Biological Natural Sciences Model Personal Statement
This is a model personal statement of a successful Oxbridge Biological Natural Sciences applicant.
Biochemistry fascinates me. It combines the two disciplines I most enjoy to explain important, complex concepts such as cellular communication, metabolism and the functions of enzymes. Of all its many, diverse applications, the design, synthesis and improvement of drugs especially resonates with me and I aspire to play a role in developing and designing transformative new medicines.
I have enjoyed studying respiration and photosynthesis as I like the elegance of the complex metabolic pathways and electron transport chains. I found the summary of how the exciton formed during the photoactivation of chlorophyll molecules in photosynthesis can follow multiple routes simultaneously in ‘Life on the Edge’ especially interesting as it built on a topic I had studied in detail; it explored more complex theories about how biological processes that are confined to short atomic distances can make use of the quantum properties of particles in order to be as fast and efficient as possible.
I am currently learning about pharmacology through an online course - The Science of Medicines - which explores the chemistry of drugs and how they interact with biomolecules. I have developed my understanding of how drug molecules trigger a sequence of events in the body and was particularly interested in the different interactions between amino acids in HMG-CoA-reductase and the drug atorvastatin, and how the inhibitory properties of this molecule lead to reduced synthesis of low-density lipoproteins.
I enjoy logic and problem solving in Mathematics and am able to critically evaluate theories and expound reasoned arguments due to my studies in humanities, particularly higher level Geography. I developed these skills further when I completed a course on Chemistry and Drug Discovery at the University of Sussex in the summer. The course focused on an enzyme inhibitor currently being investigated as a potential drug for Alzheimer’s disease and I synthesised this compound, tested its purity in an analytical lab session, and used computer modelling to suggest structural improvements. I found this course to be a very enjoyable experience as I was able to understand more about the real life applications of theories such as the bonding between molecules and proteins. I developed my analytical skills much further than I could in a classroom as the methods for determining the identity of a molecule were far more complex; I thoroughly enjoyed NMR spectroscopy as I was able to determine multiple characteristics of the compound from just one graph by looking at chemical shift, peak splitting, and peak area.
I have had the opportunity to undertake many experiments at school, most notably for my Extended Essay in Chemistry and Internal Assessments. Whilst doing these projects I developed research skills and demonstrated practical experimental skills. The focus of my extended essay was the effect of changing the concentration of sulphuric acid, used to acidify sodium dichromate, in the oxidation of butan-2-ol on the yield of butan-2-one. I chose to research an area of organic chemistry because it is my favourite topic; I like applying the logic of functional group chemistry to predict how compounds will react with each other.
Working and gaining qualifications as a gymnastics coach allowed me to become more versatile and creative in solving problems while I developed valuable leadership skills. I demonstrated my time management skills and work ethic as I achieved excellent exam results alongside waitressing in a patisserie. These two jobs allowed me to become more independent and confident while I further developed my interpersonal and communication skills. I am also an enthusiastic skier and accomplished gymnast.
I hope this personal statement supports my application and demonstrates that I am an enthusiastic, hard-working and disciplined student who will enjoy contributing to all aspects of university life.
