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TSR Wiki > University > Choosing a University > University Guides > University of Oxford > Biochemistry at Oxford

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Contents 1 Should I Apply? 1.1 What is Biochemistry? 1.2 Why Biochemistry at Oxford? 1.3 So is Oxford right for me? 1.4 Do I have the requirements for Biochemistry? 2 The Biochemistry Course 2.1 First Year Course 2.2 2nd and 3rd year (Part I) 3 Interviews 4 Personal Statement 5 Reading More

Should I Apply?

What is Biochemistry?

Modern biochemistry grew out of the application of chemical techniques to biological problems. In many ways it combines biology and chemistry, but the subject now covers such a wide range that it is difficult to draw a neat border around biochemistry, which provides the foundations of pathology, pharmacology, physiology, genetics, zoology, botany, and even surgery and anatomy. The essential feature is that biochemistry uses molecular methods to explain biological processes, while other biological scientists study the integrated function of organs, organisms, and the complexes of organisms represented by ecosystems.

Why Biochemistry at Oxford?

Oxford has one of Europe's largest Biochemistry departments, established in 1920, and this includes the sub-departments of Microbiology, Genetics, Molecular Biophysics, Glycobiology and Immunochemistry. Facilities are modern and spacious, with a brand new research centre to replace many of the existing buildings currently being constructed. The buildings are part of the University Science Area, which also includes the Radcliffe Science Library and the Natural History Museum, and are conveniently located for easy access to the town centre and colleges.

Also from the prospectus The Oxford biochemistry course concentrates on molecular aspects of biological functions in the plant, animal and microbial kingdoms. It is very broad in scope, ranging from the structures of biological molecules and how they are determined, through genetics and molecular biology and their applications, to cell differentiation and immunology. This breadth reflects the wide range of research that is carried out within the Department and University.

Oxford University also has one of the three Copyright libraries in the UK meaning it has a copy of every research paper published in the UK. Biochemists do much of their study in the Radcliffe Sciences Library also borrowing books from the Hooke lending library. With Oxford you also gain from the one on one tutorial system.

So is Oxford right for me?

Well here is the yes no questions...

• Would I be happy in a medium sized city? Yes/No
• Would I be happy being taught in 1on1 or small group tutorials? Yes/No
• Would I be happy writing a 2000 word essay each week? Yes/No
• Would I be happy spending 10am-5pm in the lab doing experiments? Yes/No

If the answer to any of the above is no then I strongly suggest you don't apply. Here are some other questions to think about (although answering no isn't such a bad thing as with above):

• Could I cope with the possibility of being average?

- Obviously this will already have been impressed upon you, but everybody who finally makes it to Oxford was probably at some point the "big fish" in their own sixth form or college. That means that the chances of you remaining always the best are slim.

• Could I cope with the possibility of rejection?

- The success rate of applicants for 2005 was 40.2% and therefore the majority of those applying will be rejected, despite having nothing fundamentally wrong with their application

• Could I cope with doing exams at the beginning of nearly every term?

- "Collection" exams are set at the beginning of most terms, a few days before the first lectures. Their importance varies by tutor - some setting great store by them, while others simply recognising them as a student's only opportunity to do a mock exam. Nevertheless they have to be sat.

Do I have the requirements for Biochemistry?

The typical Oxford offer for Biochemistry is AAA at A-level, excluding General Studies, and deviation from this is rare. The average A-level score in 2005 was 29.9 so very very few applicants did not get three As. The IB equivalent is 39 points overall, including Theory of Knowledge, with a 7 in chemistry and either 6 or 7 in Mathematics or Biology. While straight A*s at GCSE are not necessary, particularly poor performance will put candidates at a disadvantage, as will low A2 predictions or a poor teacher reference.

It is essential to have A-level, or the equivalent, in Chemistry. A-level Biology and/or Maths are not required, although they are recommended. The first year course provides the biological and mathematical background needed for those who have not progressed beyond GCSE, but obviously having previously covered the material will put students at an advantage.

