Interviewing in: Biochemistry

Background on subject

The Biochemistry course combines biology and chemistry by applying chemical techniques to biological problems. Biochemists study the cells, systems and molecules that underpin life on Earth.

At Oxford the course structure encourages a cross-disciplinary approach.

At Cambridge, Biochemistry is not offered as a separate discipline but is incorporated into the Natural Sciences course. The course offers the chance for students to study a wide range of scientific disciplines before specialising.

For Oxford, the subject requirements for students are A-level Chemistry and an A-Level in one other science or maths.

For Cambridge, the subject requirements are two science or maths A-levels.

For Oxford, you do not need to take a written test when you apply for this course.

For Cambridge, students have to sit the Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment.

Can I interview in this subject?

You do not have to have studied Biochemistry at university to give a robust and rigorous practice interview in this subject.

Volunteers from the following subjects, or similar, will also be able to deliver Biochemistry interviews:

Interview types

There are two different types of practice interviews in Biochemistry, which you may be asked to deliver.

Interview on 'application material' - asking the students' questions about their personal statement, or an essay they will submit as part of their application
Interview on 'unseen material' - asking the students' questions on an article, study, or research paper they have not seen before, testing how they handle new material

Learn more about Interview Types

SAMPLE Resources

Below you can access a folder of resources for conducting Biochemistry interviews:

Interview on application material - you can see a sample personal statement, highlighted with examples of questions which could be asked
Interview on unseen material - you can see examples of articles which have previously been given to students, along with questions

These resources are intended for inspiration - to give you an idea of the level, length and themes of the material we use in our practice interviews. However, should you wish to use this material in the practice interviews you deliver, just let us know so we can make sure returning students haven't seen it before!

Access Biochemistry Interview Resources

Meet one of our VOLUNTEER INTERVIEWERS: Jenny

I completed a BA in Biochemistry at Cambridge, and am currently in my fourth year of Medicine at Cambridge

I've volunteered for OxFizz over the past year as a mock interviewer.

Supporting students in their Oxbridge application, particularly those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, is very important to me.

In line with that, the money raise goes to Campus Children's Holiday, a brilliant charity that allows children with difficult home in Liverpool a chance to have a holiday.