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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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- Aug 28, 2023
Video: How to write an excellent Oxford Biochemistry personal statement
Updated: Feb 19
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Successful Personal Statement For Chemistry At Oxford
Last Updated: 7th April 2022
Author: Rob Needleman
Table of Contents
Welcome to our popular Personal Statement series where we present a successful Personal Statement, and our Oxbridge Tutors provide their feedback on it.
Today, we are looking through a Chemistry applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University. The Chemistry Course at Oxford is taught in a world-leading chemistry department with state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories and world-class research.
Read on to see how this candidate wrote a Personal Statement that helped secure their place on a reputable degree.
Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement:
SUCCESSFUL?
The universities this candidate applied to were the following:
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Chemistry Personal Statement
Few aspects of our lives remain unaffected by the fundamental subject of chemistry. Chemists have revolutionised the way we live; from the medicines we use to the water we drink, it is hard to imagine what our everyday life would be like without the help of this vast subject. I wish to be a part of the chemical discoveries of the future which is what entices me to study chemistry in greater depth at university.
My interest in chemistry has developed a great deal since starting the AS level course. Each time I learn something new, it inspires me to develop my knowledge even further. I have particularly enjoyed the organic chemistry involved in the AS course due to the practical work it entails. Laboratory work for me is enjoyable because it provides an opportunity to test out the theoretical knowledge you have gained and is also great fun! For example, I particularly enjoyed making azo dyes as it was interesting to recreate a process in the lab which is so frequently used in industry.
I have been able to develop my passion for chemistry through wider reading. I have recently enjoyed reading Molecules at an Exhibition. The range of molecules which can have profound effects on our lives surprised me and showed me again how relevant chemistry is to our lives. I have a subscription to New Scientist. An article I particularly enjoyed reading over the summer was “Rogue elements” which explores some of the unanswered questions associated with the periodic table. For example, when the elements will stop and whether superheavy elements, which exist for fractions of a second only one atom at a time, can be considered elements at all. The article also looked at the issues of where to place the elements hydrogen and helium and where the metal/non-metal divide should be. This showed me that although the periodic table is often considered to be complete, there is still much to uncover. Reading Quantum Theory Cannot Hurt You introduced me to the concept of relativity and I was amazed to find out how this theory affects chemistry as well as physics. For example without relativity the properties of some of the heavier elements such as gold would simply not be the same. I have been developing my interest in maths and have taken up AS further maths which will be largely self-taught, I know this will complement the chemistry syllabus.
Recently I took part in a UNIQ summer school at Oxford University which allowed me to have a great insight into undergraduate chemistry. I thoroughly enjoyed my week, particularly the lecture on chirality. This was a new concept for me and I was surprised by the huge differences that can result from this form of isomerism. My subject knowledge was greatly enhanced and the skills I gained have been even more valuable. I was taught to question, develop and evaluate my knowledge at every stage and become a more independent learner.
During Year 12 I acted as a science tutor for GCSE students, helping them with exam technique. I found that explaining the subject matter to others helped to enhance and consolidate my own knowledge. My success both in and out of school was rewarded when I received Clevedon’s 2014 Academic Achievement Award in chemistry.
I enjoy playing the piano and recently achieved Grade 6 during my GCSE year, developing my time management skills. My other hobbies include drama and singing and I am a member of Clevedon Light Opera Club as well as the school choir. I have taken part in several productions as well as performing in school stage shows and concerts. All of which contributed to me gaining my Gold Arts Award. I volunteer with a Rainbow group. When I started I found the prospect of running activities for a group of people quite daunting, but 2 years later I think my confidence and communication skills have improved greatly. I have developed my knowledge, skills and aptitude both in and out of school and I look forward to being able to extend these further by studying at university.
For more inspiration, take a look through our other successful Personal Statement a nalysis articles:
Successful Personal Statement For Natural Science (Physical) At Cambridge
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Good Points Of The Personal Statement
This is a well written and well-structured statement. The student places points in order of relevance, making the statement easy to read. All points are clearly explained, and their impacts on the student are clear. There is a clear introduction, main body and conclusion.
Bad Points Of The Personal Statement
Although the statement is written in a logical order, there are a lot of paragraphs. Whilst it is very good that the student has a wide range of interests and hobbies, the student dedicates two paragraphs to these. It would have been possible to shorten the statement by removing some of the points mentioned, without taking away from the quality of the statement. The student clearly has many experiences from outside of the A-level syllabus, such as the UNIQ summer school and working as a GCSE science tutor. Whilst is it of course important to describe individual experiences and achievements, focussing on the positives alone limits the impact that mentioning such experiences will have. It would have been nice to see what challenges the student faced through their experiences, and how the student overcame these.
UniAdmissions Overall Score:
This is an excellent statement. The Personal Statement is clearly written and easy to read. The length of the statement could have been reduced, however, there are no other areas in which the student needs to make significant improvements.
This Personal Statement for Chemistry is a great example of a well-written Statement that demonstrates a wealth of experience and interest, vital to Admissions Tutors.
Remember, at Oxford, these Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.
You can find more successful personal statements and our expert guides on our Free Personal Statement Resources page.
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Undergraduate admissions
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Biochemistry isn’t taught at A-level, so you won’t be expected to have detailed knowledge of the subject. However an A-level in Chemistry (or an international equivalent) is essential and well as strong grades in related areas like maths, or biology.
What we’re looking for.
It is essential to have A-level in Chemistry, or the equivalent (see the University international qualifications page – if you are doing a qualification not listed and want to see whether your qualification covers the same material as A-level chemistry, the following are links to the AQA , edexcel and OCR A-level chemistry syllabuses).
The course has significant maths and biology content, and some physics. The first-year course provides the necessary background in biology, physics and mathematics for those who have not studied these subjects beyond GCSE. However Maths to A-level or the equivalent is very helpful to students in completing the course and, although not required for admission, will make an application more competitive. Biology beyond GCSE or the equivalent can be helpful to students in completing the course, although not required for admission.
The course also involves a very significant essay writing component, and so applicants should be able to demonstrate on their UCAS form, and during the interview process, an acceptable standard of English.
Typical conditional offers
Although any offers we make are decided by college tutors on an individual basis, the recommended typical offers are:
A*AA, including chemistry and another science or maths, and with the A* in maths, physics, chemistry, or biology (or a very closely related subject).
Biochemistry tutors do not necessarily require three A-levels (or the equivalent) to be sat together at the end of year 13. If a candidate has completed one or more A-levels in year 12 which are relevant to the biochemistry course (maths, physics, chemistry, biology or a closely related subject) then this may contribute to meeting an offer (e.g. achieving a grade A in year 12 may result in an offer that would have been A*AA becoming an offer of A*A). As with all offers, the specific offer received by a candidate who has completed one or more A-levels in year 12, and how far these A-levels count towards satisfying the typical requirements, is decided on an individual basis.
39 points overall, including Core Points, with 7 in HL chemistry and 6 in two other relevant subjects.
