Biomedical Science

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I have always loved studying Science, and biological elements of science in particular, ever since I started secondary school in Year 7. Human biology and anatomy are my favourite aspects of science. I have a great interest in the circulatory system and homeostasis. As regards the former, one of my favourite lessons at A-Level has been dissecting a heart. I am interested in how food which is high in saturated fat contributes to the risk of myocardial infarction, with fatty deposits blocking arteries. As regards the latter, I am intrigued by the way a minor change in the environment can result in a significant change in the body; for example, how the cold causes muscles to contract (shivering) and hairs to stand on end to trap heat (goosebumps). Though I see my future in personal training, these work experiences confirmed my interest in Human Biology and my interest in pursuing a career that allows me to use my knowledge of biology to work with people. There are clear links between Human Biology and Sport; at university, I will be keen to choose those options which have most application to sport. After university, I would be interested in a career which utilises my interests in Human Biology and Sport.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

It has always been a subject that has come naturally to me; and I requested the opportunity to study triple science for GCSE and achieved an A and two Bs. I have done some reading of Anatomy from the book “Essentials of anatomy and physiology” from Martini/Bartolomew. I am interested in homeostasis in particular: tissue injuries and repair. It fascinates me how when a person becomes injured there are two related processes which would fix this: inflammation and regeneration. The area will firstly be isolated from neighbouring healthy tissues whilst damaged cells, tissue components and dangerous microorganisms are cleaned up. This is the phase in which it coordinates several different tissues and is known as the inflammatory response. Inflammation can result from many things e.g abrasion, when any of these stimuli kills cells they trigger an inflammation response by stimulating connective tissue cells called mast cells which release chemicals (histamine) which cause local blood vessels to dilate and become more permeable. This will release many symptoms such as it becoming warm and painful. Then comes the second phase: the damaged tissues are replaced or repaired to restore normal function, this is known as regeneration, during regeneration fibroblasts produce a dense network of collagen fibres known as scar tissue. Regeneration is more successful in some tissue than others. Our skin which is mostly made up of epithelia and connective tissues can regenerate rapidly. However if you have something like damage to the heart it is more serious because although this can be replaced but it can only be replaced by fibrous tissue. Permanent replacement of normal tissues is called fibrosis this may occur in muscle and other tissues in response to injury. The way that the body works in this fashion fascinates me because even though we know that inflammation will occur, we don’t know how it occurs until we research, when we get information like this, it doesn’t fail to surprise me because all this will be happening without us realising or knowing about this.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

My work experience has mostly been science related. In Year 10, I worked at a dentist’s, shadowing the professionals and observing how procedures took place. They showed me diagrams of the structures of the teeth, and this was one of the early influences sparking my interest in Human Biology. In addition to the science, I saw how different patients needed to be approached in different ways; for example, a different approach was needed when dealing with adults compared to when dealing with children with special needs. In Year 12 I completed a work experience placement at a pharmacy and the pharmacists showed me how drugs like penicillin and amoxicillin can be used; I was interested to learn about the dangers of bacteria developing immunity if these drugs are wrongly prescribed or not taken correctly. I have a passion for sport, especially cricket and weight-lifting. Cricket has been my main sport ever since I was young; I have played for Walmley CC, Ward End CC, Coleshill CC and more recently for Water Orton CC, where I hope to become semi-professional. I also regularly play badminton with my family and weight-lift at the gym. I have completed the NCS challenge, which involved activities including gorge-walking and mountain-climbing. I am also completing the Duke of Edinburgh award; as part of this, my group will be going on a three-day hike, utilising the skills that we have learned in training sessions. These activities put me out of my comfort zone and have helped me develop leadership skills.