My appreciation for science does not have a starting point, probably because it was right there all along. I just remember asking for a microscope for Christmas and questioning every change my body was going through while growing up.
(Chemistry is often referred to as the ‘’central science’’). My curiosity and urge to know everything often encourage me to ask myself questions. In the process of looking for answers chemistry proved to have an explanation for everything. In order to challenge myself and search for answers beyond the curriculum I took part in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge and achieved a Copper Award. Also, attending a Pharmacology Summer School proved to me just how important chemistry is in the drug industry and basically
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Such topics include DNA mutations, natural selection and the immune response. Background knowledge on DNA mutations and natural selection boosted my understanding of cancer, a topic that, in my case, brings up curiosity and concern, whilst taking online courses related to the cancer biology and to cancer medicines. Moreover, to synthesize the information I gained, I chose to write my EPQ on the same topic.
(Maths is about solving problems. So is Medicine, which is why I can easily relate the skills I got during the course to the skills beneficial in such a profession.) The course helped me sharpen my logical thinking and taught me how to approach problems from an objective point of view. After receiving a Silver Award in the UKMT Senior Challenge and after representing the college for the Senior Team Maths Challenge I greatly improved both my teamwork and communication skills.
Aside from my love for science, I have always expressed a keen interest in languages. I was lucky enough to start learning German at an early age, which increased my thirst for knowledge up to a point where I got to teach myself basic Spanish. (Whilst researching for my EPQ , I luckily had access to a greater number of resources since I could read german journals and
My knowledge from A-Level Biology and Psychology has allowed me to appreciate and understand aspects of the human anatomy and physiology and also how people interact individually and with the wider society. Studying Chemistry and Maths has been both challenging but intriguing and I have been able to adapt the skills of paying attention to detail, managing, prioritising and conducting extensive research via these courses.
About two years ago my closest friend passed away. As I sat at her bedside in the hospital I was shocked to see her in that stricken position. I wondered why was this happening to her?Why was she suffering needlessly? Since I was the age of 16, I have had the desire to help others. It first started with my neighbor Cheryl Conel. Cheryl was an intimately close neighbor of mine who I used to work for. As the years went by Cheryl and I became closer and our friendship strengthened considerably. She became my first strong female role model. Cheryl became very ill one day and learned that she had a Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. This bacteria presented very suddenly and quickly caused her to lapse into a coma. I didn't understand at the time just how ill she was-- in my mind I thought she was going to recover and go home soon. I quickly learned that this bacteria is very difficult to eradicate and about a week later on December 9th 2009, Cheryl passed away. I was extremely devastated because I had just lost my mentor and my best friend. I wanted to learn mo...
Subsequent to attending a week of chemistry and medicine lectures during the Sutton Trust Summer School programme at St Andrews University and attending master classes at local universities, I know that I am committed to continue with my scientific education. The experience of lectures and the practical investigations in the laboratory have given me an indication of how to analyse and interpret data at such an advanced level. Studying pharmacology would allow me to develop my knowledge to a higher level, learning more about for example how the derivative of the opium poppy, morphine, works by binding to opioid receptors in order to reduce the impulses from nerve cells therefore relieving pain. I would also be able to explore further how high doses of morphine can cause respiratory depression, but more interestingly how these effects can be reversed by a competitive opiate antagonist which can bind to opioid receptors without activating them.
I have always been inspired by the workings of chemistry and mathematics. My studies of these subjects have developed my understanding and have made me pursue my interest in these two topics. I want to take up chemistry as it involves a large amount of mathematics which I value and understand to be challenging, yet very enjoyable, as there is always an alternative route to obtain the answer. Additionally, I am drawn to the course because it is a mixture of all these exacting subjects, forming a degree that is very demanding and stimulating. Chemists are constantly thinking of new ways to produce viable drugs containing different isomers to improve the pharmaceutical sector using mathematical equations. Chemistry is about innovation, applying information to new areas and how to do things better than they were before, the degree appeals to and fascinates me.
Being in this course has changed my view of the biological world greatly. Throughout the four books and various papers that we have read I have learned to think more critically, learned more about learned more about what scientists go through, and even noticed more similarities between humans and fish. The papers helped me understand hard topics, but the discussions with my classmates has helped me better understand how people can build upton others’ ideas or have differing views on a subject, but still have a discussion about it.