Scottish highers
AAB at AH, including an A in chemistry and an A or B in another science or maths, or for those doing two AHs and one H, AAA, including A in AH chemistry and A in another science or maths at AH or H level.
APs/ACTs/SATs
Four APs at grade 5 including chemistry and two other relevant subjects
Three APs at grade 5 including chemistry and two other relevant subjects plus a score of either 32 or above in the ACT or 1470 or above (out of 1600) in the SAT.
You also need to have an acceptable level of English, so if this isn’t your first language any offer will include meeting the University’s English language requirements .
Shortlisting for interview
We usually shortlist for interview roughly three applicants for every available place.
Shortlisting decisions are based on:
- your GCSE grades (or equivalent) along with any AS grades/marks that are available;
- your predicted or achieved A-level grades/International Bacc. Scores (or equivalent);
- your referees report;
- evidence of interest in and academic potential for Biochemistry from your personal statement.
All these are considered in the light of any contextual data (where available) that could have affected your past or current academic performance.
You are unlikely to be shortlisted if your application gives good cause to doubt that you will meet the typical offer, or if your personal statement indicates that biochemistry is not your preferred course of study. Further reasons for not being shortlisted include more than one of: uncompetitive results in official examinations, especially GCSE or its equivalent; uncompetitive predicted/obtained results in A-level or equivalent examinations; or an uncompetitive UCAS referee’s statement.
All shortlised applicants will be interviewed online by two different Colleges. This interview will take place using Microsoft Teams and potentially make use of the whiteboard software Miro. Interviews are used to discover your potential, taking into account your background and the stage you have reached, rather than to grill you on what you have covered so far at school. The interviewers will be looking at your interest in and enthusiasm for biochemistry, your ability to discuss and analyse relevant topics (often involving ideas or information that may be new to you), and your general reasoning and problem-solving skills.
Items specifically assessed at interview are:
- your Interest in/enthusiasm for biochemistry;
- your ability to describe/discuss a topic of mutual interest;
- your ability to describe/analyse, and extrapolate from, novel information;
- your reasoning and problem solving ability.
The current University interview timetable along with details of the technical requirements for interview (and support available) can be found on the University’s admissions site.
Final decisions
Final selection decisions are based on all the information that is available about an applicant and not just the interview performance (which is frequently not decisive).
How to apply
The University’s undergraduate admissions podcast series provides further information on the admissions process as well as what it’s like to live and study in Oxford.
Standard entry
Your school will have most of the information you need, as you’ll just apply in the normal way through UCAS. If you want more details of some of the parts of the application process that are specific to the University of Oxford, you can take a look at the undergraduate admissions pages .
The details you’ll need for your application are:
Course name : Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular)
UCAS course code : C700
UCAS institution code : O33
Deferred entry
We’re more than happy for you to apply for a deferred entry. You will be treated no differently from immediate entry applicants, and the offer you receive will be no more demanding. It is possible that, with discussion with the applicant, a deferred entry applicant may be offered an immediate place instead, or vice versa.
Applications outside the normal December admissions process
All applications must be made through UCAS in the normal way. Biochemistry tutors do not accept applications that are outside the normal, single gathered field.
Transfers from other universities
The Biochemistry Department does not accept students who wish to transfer to Oxford from any other university and start part way through the undergraduate course. If you’re currently studying at another university and want to study here instead, you’re welcome to apply through UCAS in the usual way. So even if you’ve partially completed a biochemistry programme elsewhere, you would have to start your study with us at the beginning of the first year.
However it is possible to apply directly to colleges as a visiting undergraduate student. Doing so will allow visitors can follow part of the undergraduate course, usually for one to three terms. This doesn’t result in an Oxford qualification.
Other admissions policies and processes
Reallocation scheme.
A College may request that some of their first preference candidates be reallocated (changing their first preference College) if their total number of first preference interviews is significantly greater than the number of first + second preference interviews conducted by the other Colleges.
Reallocation of candidates will take place after decisions on shortlisting for interviews. Reallocated candidates will be called for interview.
The reallocation process will be as follows:
- Any Colleges wishing to reallocate some of its applicants should contact the Admissions Coordinator (AC) informing them of how many applicants they wish to reallocate.
- Any Colleges wishing to receive reallocated applicants should contact the AC informing them of how many applicants they wish to receive.
- By informing the AC that they wish to take part in the reallocation scheme, each College is agreeing to abide by all the rules of the scheme, detailed as follows.
- If the number of places available at Colleges wishing to receive applicants is larger than the number of applicants to be reallocated, then preference will be given to those Colleges with the weakest applicant list (determined by the Departmental grading of the UCAS applications).
- Each reallocating College may “reserve” (prevent from being reallocated) up to two applicants per place available at that College for the next academic year (excluding open offer places).
- The applicants to be reallocated will be selected at random from all the remaining applicants to each reallocating College by the AC.
- The applicants to be reallocated will be allocated at random to the receiving Colleges by the AC.
- The reallocating Colleges will contact the applicants to inform them that they are being transferred to a different College.
Open offer scheme
Open offers are offers made to candidates where a place at Oxford University and a College is guaranteed should they fulfil the conditions of the offer. However, the specific College is decided in August once the examination results for all candidates are available and it is known which Colleges have vacancies.
The number of open offer places needed each year is decided by the Department and Colleges, assuming enough individual Colleges are prepared to underwrite places. Colleges which offer to underwrite a place but are not asked to do so by the Department are treated entirely equivalently to the other underwriting Colleges.
Each pool candidate is underwritten by one College. In the event that the candidate cannot be placed elsewhere, that College guarantees to take the candidate even if they have no vacancies.
The minimum offer for an open offer candidate is the departmentally recommended offer.
No College can accept a candidate who has failed their conditional offer until all the open offer candidates who have met their offers have been placed.
The order of priority for Colleges wishing to take a pool candidate is:
- The underwriting College, if it has an unfilled place;
- Any other underwriting College, if it has an unfilled place;
- Any other College, if it has an unfilled place;
- The underwriting College, as an additional place;
- Any other College, as an additional place.
If no College wants to take a pool candidate who has met their conditional offer, then the order of priority is:
- They must be offered a place by any underwriting College, if it has an unfilled place;
- They must be offered a place by the College that underwrote their offer.
We will accept all four IB maths courses, however we would recommend that applicants should do Analysis and approaches HL or SL or Applications and interpretation HL as these will be better preparation for our course and may give the applicant a competitive advantage at admissions.
BTEC and access to science courses
Most BTEC and access to science courses do not meet the criterion of "A-level in Chemistry, or the equivalent" because these courses do not have a similar breadth and depth (in particular, the same depth on the theoretical side) of chemistry as an A-level course. It is therefore highly unlikely that an applicant who does not have some other means of meeting this criterion will be able to make a competitive application unless there are very significant mitigating circumstances.
![biochemistry oxford personal statement Our Course](https://www.bioch.ox.ac.uk/sites/default/files/styles/listing_tile_text_displayed_image/public/bioch/images/media/4150-058.jpg?itok=8tS7TGzO)
Biochemistry @ Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford in 2020
Interview format.
