Biochemistry Subject Guide🧬

anjalidepala
Feb 8, 2021
5 min read

This subject guide provides a little insight on what studying Biochemistry at Oxford is like!

What does a typical day studying Biochemistry at Teddy Hall look like?

Biochemists typically have 2-3 lectures a day and the majority of these take place in the Sherrington Building (department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics) with some taking place in the MSTC (Medical Sciences Teaching Centre) and the Department of Pharmacology. You can also occasionally have some lectures in the Oxford University Museum of Natural History (pictured above), which can be fun!

In first year, there are 5 modules which you cover: Maths & Statistics, Biological Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry and Molecular Cell Biology.

In first year, Biochemists have lab classes every Friday from 9-5, but you can leave as soon as you have finished your experiment. This is followed by a post-lab workbook which you

must complete for the next Friday which includes your write up and the results you have obtained from your experiment.

We also have Maths & Statistics, Biological Chemistry and Biophysical problem sheets every week and classes where you can go through your answers and raise any issues that you may have.

In terms of collegiate learning, Biochemists usually have 1-3 tutorials a week where our tutors set us topics that can sometimes go beyond what is learnt on the lecture course. This gives us the opportunity to expand in our field and gain better knowledge on our area of interest. The tutorial system in Oxford is one of the most beneficial aspects of being a student here because it allows personal learning to be achieved where tutors can give specific feedback on a piece of work that you have done. In Biochemistry, we are usually set different essay topics every week, but sometimes the work can be more mathematical and take a problem sheet approach. In Hilary term (the second term at Oxford) of your first year you will most likely have some Genetics tutorials along with Organic Chemistry as well. No matter what the topic, tutorials ensure you obtain the essential feedback you need to build on your answers and make you successful in future examinations. The tutors are there to help and they are always happy to help you with any questions you may have!

In First year at Teddy Hall, everyone has dinner together in the evening in the Wolfson Hall. Depending on your work load that day, you may choose to study after this or relax in the college bar or JCR (Junior Common Room).

Why do you like studying Biochemistry at Teddy Hall?

The Hall Spirit!

No matter what, Teddy Hall students tend to stick together which creates such a motivating environment for students not only in terms of academia but also in terms of socialising – there’s always a mate you’ll bump into and almost always end up catching up for a few minutes!

Also, the Teddy Library is an amazing place to study. Students from all different subjects get together here and get on with their work. It’s nice to work in an environment where everyone else is also concentrated – it can often stop the procrastination which might happen alone in your room!

Work Experience

Work Experience isn’t a necessity for Undergraduate Biochemistry since the first three years are heavily based on theoretical science rather than practical. However, working in some sort of laboratory (or at least learning about it) may be extremely beneficial for your Part II project in your 4th year, where you spend all of your time in a research lab. This can also be good to get a taste of whether you’ll enjoy it or not, which can help you make important decisions for your future.

Personal Statement

Oxford recommends that personal statements have a balance of around 90% academic content to around 10% extracurricular content. This means that the tutors want to see whether you are enthusiastic about your subject and whether you can portray this. Therefore, you must show some evidence of your interest by including topics that go above and beyond your school curriculum. For example, I wrote about research of a particular gene that could potentially determine whether an individual liked coriander or not – a topic that definitely was not in my A Level Biology specification! It is also useful to talk a little about your A Level subjects and how they have helped you and how you will use these skills in University to build on what you have already learnt.

One main tip is to avoid cliché statements, especially in your opening paragraph. This paragraph must draw the reader into wanting to read more about you and your interests.

Here are a few that can be avoided:

From a young age I have (always) been [interested in/fascinated by]
For as long as I can remember I have…
I am applying for this course because…
I have always been interested in…
Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…

Interviews

The main thing to remember about interviews is that even getting an Oxford interview is a huge achievement and do not let yourself down if you do not get an offer!

The interview process at Oxford can be stressful, but it is also very fun and gives you an opportunity to meet lots of new people, some applying for the same subject as you and some completely different.

For Biochemistry, you’ll typically have two interviews (sometimes three). I had my first interview at Teddy Hall and my second at Corpus Christi. This second college may change and often students can have all their interviews at the same college. You will typically stay overnight and everything will be provided for by the college you are staying at, including accommodation, food & more. My main advice would be to relax (easier said than done I know) – just make sure you do your research and revision before you get to Oxford and try to enjoy yourself during the interviews because even getting this far is an achievement that not everyone may be able to experience! Please note that this interview process is the traditional way Oxford interviews applicants – during the COVID-19 pandemic, interviews have had to be online.

Oxford Interviews are looking for your logical approach and thought processes to a particular question that may or may not have a direct yes/no answer. The tutors who interview you are most likely to be your future tutors so they want to see whether you are

‘teachable’ but most importantly whether you are keen to learn! So do not be afraid to ask questions or ask them to repeat something you don’t get – treat it like a discussion rather than a Q&A, which can often seem daunting! Make sure you have read through your personal statement thoroughly and you are able to discuss every point which may be brought up. Not all tutors may decide to bring up your personal tutors, but some may, so it’s good to be prepared.

After the interviews – relax!

You have done amazing whatever the result and it’s not worth stressing about it for a month until Offer Day in January – try to forget about it and focus on your A-Levels (or other commitments if you’re on a gap year of course!)