Chinese. Furthermore, studying piano and flute for many years has undoubtedly required self-discipline, patience and perseverance. Participating in the Peer Support program at school has contributed a lot to my interpersonal skills and confidence, particularly helping me improve my clarity of expression.

Biochemistry combines the best of what I have found most challenging and rewarding in the different subjects I have studied. I am certain that it is what I want to specialise in and am confident that my curiosity and determination will help me do so.

Universities Applied to:

• Oxford University (Biochemistry) - Offer (AAAa) Firm
• Cardiff University (Biochemistry - biomedical route) - Offer (ABB) Insurance
• Imperial College London (Biochemistry with French) - Offer (AAAb) Rejected
• Nottingham University (Biochemistry) - Offer (AAB) Rejected
• Bath University (Biochemistry) - Offer (AAB) Rejected

Grades Achieved:

• Chemistry (A2) - A
• Biology (AS) - A
• Maths (A2) - A
• French (A2) - A
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