Biochemistry and natural sciences degree personal statement example (1b) work experience

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

The study of biochemistry is becoming increasingly fundamental as we approach the answer to a question as old as the human race itself: 'What is life?'. Biochemically, life is the result of a series of chemical reactions occurring at the correct time. I find this very idea fascinating and therefore wish to study it in depth at university.

Like all living organisms, we are comprised primarily of just a handful of elements. Yet these elements are combined in an extraordinary number of different ways, making us complex humans distinctly different to the simple bacterium, differences which are proved in analysis of the different cells. While reading How We Live and Why We Die: The Secret Lives of Cells by Lewis Wolpert, I came to appreciate the incredible complexity of human cells and their roles in ensuring that life is maintained. From the book, I was surprised to learn that less than two percent of our DNA actually codes for protein. This furthered my curiosity on the other, unknown functions of DNA.

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

When studying, I enjoy making links between my subjects. I can appreciate the importance of mathematical rearrangement in chemistry, and the ways in which statistics can be used to show trends in biological investigations. But my strongest interest is in the way chemistry and biology complement each other, and how, for every biological concept, there are underpinning chemical ideas. This interest began to develop after failing to create an intricate hairstyle. I found myself able to explain these failures due to my knowledge on protein folding and structure and the nature of the hydrogen bond from my studies in A-Level Biology and Chemistry. To further explore my interest in biochemistry, I am currently undertaking an Extended Project Qualification, where I am completing a report on whether germline gene therapy should be practised. I hope the project will allow me to consider where the boundaries of gene therapy and genetic engineering should lie and prepare me for university study.

My keen interest in science and mathematics is reflected in my participation in olympiads and challenges. I have participated in two of United Kingdom Mathematics Trust's Intermediate Maths Challenges during my time in school, and have gained a silver award in each, as well as being awarded the 'Best in School'.

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

Over the summer, I was given the opportunity to experience my subject directly through the Nuffield Research Placement Scheme. I spent five weeks in a laboratory in the University of Manchester's School of Pharmacy, where I conducted research on the binding of fluorescent dye to graphene oxide. The fluorescent dye mimicked the binding of the anti-cancer drug doxorubicin, and this is particularly significant in current research, as scientists try to find more efficient ways of delivering drugs to affected cells in a non-invasive way. As well as learning new techniques such as those based on quenching and equilibrium dialysis, I was able to experience scientific research practically, and appreciate the vastness of research and the many career options available after a scientific degree.

For my college, I spent a year as a member of the Science Ambassador Team, as an ambassador for chemistry. My role as an ambassador consisted of accepting responsibility and using my passion in science to promote it to primary and secondary school students, by assisting on college open days and visiting schools. I have continued a similar role onto my second year of college by becoming a Student Ambassador. As an individual dedicated to contributing to society in different ways, I spent eight months volunteering for a local AgeUK charity shop, meeting and aiding customers on a weekly basis.

I believe that my dedication to work and passion for biochemistry equips me well for a degree in the field. The study of biochemistry is crucial in an ever-changing world and I wish to be at the forefront of research in such a field as a career.

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.