2x interviews
Interview content
Personal statement, graph analysis
Best preparation
Personal statement, revision, talking aloud, spoke to a current student
Final thoughts
Try to say something even if you're unsure because that's better than saying that you don't know
Remember this advice isn't official. There is no guarantee it will reflect your experience because university applications can change between years. Check the official Cambridge and Oxford websites for more accurate information on this year's application format and the required tests.
Also, someone else's experience may not reflect your own. Most interviews are more like conversations than tests and like, any conversation, they are quite interactive.
Test taken: n/a Number of interviews: 2 Online interview: yes
Both started with a question about why I wanted to apply to Biochemistry, and about my personal statement. Both were followed by more questions each with a graph to analyse. I was nervous but I relaxed into it and found it to be more of just a really interesting conversation. In my first interview, the tutor was encouraging and told me when I was right and praised me etc. In my 2nd interview, the tutor came off cold and didn't give anything away.
I practised talking about my personal statement and read it over, I spoke to a current 3rd-year Biochemistry student for advice on what interviews are like and practised talking aloud about academic topics relating to biochemistry. I made sure I knew the basics of each of my A-Levels by revising the content too.
Practice talking to people about academic topics and speaking out loud to yourself! Try to say something even if you're unsure because that's better than saying that you don't know, eg. I'm not sure but could it be... If you genuinely haven't covered a particular topic that has arisen be sure to tell the interviewer that, but still have a go at answering based on what you do know. Interviewers are just looking for someone who can engage in the Oxford tutorial setting and this method to suit their learning. I expected them to try and trick me but they really didn't!
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- Chemistry personal statements
Biochemistry degree personal statement example (1n)
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 . |
For me, evolution is one of the most elegant processes on earth and has fascinated me ever since I learned of its ruthless nature, blindly selecting for characteristics with immediate benefit. This fascination naturally led to a great curiosity as to what life really was and how it might have all started. My passion for molecular cell biology and biochemistry stems from the desire to understand these fundamental questions.
During my AS study, the boundaries between sciences have seemed very blurred and I have found much is gained through applying concepts across subjects. For example my knowledge of functional group properties and isomerism learned in organic chemistry can be applied to biomolecules, allowing me to appreciate the importance of their structure. Similarly, through reading “The Chemical Bond” by Linus Pauling, I learned how resonance in the carboxylate group of amino acid zwitterions gives them stability. This book also increased my understanding of hydrogen bonds, allowing me to realise their importance in biological structures, particularly proteins. Intrigued by this, I watched online lectures on protein structure and was amazed by the significance of amino acid side chain properties; in particular the precise nature of disulphide bonds formed between thiol groups of cysteine residues. Likewise I have found the logical problem solving that is so central to maths to be of invaluable benefit for all aspects of scientific study.
Nick Lane’s “Power, Sex, Suicide: Mitochondria and the Meaning of Life” was an inspiring read. The book demonstrated a great example of comparative biochemistry being used to theorise the origin of the eukaryotic cell and establish the hydrogen hypothesis. Equally, many existing problems can be solved through the applications of biochemistry, from drug design to alternative fuels. A recent article in New Scientist, “The rush towards renewable oil” demonstrated a pioneering way that cyanobacteria have been genetically modified to secrete alkanes as a product of photosynthesis.
As well as reading and making use of online resources, I recently completed an Open University course “Human genetics and health issues” to broaden my understanding of genetic diseases. The ethical aspects of the course were most stimulating as I was forced to discuss the dilemmas of families faced by genetic disease, highlighting the social impacts of scientific research. However, the real challenge lay in the personal study and self-motivation needed to complete the course; I feel my success in both these areas is promising for university study. Finally, attending university open days and a twilight session at the University of Southampton chemistry labs has reinforced my enthusiasm for the practical side of biochemistry study.
Apart from academic life, I am a keen member of the school Debating Society and have taken great pleasure in the chance to improve my ability as a public speaker. Cycling allows me to combine exercise with my love of nature and so I regularly cycle around the nearby lakes and forest. Finally I am an enthusiastic skier and have been fortunate to be able to ski regularly over the past few years.
I believe my inquisitive nature, great enjoyment of science and capacity for independent learning stand me in good stead for the academic challenges of university life, after which I hope my understanding of life at the cellular and molecular level will lay the foundations for a happy and productive life in biochemical research.
Universities Applied to:
- University of Oxford (Biochemistry: Molecular and Cellular) - Rejection
- University of York (Biochemistry) - Offer (AAB) Insurance
- University of Nottingham (Biochemistry) - Offer (ABB)
- University of Bristol (Biochemistry) - Offer (AAB)
- Durham University (Natural Sciences) - Rejection
Grades Achieved:
- Biology (A2) B
- Chemistry (A2) A
- Maths (A2) D
- Physics (AS) E
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Biochemistry Personal Statement
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Reducing word count.
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Excerpt from a Biochemistry Personal 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.
Extra Reading
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Motivation for Biochemistry
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Thanks to Oxbridge Mind's Personal Statement check I managed to get invited to 4 interviews! They were very quick in their turnaround, and were able to address the areas I needed to edit.
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October 2019
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If it wasn't for Oxbridge Mind, I would never have known how to write a medicine personal statement so well. They helped teach me how to make links between my work experience and my skills.
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Personal statements for university applications
An important part of your ucas application is the personal statement. the purpose of a personal statement is to show a university why you want to study a subject at the higher education level, how you will handle the demands of a university degree and to tell them a little about yourself..
It is effectively trying to answer the question “why should we pick you to study at our university?” The personal statement will be looked at by admissions tutors so it is important to get it right and showcase the best side of you. A personal statement will be unique to you but there are some things that you will want to include (and other things to avoid).
Tips on writing your personal statement
Why have you chosen biochemistry/this subject.
Addressing this point will form a large part of your personal statement. Admission tutors want to see a genuine interest in the subject and evidence of how you try to expand your knowledge in the subject.
You can show this through relevant work experience or through further reading. Furthermore, if you have carried out a project through schemes such as the British Science Association CREST Award , or a more formal Extended Project Qualification ( AQA , Edexcel , OCR ) , be sure to mention this as it shows you have actively pursued to increase your knowledge of the area.
The key is to be specific and give relevant examples.
What skills do you have that will allow you to manage the demands of a degree?
A degree requires independent working, analytical thinking and working to deadlines, to name a few key skills.
It is likely that you have gained skills through your studies, through working and through extra-curricular activities that you can transfer to successfully completing a degree.
Use specific examples of how you have developed these skills and how they are relevant to completing a degree.
Take a look at our table of skills you may have developed during school on our transferable skills page
Show them who you are!
Your personal statement it is a way to show admission tutors who you are so make sure it stands out.
Provide some information about how you intend to use your degree in the future (such as a career path) and also what you hope to gain from the degree in addition to the specialist knowledge.
You can also mention your hobbies and what you enjoy about them.
