Biochemistry degree personal statement example (1n)

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

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.

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.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

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.

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.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

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)
• University of York (Biochemistry)
• University of Nottingham (Biochemistry)
• University of Bristol (Biochemistry)
• Durham University (Natural Sciences)

Grades achieved:

• Biology (A2) B
• Chemistry (A2) A
• Maths (A2) D
• Physics (AS) E

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

Need help with your personal statement? You can ask a question or get feedback from The Student Room community (and our trained personal statement experts) on the personal statement advice forum.