Biology and Chemistry have helped me further my interest and develop my analytical thinking. My previous studies of Maths and English have given me access to skills such as critical thinking which have been useful in the UKCAT as it allowed me to gain aptitude at tasks such as thinking and understanding. Also, my studies in Geography have enabled me to gain valuable analysis skills through the interpretation of texts into my assignment in Higher Geography which highlights my skill for interpretation. I received an endeavor award for my persistent effort and hard work throughout the year.
The practical assessments in biology and chemistry has furthered my analytical skills by being able to use my results to further solve the problem, whether it is finding the concentration of a chemical by using several equations or being able to distinguish what stage the cell is undergoing in mitosis. The mathematics side of my subjects also shows my understanding how a very small aspect can be solved by doing either one or a few equations even if it's just the pH of a substance. I also study Environmental Studies, this has shown me of how the environment also has a big impact on our health whether it is climate change or pollution. I have previously visited an A Level chemistry open day at Manchester Institute of Biotechnology where we attended talks from research scientists, and had a tour round the laboratories where we observed hi-tech equipment and scientific research in the process. There was also an interactive science stands at the open day regarding many various topics such as spectroscopy/spectrometry and synthetic
The way it can be applied to the quantitative and practical elements of Biology and Chemistry A-Levels has deepened by attraction to the sciences and have led me to further enhance my analytical and evaluative skills. This in turn has increased my confidence in carrying out more challenging procedures and experiments. Mathematics at A-Level has helped improve my lateral thinking and problem solving skills, which has enabled me to then transfer these skills logically and systematically when carrying out wave optic calculations during the course. Economics at AS Level as broadened my knowledge outside of the sciences, and has provided an insight into how businesses
I like to imagine science as a way to blur the boundaries between science fiction and reality. As I continue my coursework, I realized that the fantastical extraterrestrial creatures I read about as a child pale in comparison to the bizarre life we see on our own planet. Today, I still carry the child-like wonder with me as learn about the extremes life can brave and seek to answer how it all ultimately began. Although I knew I was incredibly passionate about science throughout high school, I was encouraged to pursue the more practical major chemical engineering. After my first week at UC Berkeley, financial and personal issues at home prevented me from focusing on my studies.
Please describe some of the ways you have grown or expanded your thinking as a result of this course.
Alongside me in the labs were current biomedical students, as well as qualified ones. Crucially, this allowed me to ask questions regarding their study and gain skills working with complex lab equipment. During my time at school, I have always loved science. For this reason, I have enrolled in the Open University course ‘Molecules, Medicines and Drugs: A Chemical Story’. The course involves independent study and I aim to achieve a SCQF level 7 qualification and acquire university level knowledge on the subject.
My love affair with science started in third grade. At my urging, my parents bought me a microscope. That day, I ran home with my microscope kit and stared at cross sections of petals and sponges under the lens. I was fascinated by what I found – a new world within my own. Soon microscope slides collection expanded to include various items around my house.
I pleased to apply to the PharmD program as the program is one area that corresponds to my career dreams. Being part of this program gives one the opportunity to gain an excellent experience in working and collaborating with various health care providers in the ward. But more importantly, it facilitates a practical environment in dealing more closely with patients. Hence, it helps to provide the ultimate health care services to patients. Also, it permits me to carry on gaining different knowledge, skills, and values in addition to those I have already developed during my undergraduate studies. My interest in being a clinical pharmacist was first aroused during my SPEP rotation in the hospital setting where I was really impressed with the role of clinical pharmacists who provide a consistent process of patient care with healthcare teams to maintain the appropriateness, effectiveness and safety of the medication use. Unlike a pharmacist, a clinical pharmacist has a more diversified responsibilities and closeness to direct patient care. Moreover, provides
I am currently taking Maths, Chemistry and Biology to Advanced Higher, all of which are challenging and stimulating subjects. They have all influenced me in different ways and were integral in my decision to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering. They have also helped me obtain a foundation of core skills and extended knowledge to hopefully prepare me undertaking my desired degree. There is no doubt that Maths and chemistry have helped fine tune and advance my problem solving skills and think in a more logical manner, all of which I believe to be essential for this degree.
A career as a clinical pharmacist seems to be the goal was working up to my entire life, even before I knew what it was. As a child I found myself fascinated by what made people sick and how to make them feel better. This interest only continued to grow through my education, culminating in my decision to attend pharmacy school upon reaching adulthood.