Be clear, concise and proofread your application
It is important to be clear and concise. Avoid adding irrelevant information that does not answer why you should be given a place to study.
Proofread your statement (and get others to read it too) and ensure you haven’t made any spelling or grammar errors.
The structure of your personal statement is important. It should have a good flow and the information should follow a logical order, which will make it far easier to read.
It should be written in a formal style, but still allow your personal voice to come through. Be sure to understand any new vocabulary that you use but also understand that being clear and concise, is more important than sounding like a thesaurus!
Finally, don’t copy someone else’s statement as universities can detect when work has been replicated, and it can severely affect your chance of securing a place.
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Biochemistry personal statement example.
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.
Profile info
There is no profile associated with this personal statement, as the writer has requested to remain anonymous.
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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Personal Statement Tips
Personal statement example biochemistry.
Submitted by Sophie
Biochemistry
I’ve always had one goal in life, to help others and better the world. Although as a child I was never sure how I could do this. As I grew and went to school I quickly found that the sciences were my favourite subjects. I was always so amazed by how we knew so much about the smallest things in the world such as atoms and their sub particles - this always left me curious to discover more. I would constantly ask questions and when given the answer, question that too. However, coming from a younger naive self affected by the loss of loved ones, my questions became more difficult such as ‘why can’t we cure cancer?’.
I was always given answers which were never enough for me and didn't give me the knowledge I craved. From a young age these unsatisfactory answers and my curiosity led me to dive deeper into my studies. With the help of my father I was quickly learning more and more about current affairs in the science community. We would read New Scientist together and discuss topics such as black holes and DNA. Whilst I always enjoyed the school teaching where I learnt the proven facts; it was always the research that interested me most. Not knowing the answer, as frustrating as it is, has always been the thing that fueled my desire to learn more. Studying Biology and Chemistry at A Level keeps me curious, learning about the processes that shape the world we live in and make us who we are is something that continually keeps me wanting more.
After completing the Biochemistry module in my A Level course, I felt a passion growing; for every fact I learnt I only had more questions. It gets to the point where the teacher can no longer answer these questions - in fact nobody can. I found myself looping back to a constant array of unsatisfactory answers. The classroom is where I have found my desire in life, I want to face the complex questions we struggle to answer and provide the solution which right now may seem impossible. How better can I do this than by merging my goals and desires?
To enter a field of research, one in which I can aid in the search for cures and treatments to life-threatening diseases, I am able to quench my thirst for knowledge and help others in need. More specifically, I want to go into Breast Cancer Research. After seeing the damage it does to the world and the personal effect it has had on my family, I am passionate in putting all of my efforts into the eradication of the disease. This is why a Biochemistry course is a perfect fit for me. Not only will allow me to keep learning about a subject I’m so passionate about at a higher level, but it will open the door to a world I am so eager to enter. I’ve already started in my efforts as a member of the school’s charity committee; we continuously raise money towards multiple charities including Cancer Research and Macmillan. I also work alongside Legacy 4 Lucy and WhizzKidz in the preparation and execution of an annual charity ball. Last summer we raised £9000 and I’m hoping to surpass this figure at next year’s ball.
As I continue to be full of questions, I carry on taking my learning outside of the classroom, this is why I take such pleasure in my extracurricular courses completed through Future Learn. After learning about the rapid progression in cancer medications over the past 100 years, I am amazed that chemotherapy once involved toxic mustard gas, especially considering we are now on the brink of using monoclonal antibodies for targeted therapy. This reminds me that whilst the science community faces extreme difficulties in providing treatment without damaging healthy cells, there is a solution to the problem - even if it is yet to be found. I know that a future in research won't be an easy future, but that only motivates me more because my thirst for knowledge compels me to rise to the challenge.
I have learnt vital skills from many years’ participation in my schools debating societies, which have aided me throughout the difficult transition into A Level and which will continue to help me through future struggles. The perseverance I have is what makes me fit for the course. Once set on a goal, I am determined to achieve it which is why I know I am capable of succeeding in this Biochemistry course.
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Suggested Subject Resources
Whether you need inspiration for your personal statement, something to think about before your interview or whether you are simply intellectually curious, you might find the suggested reading and resources below useful and entertaining. They are intended to give you an idea of the kind of material you might engage with during a course at Oxford. We've also included links to the University's current research to give you an idea of how academic research can impact upon society.
Remember, these are only suggestions for further reading, so please don't feel restricted to only reading what we recommend! We have also compiled the best of our cross-curricular digital resources to support learning and exploration in our Digital Resource Hub .
You can also enjoy an insight into what it's like to study at Oxford by exploring our free podcasts and videos. These include public lectures covering a wide range of subjects, plus teaching resources, interviews with leading academics, and more. You can watch and listen on your computer, or download files via our podcasts page .
You may also like to have a look at our Medium channel for articles about Oxford research, covering topics from the weirdest plants in the Botanical Garden to how to teach a computer to recognise your cat.
Archaeology and Anthropology
Suggested reading for Archaeology and Anthropology .
You may also like to take a look at the website Discover Anthropology .
Oxford research:
- Reconnecting Indigenous Nations with their Material Heritage
- Who Needs Migrant Workers
- Endangered Archaeology video
Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular)
Read the recommended reading list for Biochemistry.
At present we do not produce a reading list for students applying for Biology but we encourage you to read New Scientist , National Geographic or any other Biology materials which you find interesting.
- Putting ticks on the map
- Poetry in motion
- Defeating dengue with GM mosquitoes
- The loneliness of the long-distance seabird
- Balancing conservation and commerce in the world’s forests
- The surprising uses of silk
- Bringing back the large blue butterfly - Jeremy Thomas
- Preserving Endangered Trees: A Chilean case study
- Jatropha Curcas in the Global Race for Biofuels
- Peru's Data Collectors
- Researching the Reef: fish and coral of the Caribbean
Biomedical Sciences
Introductory Reading for Biomedical Sciences .
- Bringing together universities, industry and the NHS to benefit people in the Oxfordshire region and beyond
- Restoring Sight With Gene Therapy
- Cooling babies to save lives
- Innovative genomics
- Helping diabetes sufferers
- Transforming the diagnosis of Tuberculosis
- Mending broken hearts
- The million women study
- Helping the brain to control Parkinson’s
- Combining cultures
- Preventing strokes
Research videos:
- The TOBY Trial - Cooling Babies
- Tackling and tracking TB through DNA analysis
- "Bionic eye" trial in Oxford
- Fighting Arthritis: the development of anti-TNF therapies
- The Paternal Age Effect: Identifying reproductive risks
Introductory reading for Chemistry .
You may also like to read Chemistry World magazine , and view other resources from the Royal Society of Chemistry .
- Turning orange into grapefruit
- Fuel cells inspired by nature video
- Chemistry in the garden video
Classical Archaeology and Ancient History
There is no reading list for students applying for Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, as we encourage students to engage with whatever they find interesting about the ancient world. If you are interested in Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, this will include the historical and archaeological evidence through which we learn about that world.