The Biochemistry Course

First Year Course

The 1st year is a foundation year, examined by five "Prelims" during Trinity term. These are pass/fail exams and do not contribute to your final degree result. The first year is used to ensure that all students are at the same level with the basic knowledge and skils required to study the material in years two and three. Students take three longer courses in Molecular Cell Biology, Biological Chemistry and Biophysical Chemistry, and two shorter courses in Organic Chemistry and Maths & Statistics. Courses consist of lectures, problems classes and laboratory and computer practicals, all based in the Department, and College based tutorials.

2nd and 3rd year (Part I)

The second and third years consist of a broad survey of molecular cellular biochemistry. This is organised into four courses:

• Macromolecular Structure and Function
• Bioenergetics and Metabolism
• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology and the integration of function

All four are compulsory although there is some choice about which material to cover. These are taught in the same way as in the first year. There are no second year examinations. At the end of the third year students take six papers: a general paper to assess broad understanding of bochemistry, an analysis and interpretation paper, and one on each of the topics listed above.

4th year (Part II) The 4th year is a research focussed year. The first term consists entirely of a 12 week research project in a group. At the end of the project you write a short thesis and give a ten minute presentation, both of which are examined.

In the second term, students study two options from a list of advanced topics which is updated at frequent intervals and at present includes:

• Molecular Immunology
• Plant Molecular Biology
• Neuropharmacology
• Membrane Transport
• Glycobiology
• Human Disease
• Bionanotechnology
• Signalling to the Nucleus.

These are examined by a written paper in each of the chosen options and an extended essay.

Interviews

Personal Statement

Reading More

The following are popular science books and give a good place to start for anyone who wants to find out something about biochemistry, or just wants some fun background reading.

“The selfish gene”, “The ancestors' tale” and other books by Richard Dawkins. “Y, the descent of man” by Steve Jones. “The eighth day of creation: the makers of the revolution in biology” by Horace Judson. “Power, sex and suicide - mitochondria and the meaning of life”, "Oxygen: The Molecule that made the world" and other books by Nick Lane. “Advice to a young scientist” by Peter Medawar. “Genome - autobiography of a species”, “Nature vs Nurture” and other books by Matt Ridley. “The seven daughters of Eve” by Bryan Sykes.

There is a series of booklets on different aspects of biochemistry “Biochemistry Across the School Curriculum (BACS)” available for download free from the Biochemical Society at www.biochemistry.org/education/resources.htm.

There are some useful web resources at www.biochem4schools.org.

From school to university biochemistry - transitional textbooks: These provide a gentle introduction to studying biochemistry at a university level.

“Life, chemistry and molecular biology”, W. Pickering, C. Smith and E.J. Wood, pub. Portland Press. “Cell biology”, C. Smith and E.J. Wood, pub. Nelson Thornes. “Bringing chemistry to life: from matter to man”, R.J.P. Williams and J.J.R.F. da Silva, pub. Oxford University Press.

Useful books to prepare for the start of the Oxford biochemistry course: These are very highly recommended for students who are daunted by the maths and organic chemistry components of the course to look at in advance, but would be useful for everyone.

“Foundation maths” (2006) A. Croft and R. Davison, pub. Pearson. “Foundations of organic chemistry” (1993) M. Hornby and J. Peach, pub. Oxford University Press.

First year text books for the Oxford biochemistry course: There are no set course texts (and you will probably want to try books out from libraries before deciding what, if anything, to buy) but the following are some of the more popular recommended texts.

“Biochemistry” (2006) J.M. Berg, J.L. Tymoczko and L. Stryer, pub. W.H. Freeman. “Biochemistry” (2004) D. Voet and J.G. Voet, pub. Wiley. “Molecular Cell Biology” (2003) H. Lodish, A. Berk, P. Matsudaira, C.A. Kaiser, M. Krieger, M.P. Scott, L. Zipursky and J. Darnell, pub. W.H. Freeman. “Molecular Biology of the Cell” (2002) B. Alberts et al., pub. Garland. “Practical Skills in Biomolecular Sciences” (2003) R. Reed, D. Holmes, J. Weyers and A. Jones, pub. Prentice Hall. “Principles and problems in physical chemistry for biochemists” (2001) N.C. Price, R.A. Dwek, R.G. Ratcliffe and M.R. Wormald, pub. Oxford University Press.

Personally, I would recommend Alberts and Lodish and steer away from Berg, but obviously that's just my opinion. My point is wait until you get to Oxford to buy any textbooks!