Hi! I’m Sasha and I study Biochemistry at St Catz. Throughout school, Chemistry was always my favourite subject, but I also found particular aspects of the Biology course extremely interesting (whereas other parts, such as ecology, I found more tedious). Biochemistry allows me to continue learning Chemistry but relating the knowledge to explaining biological processes. I would recommend this course to someone interested in understanding the mechanisms underpinning how the body truly functions.
Biochemistry (molecular and cellular), as the name suggests, focusses on teaching aspects of Molecular Biology (such as DNA and protein structure) in addition to aspects of Cellular Biology (such as cell structure and function). Lectures are given separately on these two modules, with topics remaining distinct between the two. You will take three additional modules: Mechanistic, Physical, and Quantitative Biochemistry. These look at exploring organic and physical Chemistry respectfully, with the ultimate goal of relating them to the molecular and cellular topics, as well providing a foundation for the mathematics necessary for the topics.
My average week will consist of about 10 lectures (± 1-2 depending on the week), in addition to a Molecular / Cellular Biochemistry tutorial and an organic Biochemistry tutorial. The tutorials exist to reinforce the topics you have met in lectures, and to give you an opportunity to delve deeper and ask insightful questions. I will write a weekly essay for my Biochemistry tutorial, and will complete problem sheets for organic Chemistry, each taking about three hours of work. There are also weekly classes for Maths, and a couple workshops for Physical and Mechanistic Biochemistry, all with problem sheets to complete. Finally, you will have a full day of labs each week, where you will be learning to use and apply techniques to biochemical experiments.
In your personal statement and when preparing for an interview, it is really important you show a true interest in the subject, which is easily developed by reading popular science books or scientific journals. This will give the interviewers the impression that you are passionate about the subject. It is natural to feel nervous for the interviews, and the interviewers are aware of this, and will ease you into the interview gently. Many interviews will begin with some basic questions, before leading into more complicated topics. It is likely you will encounter something in the interview which you have not seen before at school and cannot see the answer to immediately. It is important not to panic, and to logically try and apply the knowledge you do have to the question. The interviewers will often try to guide you through this, so think carefully about what they say. Remember, the interviewers are not always looking for an immediate correct answer, but rather to see your logical approach to difficult questions, something you will be faced with very often in the course. Before the interview, ensure you have a good grasp of the topics in your Chemistry course, as well as the relevant topics in the Biology course.
Overall, Biochemistry is a challenging degree, with a relatively high workload, but if you are passionate, it is extremely interesting and rewarding. If you are not afraid to put the time in, and love to ask the questions other people don’t think to ask, this course will be great for you!