As well as visiting your local museum, or other museums, you may wish to explore some websites which have excellent links to historical and archaeological materials, such as the British Museum or Oxford’s own Ashmolean Museum's collection highlights , or the BBC Radio 4 archives , for example for the programme ‘In Our Time’, covering material from Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome .
There are also many social media sites which you can join such as Classics Confidential, Classics Outreach and Classics International.
- Classics for the people
- Endangered archaeology video
- Conserving by copying: 3D Printing Tutankhamun's Tomb video
There is no reading list for students applying for Classics, as we encourage students to read as widely as possible about any Classics materials they find interesting (in literature, history, philosophy, archaeology, and/or philology), and to think critically about their reading. You may also wish to explore some websites which have excellent links to materials about the ancient world, such as the British Museum or the BBC Radio 4 archives , for example for the programme ‘In Our Time’, covering material from Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome .
Classics and English
There is no reading list for students applying for Classics, as we encourage students to read as widely as possible about any Classics materials they find interesting (in literature, history, philosophy, archaeology, and/or philology), and to think critically about their reading. You may also wish to explore some websites which have excellent links to materials about the ancient world, such as the British Museum or the BBC Radio 4 archives , for example for the programme ‘In Our Time’, covering material from Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome .
For the English Literature element of the course, we recommend that you read as widely as possible, and think critically about all the texts – literary or not – that you read. Read more about this in our examples of interview questions . You can find literary resources on our Great Writers Inspire site . You may also like to look at literary websites and listen to radio programs such as BBC Radio 4's ' In Our Time '.
- Dramatic research
- Making Britain
- Digitising Jane Austen's fiction manuscripts
- On the joy of not rehearsing Shakespeare video
Classics and Modern Languages
There is no reading list for students applying for Classics, as we encourage students to read as widely as possible about any Classics materials they find interesting (in literature, history, philosophy, archaeology, and/or philology), and to think critically about their reading. You may also wish to explore some websites which have excellent links to materials about the ancient world, such as the British Museum or the BBC Radio 4 archives , for example for the programme ‘In Our Time’, covering material from Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome . There are also many social media sites which you can join such as Classics Confidential, Classics Outreach and Classics International.
Please view the guidance on the FAQs section of the Modern Languages faculty website under the heading 'How best to prepare for the entrance procedure'. You can also find reading lists on the individual pages of the following languages:
- Modern Greek
- Shedding new light on Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin
- Writing Brecht, living well
Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
There is no reading list for students applying for Classics, as we encourage students to read as widely as possible about any Classics materials they find interesting (in literature, history, philosophy, archaeology, and/or philology), and to think critically about their reading.
You may also wish to explore some websites which have excellent links to materials about the ancient world, such as the British Museum or the BBC Radio 4 archives , for example for the programme ‘In Our Time’, covering material from Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome .
Suggested reading for Asian and Middle Eastern Studies can be found on the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies website by following the relevant links below:
- BA in Arabic
- BA in Sanskrit
- BA in Persian
- BA in Turkish
- Recreating an experience of ancient Egypt
- Helping the UK understand China
Computer Science
Introductory reading for prospective applicants to Computer Science can be found on the departmental website.
You may also like to look at our GeomLab website which will introduce you to some of the most important ideas in computer programming in an interactive, visual way through a guided activity.
- Securing the internet of the future
- Putting out ‘Digital Wildfires’ before they take hold
- The friendly face of robots
- Safety by design
- Computers at the heart of the matter
- 60 Years of Computer Science
- Oxford and Cybersecurity 1 – the Internet and Policy
- Oxford and Cybersecurity 2 – Trusted Computing
- Oxford and Cybersecurity 3 – The Academic Edge
Computer Science and Philosophy
Introductory reading for prospective applicants to Computer Science can be found on the departmental website.
There are many introductions to philosophy: Myles Burnyeat and Ted Honderich’s ‘Philosophy’ as it is a very useful collection. Martin Hollis ‘An Invitation to Philosophy’ and Simon Blackburn’s ‘Think’ are also recommended but feel free to pick up any introductory or beginners’ text.
Earth Sciences
At present we do not produce a reading list for students applying for Earth Sciences but we encourage you to read New Scientist , National Geographic or any other relevant materials which you find interesting.
- Preserving an exceptional fossil site for future generations
- Understanding oil-rich strata
- Influencing global policy on mercury
- Reducing toxic mercury emissions video
- Tracking Life 40 Degrees South video
- Volcano hunting, Italy to Peru video
Economics and Management
An indispensable introduction to economic analysis, both for those who have not studied it at school and for those who have is ‘The Economist’ or the Economics pages of newspapers. Paul Krugman’s writings are highly recommended. Begg, Fischer and Dornbusch’s ‘Economics’ is one of the introductory textbooks widely used at Oxford.
You can find the Economics reading list and Management reading list online.
Oxford research:
- The value of mutuality
- Geometry to the rescue
- Research led to Supreme Court ruling on removal of UK employment tribunal fees video
- The surprising uses of auctions video
Engineering Science
At present we do not produce a reading list for students applying for Engineering Science but we encourage you to read any relevant materials which you find interesting. Here are some online resources you may like to use to test your knowledge:
- Isaac Physics : this website contains lots of maths and physics problem solving questions.
- British Physics Olympiad : this website contains lots of past papers and solutions of problem solving type questions.
- Next time, education centre : this website contains some quite fun questions designed to make you think about physical concepts.
- I want to study Engineering : this website is just as useful for all applicants not just those applying to engineering.
- Brilliant.org : this website has some resources to test your mathematical and physics knowledge.
- Providing the technology for ‘space refrigerators’
- Improving hospitals’ ‘early warning’ systems
- Data scientists to the rescue
- Driverless cars video
- Delivering drugs better - using sound video
English Language and Literature
English and modern languages.
Please visit the guidance on the FAQs section of the Modern Languages faculty website under the heading 'How best to prepare for the entrance procedure'. You can also find reading lists on the individual pages of the following languages:
European and Middle Eastern Languages
Please visit the guidance on the FAQs section of the Modern Languages faculty website under the heading 'How can I prepare myself for the entrance procedure?'. This advice can be applied to both the European and the Middle Eastern elements of the course. You can also find reading lists on the individual pages of the following languages:
Suggested reading for Asian and Middle Eastern Studies can be found on the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies website by following the relevant links below:
Experimental Psychology
Please view the suggested reading for Experimental Psychology. This document also includes reading suggestions for those interested in the Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics course.
Research videos:
- Improving Access to Psychological Therapies: Using evidence to change policy
- Spread the word
- How people with depression see faces
- From the Minds of Babes: New frontiers in paediatric pain
The following list is suggested as a starting point and is not exhaustive and nor does it mean that you must read these.
