Personal Statement:Natural Sciences 16

 

Natural Sciences Personal Statement

I have chosen to study a degree in Natural Sciences as I believe that the solutions to many of the world's issues can be found at the interfaces of the scientific disciplines. I began to appreciate the related nature of the sciences when completing a six week Nuffield research project at Imperial College. My report, "Investigating the Cause of Hysteresis in Organic-Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells" combined knowledge and skills from Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry and introduced me to Materials Science. I enjoyed applying my A-level knowledge when analysing the results of photoluminescence tests to consider the effects of differences in band gaps in our solar cells. I was also excited to explore concepts beyond the scope of A-Level, such as how percolation theory can be used to determine the concentrations needed in the synthesis of a nanoparticle solution, as well as understanding the principle of electron holes and how they worked alongside electrons in solar cells. I applied to this specific research group because of my interest in the global energy crisis which begun after studying different aspects of it in lessons. This interest was strengthened by watching online lectures on the chemistry of alternative energy, and reading Richard Martin's "Superfuel: Thorium, the Green Energy Source for the Future", in which I was introduced to Nuclear Physics within a broader context of the energy crisis.

Seeking to understand some of the more complex areas of Physics, I read Lee Smolin's 'The Trouble with Physics'. It touched upon the existence of dark matter, explaining that very little was known about it and that one still cannot directly observe it. This intrigues me as despite its elusive nature, its existence may explain many observations. In this way, dark matter reminds me greatly of the disproved "aether" that was discussed in Simon Singh's 'Big Bang'. At university, I would like to understand more about the discovery of dark matter and its implications. I am also interested in the links between Biology and Chemistry. Studying the hydrogen bond in Chemistry, I came to appreciate its uses when learning about its importance for an enzyme's functioning, and the effect that it could have on an organism if misplaced. Reading Steven Rose's 'The Chemistry of Life' demonstrated some of the functions of the hydrogen bond in Biochemistry, and led me to appreciate the role of chemical reactions in the metabolic pathways that sustain life.

I have found that my studies of Mathematics have strengthened my scientific understanding. I have received gold and silver awards for the 4 years that I have competed in the UKMT Mathematics challenges. I, therefore, decided to self-teach the Further Mathematics AS-level during the summer and found that the mathematics of hypothesis testing allowed me to understand the process of data analysis in Biology lessons. For the past year, I have also tutored a GCSE student in Mathematics and the sciences, which has required me to adapt my thinking in order to clearly express my knowledge and ideas in an interesting way. I've found that this has bettered my own learning techniques, as well as allowing me to work effectively with peers.

I have completed the National Citizen Service which has helped me to build the skills of communication and leadership as well as underlining the importance of community. I also participated in a rowing academy during my AS and GCSE years, training upwards of 20 hours a week. This required a lot of commitment so that I was able to push myself both physically and mentally, but also for me to greatly hone my organisational skills, learning to make effective use of my time.

I am greatly looking forward to the challenge of a demanding multi-disciplinary degree, and I am confident that I have the academic ability, determination, organizational skills and personal qualities to make a success of both the degree and also the many other opportunities that university will offer.

Universities Applied to:

2015 entry

  • University of Cambridge (Queens' College): (Natural Sciences BA) - Offer (A*A*Aa) FIRM
  • Durham University (St Hild and St Bede college): (Natural Sciences Msci) - Offer (A*AA) INSURANCE
  • University of Bath (Natural Sciences BSci) - Offer (A*AA)
  • University of Leeds: (Natural Sciences BSci) - Offer (A*AA)
  • University of Exeter: (Natural Sciences Msci) - Offer (A*AA)

Missed my Cambridge offer, starting at Durham.

Grades Achieved:

GCSE grades

  • 4A*s 4As 3Bs

AS grades

  • Mathematics- A (94%)
  • Physics- A (80%)
  • Chemistry- A (90%)
  • Biology- A (85%)
  • Further Maths- A (87%)

A2 grades

  • Mathematics A2 - A*
  • Physics A2 - A
  • Chemistry A2 - A
  • Biology A2 - A

Predicted Grades:

  • Mathematics A2 - A*
  • Physics A2 - A
  • Chemistry A2 - A*
  • Biology A2 - A
  • Further Maths AS - A

Comments

General Comments:

Your grades have really given me a confidence! I have got 82% in physics and thought I am a lost cause. I will definitely apply this year. Thank you for sharing!

OP here! Great to her it, best of luck with your application :)