Biomedical Sciences personal statement example

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Published: 9th November 2021
Word count: 808 words
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From a young age one prominent question was placed in my mind, ‘why can’t we live forever?’, this was the one question that began my curiosity in the world of science. As an enthusiastic and dedicated student my fond interest in biology includes being extremely inquisitive about the physiology of the human body.

Biomedical science plays a vital role in the research of many life threatening diseases and in finding a cure for each. The opportunity of giving people the chance to live a healthy life has reinforced my desire to pursue a career in the health sector.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of studying A-Level Biology and I am eager to further my studies. My fascination within science has been ever expanded by the books ‘The Brain’ by David Eagleman and ‘The vital question’ by Nick Lane which challenges science at a higher level. Both biology and chemistry AS level have provided me with a deeper knowledge of this infinitive area. Furthermore A-Level religion and the module medical ethics has played a valuable role in illustrating the importance of personal autonomy and medical dilemmas, as it highlights many grey areas such as Euthanasia.

The intricacy of human anatomy is an aspect that led me to incorporate an artistic view in biology as I placed my GCSE art theme on human anatomy and osteology, in which I achieved joint top in Northern Ireland. Furthering my curiosity I have read numerous articles on various topics such as antibiotic resistance and epigenetics. The flexibility of the biomedical course is what I find most appealing as the content consists of a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from neuroscience to immunology. This allows me to direct my learning to my interests.

Within the third year I am most eager to design and carryout an independent project of personal preference. Acting on this desire to further deepen my interest in medical science, I was fortunate enough to partake work experience placement within both the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Royal Belfast Hospital for sick children. Within my time there I shadowed both an ICU and cystic fibrosis consultant which was an amazing experience that allowed me to develop and apply my knowledge to real life situations. Being involved in group meeting diagnoses of x-rays in ICU advanced my knowledge on bone anatomy and physiology. It gave me the opportunity to develop my communication skills and experience working with a huge range of people from all sorts of medical backgrounds. I gained a greater and more realistic awareness of the everyday realities of life in the health service. By shadowing an F1 doctor I watched basic procedures such as phlebotomy, insertion of a venflon and prescribing analgesia and fluids. These experiences provided me with valuable insights into the role of working in the healthcare profession.

I learned about the huge range of skills required at the very outset of a medical career as well as the considerable time pressures and need for careful prioritisation of tasks. I also gained valuable experience in a Care Home shadowing a RGN nurse. This projected a holistic vision of health as a whole. I would be suited to the biomedical science course as alongside my academic dedication I have been able to enjoy many hobbies. Within school I have been an active member of the senior choir, orchestra and netball team for the past 7 years. Participating in many events such as BBC Radio Ulster school choir of the year, spring concerts and shows.

I also partake brass and percussion lessons highlighting my musical interest alongside school work. Within the previous year I was given the opportunity to undertake mentoring with a GCSE chemistry student which allowed me to obtain valuable leadership skills. I obtained the role of a Senior Prefect this year being involved in running clubs. I have not only shown leadership within my school life but as an active and committed member to Rowan Academy of Dance school in which I am the team captain.

I was given the opportunity to work on a scheme volunteering with a child with a disability. I made a close bond with this child and helped to develop his communication and confidence through my continual interaction. I have also been involved in fundraising events such as for Newry Hospice, the Paralympics and PIPS awareness scheme as an Our Lady’s representative. I am a committed student and always active in my leisure and I feel this will help me to easily adapt to university. I would relish the opportunity to study Biomedical Sciences at university and I feel that I would greatly benefit from further study in this subject. As we are now in the height of scientific breakthrough in many fields it would be a great privilege to be a part of this groundbreaking progress.

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Why this example works — strengths and ways to improve

You show genuine breadth: relevant A-levels, named reading, hospital shadowing and an unusual art project on anatomy. The draft mostly lists rather than reflects, however. Books and articles are named without ideas, placements lean towards medicine rather than laboratory biomedical science, and the second half becomes an activity list with generic skill claims. Some wording is inaccurate or awkward.

Subject motivation

why can't we live forever?

Your opening question is personal and could lead somewhere, perhaps to ageing or disease mechanisms, but you never return to it. The motivation then shifts to a career in the health sector, which blurs why you want biomedical science specifically rather than medicine.

Academic preparation

medical ethics has played a valuable role in illustrating the importance of personal autonomy

Biology, chemistry and the ethics module are relevant, and naming Eagleman and Lane helps. However, you say what you read without saying what you thought. One idea from The Vital Question, such as energy and the origin of complex cells, would show real engagement.

Evidence and reflection

advanced my knowledge on bone anatomy and physiology

This is a promising concrete moment, but the reflection stays general. Which x-ray finding, or which physiological principle, made sense to you there? Elsewhere, phrases like "valuable insights" and "holistic vision" state that learning happened without showing what it was.

Relevant experience

I shadowed both an ICU and cystic fibrosis consultant

These placements are substantial, yet they read as medical work experience. Cystic fibrosis is an ideal bridge to biomedical science through genetics, CFTR and diagnostics. Making that link would turn clinical observation into evidence of fit for a lab-based degree.

Credibility and voice

I would be suited to the biomedical science course as alongside my academic dedication

Your voice is sincere, but self-descriptions such as "enthusiastic and dedicated" or "easily adapt" assert qualities without proving them. The ending's "height of scientific breakthrough" is generic. Errors like "infinitive area" and "partake work experience" undermine the precision a science applicant needs.

Structure and format

Within the third year I am most eager to design and carryout

This course-structure sentence sits awkwardly before the hospital paragraph, so the link to the placements feels forced. The last three paragraphs list hobbies, leadership roles and fundraising one after another. Grouping these and cutting them down would free space for scientific reflection.

What you’ve done well

Your GCSE art project on anatomy and osteology is distinctive. It shows a sustained interest in the body that existed before your application.
Your placements are specific and credible: ICU, cystic fibrosis, F1 shadowing and a care home, with named procedures you observed.

How this draft could improve

For each book or article you mention, add one sentence on a specific idea and why it challenged or extended your A-level understanding.
Reframe your clinical experience towards the science behind it, such as diagnostics, disease mechanisms or research questions, so it supports biomedical science rather than medicine.
Condense your extracurricular activities into a short, selective paragraph, and proofread for word-choice errors such as "infinitive" and "partake".

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