- Barthes, Roland , Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography (Vintage)
- Crow, Thomas, The Rise of the Sixties: American and European Art in the Era of Dissent (Everyman )
- Stallabrass, Julian, Contemporary Art: A Very Short Introductions (Oxford University Press)
- Smith, Terry, Contemporary Art: World Currents (Laurence King Publishing)
We strongly encourage all students to attend exhibitions and look at art works as much as possible. Public art galleries like Tate Modern, the Whitechapel, and the Serpentine in London, the Ikon in Birmingham, the Liverpool Tate, the Whitworth in Manchester, the Baltic in Gateshead, the Arnolfini in Bristol, and Tramway in Glasgow are all excellent places to see contemporary art and to find out more about it.
Other excellent resources include:
- the UK-wide exhibition listings
- the online edition of the US journal Artforum
- the excellent repository of moving image and sound art, called UBU Web
It is also a good idea to look at journals such as:
An indispensable introduction to contemporary issues in Geography is the Royal Geographical Society 'Geographical Magazine'. Reading 'The Economist' is also highly recommended.
- Managing the risk of surface water flooding
- Smartphones become Smart Stones
- The value of a green and pleasant land
- Getting critical
- How changes to inland waters impact regional climates
- Calculating the risks of coastal flooding and cliff erosion
- How global warming is changing tropical forests
- Climate Network
- Avoiding infrastructure failure
- Stopping floods on the cheap: A success story from Yorkshire
The best way to prepare for a History degree is to read the history books which interest you, either related to your school work or ranging beyond it – and be prepared to discuss your views of those books and their arguments. To find such material, you might want to follow up on references made in your school or college text books, or your History teacher may also be able to recommend particular works for you to read on topics that you find most interesting.
One good way of broadening your historical horizons is to read one of the popular History magazines: History Today or BBC History , which has weekly podcasts . You may like to look at the books which are being reviewed in the quality press.
You may also like to explore the websites of public institutions which have excellent links to historical materials, such as the British Museum or BBC Radio 4 archives .
Lastly, delving into some historical sources can be a great way to develop your ideas and understanding. You could try exploring literature, art, music or even films produced by different societies, and consider what these can tell us about the people of that time.
- Looking back to understand the recent economic crisis
History (Ancient and Modern)
There is no reading list for students applying for Ancient and Modern History, as we encourage students to read as widely as possible about any period of history, ancient and/or modern, that they find interesting. (View 'History' above). For the ancient world, you may also wish to explore websites which have excellent links to historical materials, such as the British Museum or Oxford’s own Ashmolean Museum , the BBC Radio 4 archives , for example for the programme ‘In Our Time', covering material from Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome .
History and Economics
An indispensable introduction to economic analysis, both for those who have not studied it at school and for those who have is ‘ The Economist ’ or the Economics pages of newspapers. Paul Krugman’s writings are highly recommended. Begg, Fischer and Dornbusch’s ‘Economics ’ is one of the introductory textbooks widely used at Oxford.
History and English
One good way of broadening your historical horizons is to read one of the popular History magazines: History Today or BBC History , which has weekly podcasts . You may like to look at the books which are being reviewed in the quality press. You may also like to explore the websites of public institutions which have excellent links to historical materials, such as the British Museum or BBC Radio 4 archives . Lastly, delving into some historical sources can be a great way to develop your ideas and understanding. You could try exploring literature, art, music or even films produced by different societies, and consider what these can tell us about the people of that time.
History and Modern Languages
Please visit the guidance on the FAQs section of the Modern Languages faculty website under the heading 'How best to prepare for the entrance procedure'. You can also find reading lists on the individual pages of the following languages:
History and Politics
Politics is a very wide-ranging subject. In addition to newspapers and weeklies, Jonathan Wolff’s 'An Introduction to Political Philosophy' is recommended; and also, for interesting and up-to-date insights into recent political developments in a number of countries, the series of texts produced by Macmillan publishers at regular intervals called ‘Developments in British (French, German, East European etc.) Politics’ .
One good way of broadening your historical horizons is to read one of the popular History magazines: History Today or BBC History , which has weekly podcasts . You may like to look at the books which are being reviewed in the quality press.
You may also like to explore the websites of public institutions which have excellent links to historical materials, such as the British Museum or BBC Radio 4 archives .
History of Art
A reading list for prospective applicants to History of Art can be found on the History of Art departmental website .
You may also find it interesting to explore the following resources:
- BBC Radio 4 'In Our Time' - Culture archive
- BBC Arts coverage
Human Sciences
Introductory reading lists can be found on the Institute of Human Sciences website .
- Who needs migrant workers
We recommend that you start by reading the court reports in broad sheet newspapers.
As the reading lists for the degree course change each year it isn't always advisable to buy text books in advance, but you may find one or more of the books from this list useful when preparing your application Introductory reading for Law . It can be useful to look at the list of law academics on the departmental website and follow the links to their latest publications. All lecturers have their own lists, which change from year to year and include books and journal articles.
You may also like to read the BBC's website Law in Action , and download their podcasts. Other recommendation are the Guardian's law pages and the Counsel magazine .
- Research led to Supreme Court ruling on removal of UK employment tribunal fees
- Tackling Adolescent to Parent Violence
- Research in Westminster: Human Rights law and the treatment of rape victims
Materials Science
There is no set text and students should read widely around the subject. Introductory reading for prospective applicants to Materials Science can be found on the departmental website.
Students may also wish to read the New Scientist magazine which may be available in your school or local library.
Running an internet search on Nanoscience or Nanotechnology will give useful background information in the sciences. Here are some further resources to test your knowledge:
- Isaac Physics : This website contains lots of maths and physics problem solving questions.
- British Physics Olympiad : This website contains lots of past papers and solutions of problem solving type questions.
- Next time : This website contains some quite fun questions designed to make you think about physical concepts.
- I want to study Engineering : This website is just as useful for all applicants not just those applying to engineering.
- Brilliant.org : This website has some resources to test your mathematical and physics knowledge.
Oxford research:
- A new material for reconstructive surgery
Mathematics
Reading lists for prospective Mathematics applicants can be found on page 12 of the departmental prospectus, available to download from the Maths Department website .
- Influencing HIV/AIDS policy in India through mathematical modelling
- Helping the ‘Greeks’ to run faster
- Mathematics in the design and manufacture of novel glass products
- Mathematical solutions for industry
- Sharing the beauty of networks video
- A computer model of the heart video
Mathematics and Computer Science
Reading lists for prospective Mathematics applicants can be found on page 12 of the departmental prospectus, available to download from the Maths Department website .
Introductory reading for prospective applicants to Computer Science can be found on the departmental website. You may also like to look at our GeomLab website which will introduce you to some of the most important ideas in computer programming in an interactive, visual way through a guided activity.
Mathematics and Philosophy
Reading lists for prospective Mathematics and Philosophy applicants can be found on page 18 of the departmental prospectus, available to download from the Maths Department website .
Mathematics and Statistics
Reading lists for prospective Mathematics and Statistics applicants can be found on page 12 of the departmental prospectus, available to download from the Maths Department website .
- Statistical expertise in drug discovery
Prospective students for Medicine may like to start by looking at the introductory reading list below. You may also be interested in the Oxford Medical School Gazette, for more information about the Gazette and subscription offers for Sixth Form students please visit the Medicine website .
