Biological Sciences Personal Statement Example 1

Arthur C Clarke wrote in 1969 that 'If an elderly but distinguished scientist says that something is possible he is almost certainly right, but if he says that something is impossible he is very probably wrong'. This comment on science represents how I feel towards biological research. I desire to find the impossible. Biology inspires me because of an altruistic desire to help other people, coupled with an aspiration to develop ground breaking biological technologies via research. I enjoy engaging with biology - and take pleasure in grappling with the challenges it presents.

I have an interest in a range of biology based courses, including cellular/molecular biology, genetics and natural sciences. This stems from inspiring science teaching during my formative years and attending the BA Science Festival at the University of East Anglia in 2006. The lectures were particularly inspiring and turned me onto science as a future research career. This career path has been further developed by my being given the opportunity to work in a research field during summer 2007. This opportunity was provided by the Nuffield Foundation/Science Bursary. My four week research placement was hosted by the 'Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute' in Cambridge. The title of the research project was 'An investigation into the function of the nucleus accumbens in relation to impulsivity'.

I studied chemistry, biology, maths and psychology during my AS year and have continued chemistry, maths and biology up to A2 level, I have a range of skills and experiences relevant to biology-based university courses. My studies have given me skills in planning investigations; analysis; background research; laboratory skills; note taking; processing information; and field work.

The Nuffield Foundation Science Bursary gave me additional opportunities to develop skills and experience in report writing; presenting academic material to an audience; working alongside research scientists; a range of new subject specific vocabulary; and using laboratory equipment following safety guidelines (e.g. microtome). I also learnt immunocytochemical techniques which are appropriate to graduate level. I read a range of Biology articles, including those in The New Scientist magazine and recent published news reports on science related topics.

While studying for my GCSE's, I was included in the schools Gifted and Talented Programme for Exceptional Students. This programme gave me the prospect of adding to the GCSE curriculum with opportunities to explore and discuss History, Maths, Information Technology, and Science. In more recent times, I have been given the honour of being the Science Ambassador for my sixth form college. I was nominated for the 'Harry Messel International Science School', Sydney 2007. I also became a member of Mensa (the High IQ Society) in 2002.

Outside my studies, I play the piano and the violin (both to intermediate grade levels). At secondary school I was awarded various prizes and awards including 'The Passenger Cup' for services to the school community and 'The Charlesworth Prize' for effort (awarded twice). At CCSS I present my fellow students on the student council, helping in the running of the college and presenting ideas from my fellow students to the Principle and other college staff.

Throughout my GCSE studies I visited elderly people in a local residential care home as part of a community outreach project and was involved in running a local Brownie group. During my spare time I enjoy reading, computer games, going to the cinema, shopping and eating out.

I sit my A2 examinations in summer 2008 and plan to take a well earned break before starting university in autumn 2008. During my university studies, I plan to engage fully with university social life. After university I hope to work in biological research or continue my studies to postgraduate level.