Introductory Reading for Medicine
- The TOBY Trial - cooling babies
- "Bionic eye" trial in Oxford
- Fighting Arthritis: the development of anti-TNF therapies
- The Paternal Age Effect: Identifying reproductive risks
Modern Languages
Please view the guidance on the FAQs section of the Modern Languages faculty website under the heading 'How best to prepare for the entrance procedure'. You can find reading lists on the individual pages for of following languages:
Modern Languages and Linguistics
Please visit the guidance on the FAQs section of the Modern Languages faculty website under the heading 'How best to prepare for the entrance procedure'. You can also find reading lists on the individual pages of the following languages:
You can also download the Introductory reading list for Linguistics .
- Improving treatment of speech disorders
- Saving the world’s threatened languages
- Voice analysis for everyone: health monitoring by phone video
Please refer to this recommended reading list for Music .
- Medieval plainsong gets a contemporary makeover
- Composing Opera for Children
- Searching for Schumann video
Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
Suggested reading for Asian and Middle Eastern Studies can be found on the Asian and Middle Eastern Studies website by following the relevant links below:
- BA in Arabic
- BA in Chinese
- BA in Japanese
- BA in Persian
- BA in Turkish
Suggested reading lists for BA Egyptology and Near Eastern Studies, BA Hebrew Studies and BA Jewish Studies are currently in development and will hopefully be available in the near future.
Philosophy and Modern Languages
There are many introductions to philosophy: Myles Burnyeat and Ted Honderich’s ‘ Philosophy ’ as it is a very useful collection. Martin Hollis ‘ An Invitation to Philosophy ’ and Simon Blackburn’s ‘ Think ’ are also recommended but feel free to pick up any introductory or beginners’ text.
Please visit the guidance on the FAQs section of the Modern Languages faculty website under the heading 'How best to prepare for the entrance procedure' for the Modern Languages element of this course. You of also find reading lists on the individual pages for the following languages:
Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
We always recommend that students read widely around their subject, deepening their knowledge and understanding, to help prepare for their application. Tutors will be looking for evidence of students' academic potential, as well as their commitment and motivation for their course, so will certainly be looking for evidence that a student has really engaged with their subject, and has a passion for studying it. This is particularly important for courses like PPE, as many students will not have studied any of these three subjects at their school or college.
The very best preparation is a reasonable grasp of the workings of the social and political world in which we live. For PPEists, reading newspapers, watching TV and listening to radio news and current affairs programmes are not optional activities – they are crucial to success at the subject. Students should read a good quality daily newspaper, and ‘ The Economist ’ weekly is also highly recommended – this offers unparalleled quantity and quality analysis of current events.
Politics is a very wide-ranging subject. In addition to newspapers and weeklies, Jonathan Wolff’s ' An Introduction to Political Philosophy ' is recommended; and also, for interesting and up-to-date insights into recent political developments in a number of countries, the series of texts produced by Macmillan publishers at regular intervals called ‘ Developments in British (French, German, East European etc.) Politics ’.
An indispensable introduction to economic analysis in use both for those who have not studied it at school and for those who have is ‘ The Economist ’ or the Economics pages of newspapers. Paul Krugman’s writings are highly recommended. Begg, Fischer and Dornbusch’s ‘ Economics ’ is one of the introductory textbooks widely used at Oxford.
Oxford research:
Philosophy and Theology
At present we do not produce a specific Theology reading list for people who are considering making an application, though we always advise prospective candidates to read beyond what they are reading in school and to explore areas that interest them.
- Empires of Faith video
There are many suitable sources for reading. Popular science books are normally readily available at your local library, as are copies of the New Scientist or other scientific periodicals. Anything that takes your interest will be valuable; we have no set reading list.
However, for general preparation prospective candidates can view the suggestions on the Physics department website . We also recommend maths preparation .
There is also lots of information on the internet, on sites such as www.physics.org or through some of the excellent science blogs. The University of Oxford publishes a science blog and our department also runs a project called Galaxy Zoo which is part of the Zooniverse community of projects , which allows members of the public to contribute to astrophysics research. Large scientific organisations such as CERN and NASA publish a lot of good material online, for example the Astronomy Picture of the Day website . Here are some further resources to test your Physics knowledge:
- Isaac Physics : This website contains lots of maths and physics problem solving questions.
- Brilliant.org : This website has some resources to test your mathematical and physics knowledge.
iTunesU can also be a very useful resource, as it has a range of physics content, from public talks to undergraduate lectures, from a variety of reputable sources.
- Near-perfect distance measurement
- Cheaper, smaller, super-resolution
- To the Zooniverse and beyond
- Particle accelerator physics for the masses
- A revolution in solar power technology
- How to be certain of uncertainty in climate and weather forecasts
- How do quantum physicists affect industry? video
Physics and Philosophy
However, for general preparation prospective candidates can view the suggestions on the Physics department website . We also recommend maths preparation .
There is also lots of information on the internet, on sites such as www.physics.org . or through some of the excellent science blogs. The University of Oxford publishes a science blog and our department also runs a project called Galaxy Zoo which is part of the Zooniverse community of projects , which allows members of the public to contribute to astrophysics research. Large scientific organisations such as CERN and NASA publish a lot of good material online, for example the Astronomy Picture of the Day website . Here are some further resources to test your Physics knowledge:
Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics (PPL)
Please follow this link for the suggested reading list for Psychology, Philosophy and Linguistics. This document also includes suggested reading for Experimental Psychology.
- Building consensus on Developmental Language Disorder
- Voice analysis for everyone: health monitoring by phone
Religion and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
At present we do not produce a specific Religion and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies reading list for people who are considering making an application, though we always advise prospective candidates to read beyond what they are reading in school and to explore areas that interest them.
Theology and Religion
You may also find it interesting to explore the BBC Radio 4 archives of the ' In Our Time ' program, especially the Religion and Philosophy archives .
- Empires of Faith
Further information
- Wall of Faces
- Undergraduate Admissions on X
- Undergraduate Admissions Instagram
Staircase 12
Staircase 12 is an online hub of resources brought to you by University College . It's full of tips and ideas on how to stretch yourself beyond the school syllabus. So why not check out the Reading Bank , and Resource Hub , or to find out why all this is important in the first place, check out the ‘Explore your Subject’ top tips page .
The Bookshelf
The Worcester Bookshelf project is all about sharing books that we love about our subjects with you. We suggest books that we love - you tell us what you think of them. Every term we will release a new list of six books that our tutors and academics would like to share with you. If you are in year 10, 11 or 12 at a UK state school and would like to find out more, simply email [email protected] .
Digital Resource Hub
We have compiled the best of our digital resources to support learning and exploration. These resources can help inspire you to think broadly as well as enable you to explore your passions and interests further, and to discover more about Oxford.
Follow us on social media
Follow us on social media to get the most up-to-date application information throughout the year, and to hear from our students.
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Worldwide Increasing Use of Nonfasting Rather Than Fasting Lipid Profiles
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Anne Langsted, Børge G Nordestgaard, Worldwide Increasing Use of Nonfasting Rather Than Fasting Lipid Profiles, Clinical Chemistry , Volume 70, Issue 7, July 2024, Pages 911–933, https://doi.org/10.1093/clinchem/hvae046
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Historically, lipids and lipoproteins were measured in the fasting state for cardiovascular risk prediction; however, since 2009 use of nonfasting lipid profiles has increased substantially worldwide. For patients, nonfasting lipid profiles are convenient and avoid any risk of hypoglycemia. For laboratories, blood sampling in the morning and extra visits for patients who have not fasted are avoided. For patients, clinicians, hospitals, and society, nonfasting sampling allows same-day visits with first blood sampling followed by a short wait for test results before clinical consultation. Therefore, nonfasting compared to fasting lipid profiles will save money and time and may improve patient compliance with cardiovascular prevention programs.
We report on the progression of endorsement and implementation of nonfasting lipid profiles for cardiovascular risk prediction worldwide and summarize the recommendations from major medical societies and health authorities in different countries. We also describe practical advantages and disadvantages for using nonfasting lipid profiles. Further, we include a description of why fasting has been the standard historically, the barriers against implementation of nonfasting lipid profiles, and finally we suggest the optimal content of a nonfasting lipid profile.
Lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein concentrations vary minimally in response to normal food intake and nonfasting lipid profiles are equal or superior to fasting profiles for cardiovascular risk prediction. Major guidelines and consensus statements in Europe, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Japan, India, and Australia now endorse use of nonfasting lipid profiles in some or all patients; however, there are still gaps in endorsement and implementation of nonfasting lipid profiles worldwide.
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EXEMPLAR BIOCHEMISTRY PERSONAL STATEMENT WITH ANNOTATIONS FROM SUCCESSFUL STUDENT. An article outlining the strengths of a Biochemistry personal statement written by a successful Oxford applicant. A simple fact sparked my desire to study Biochemistry. I am small, in stature, and I wondered why. My curiosity led me to research X chromosome ...
In your Biochemistry personal statement, Oxford admissions tutors will be looking for you to be able to articulate your. 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 ...
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.
'How do I write a good personal statement for Oxford?' is a question that many students ask themselves when preparing their UCAS application to Oxford Univer...
Biochemistry degree personal statement example (1d) Oxford 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 collection of sample personal statements. In the sciences, every answer raises a new question.
Biochemistry Personal Statement Examples . Biochemistry Personal Statement Example 1. The need to survive is a remarkable thing, for it has allowed evolution to equip organisms with a range of extraordinary capabilities in order to stay alive. Since reading 'Why Geese Don't Get Obese' by Widmaier, my interests have developed in the molecular ...
Biochemistry personal statements. Discover personal statement examples written by students accepted onto biochemistry and related courses. Read through the examples to help shape your own personal statement. All Statements Search Biochemistry Courses.
Writing a perfect Oxford biochemistry personal statement isn't so hard. Make sure you include these 6 key features. top of page. ELVIS OXFORD ADMISSIONS and TUTORING. Home. Services. About. ... Video: Example Oxford Biochemistry interview question - why does DNA have 4 bases? 120. 0. 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1. Comments. Write a comment ...
Biochemistry Model Personal Statement. This is the personal statement of a successful Oxbridge Biochemistry applicant. Searching for how underlying biochemical mechanisms work showed me the fascinating complexity of the molecular world. I first experienced this through Plasmodium's cunning method of recombining var genes to display different ...
In this episode Abbie talks to Mary about writing a competitive personal statement for Biochemistry . Intrigued to see what supercurriculars you can do? Wond...
Make a start. When it comes to writing your personal statement, just getting started can be the hardest part. One good way to get around writer's block is to just put it all down on the page, like Mayur. First - write down anything and everything. In the first round, I was just dumping everything - whatever I've done, anything close to ...
This Personal Statement for Chemistry is a great example of a well-written Statement that demonstrates a wealth of experience and interest, vital to Admissions Tutors. Remember, at Oxford, these Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.
Try and draft a paragraph. Reading/ Attending/ Listening/ Work Experience in/ Participating in. I was struck by/ I was particularly interested in/. This led me to/ To further my understanding/ In response, I/ Fascinated, I/ Extending my knowledge, I. Top Tips.
evidence of interest in and academic potential for Biochemistry from your personal statement. ... Open offers are offers made to candidates where a place at Oxford University and a College is guaranteed should they fulfil the conditions of the offer. However, the specific College is decided in August once the examination results for all ...
Biochemistry degree personal statement example (1a) 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 collection of sample personal statements. The nature of Biology is one of change; life forms are constantly ...
Biochemistry @ Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford in 2020 Interview format. 2x interviews. Interview content. Personal statement, graph analysis . Best preparation. Personal statement, revision, talking aloud, spoke to a current student. Final thoughts. Try to say something even if you're unsure because that's better than saying that you don't know
Biochemistry degree personal statement example (1n) 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 collection of sample personal statements. For me, evolution is one of the most elegant processes on earth and has ...
Your Oxford Biochemistry personal statement will be assessed by a qualified Oxbridge tutor, and all of our packages come with content, composition, and grammatical analysis. Your Oxford Biochemistry personal statement will be sent to you within 48 hours, whichever package you choose, or your money back.
The Biochemistry Department at Oxford is one of the largest in Europe, and is subdivided into the following research areas: Structural biology and molecular biophysics. The department is highly active in research, with about 450 postgraduate students and research staff.
Personal statements for university applications. An important part of your UCAS application is the personal statement. The purpose of a personal statement is to show a university why you want to study a subject at the higher education level, how you will handle the demands of a university degree and to tell them a little about yourself.
Biochemistry Personal Statement Example. 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.
More specifically, I want to go into Breast Cancer Research. After seeing the damage it does to the world and the personal effect it has had on my family, I am passionate in putting all of my efforts into the eradication of the disease. This is why a Biochemistry course is a perfect fit for me.
Suggested Subject Resources. Whether you need inspiration for your personal statement, something to think about before your interview or whether you are simply intellectually curious, you might find the suggested reading and resources below useful and entertaining. They are intended to give you an idea of the kind of material you might engage ...
Sota Honma, Aoi Kimishima, Atsushi Kimishima, Masako Honsho, Hiroki Kojima, Toshiyuki Tokiwa, Atsuka Nishitomi, Satoshi Kato, Naozumi Kondo, Yasuko Araki, Tadashi Takahashi, Takumi Chinen, Takeo Usui, Shin-ichi Fuji, Kotaro Ito, Yukihiro Asami, Re-discovery of MS-347a as a fungicide candidate through a new drug discovery platform with a multidrug-sensitive Saccharomyces cerevisiae screening ...
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, ... Major guidelines and consensus statements in Europe, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Japan, India, and Australia now endorse use of nonfasting lipid profiles in some or all patients; however, there are still gaps in endorsement and ...