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A freshers guide to…

Imperial College Biochemistry Society


Contents

Introduction……………………………………………………..…....2

The Committee………………………………….…………….….....3

What Books to Buy………………………….………………........6

A Day in the Life of a Biochemistry Fresher……....…..7

Your Guide to G34…………………………………………….......9

Our Tips for Online Learning.…………………………......10

Mums & Dads......………………………….………………..….….11

Upcoming Events………………………………………….….......12

Our Sponsors…………………………………………........……...13

Nightlife………………………………….…………….…........…….17

Favorite South Ken Breaks………………………….………...18

In2biochem……………………………………….……….............19

Get involved…………………………………….…..........………..20
1
Introduction
Welcome!
Hello and welcome aboard! I'm Marine, your Biochemistry Society President for this year!

To begin with, I wanted to congratulate you all on acing those grades despite it been a
tough year with an unprecedented pandemic and lockdowns. You should all be very
proud of yourselves.

Traditionally, we've always tried to provide some "wise words", do's and don't, likes and
yikes to those that have just joined our Imperial community as guidance. So here we go:

1. Reach out to people. Terrifying right? I know. I've been there too, having to cross the
Channel with my pots and duvets to come study in a completely different city. You may
feel like you won't fit in the mould or that you will struggle to find the right friends. But
remember this, Imperial is home to 17, 000 students from more than 125 countries. Some
of them would also have just left school and waiting for you to make that first move. So
don't be scared to break the ice, you'll be surprised how talkative most people are! Some
of us, like myself, are "more experienced dinosaurs" who have been breathing Imperial air
for 1-2 years now and who are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. So
please ask us if you have questions, I promise we don't bite!

2. Join as many opportunities as you can. There is something for every single one of
you, whether it's to continue a life-long hobby or start a new one. You can get involved in
many other ways whether that's running for a volunteer position or meeting other
students through departmental and interdepartmental socials !

You're probably here thinking, great, how am I meant to do all this with first term being
online. That's fair I'll give you that but that's where Biochemistry society steps in. Hybrid
mode delivery and social distancing definitely challenges our adaptability and creative
skills. However it's a challenge we are happy and prepared to take. My committee has
been working extremely hard in creating both inclusive online and if conditions permit
face to face events for you to enjoy. So look out for those and I really hope to see you all
there!

Try to make the most of this year despite its potential weirdness -
Don't be scared to reach out to people, break the ice and get involved!

I wish you all the best and good luck for this year!

Best,

Marine Coispeau
Biochemistry Society President

2
The Committee
President: Marine Coispeau

Hi everyone! I’m Marine, your President for 2020-2021! Like many of


you, I left my hometown Paris to come study at Imperial. Some of my
hobbies include running, theatre and debating. Time surely does fly, I
am going into my final year as a Biotechnologist. We can all agree
that 2020 was an interesting year so far but don’t worry, we’ve got
your back! My committee has and is working extremely hard to build
a strong community to welcome our freshers and returning students
in hybrid mode through many exciting events. Stay tuned for
those! With their motivation, dedication and experience we hope to
bring you the best events we can! We look forward to meeting you all
soon! Until then we’re sending you loads of Biochem love!

Vice President: Chelsea Ngan

Hi everyone! I’m Chelsea and I will be your Vice President for


2020-21! Originally from Hong Kong, but lived in Shanghai, I
will be stepping into my final year in Biochemistry. I will be in
charge of working alongside Marine to ensure our society
brings you the best events for you to enjoy your 1st year. I
know this year was such a rough year for all of you so we look
to work hard to bring you both online and face-to-face events
(hopefully further in the year) for you to have fun and bond
with other Biochemists! Aside from social events, we have
plenty of academic and career events planned too. We have a
lot of exciting events coming up and we really look forward to
seeing you at all of them! See you all soon! And of course feel
free to reach out to me for any questions or a quick chat.

Treasurer: Ollie Burrow

Hello everyone! I’m Ollie, a second-year biochemist, and


I will be your treasurer this year! I’m the guy who
approves spending and all other boring finance mischief
- I basically make sure BiochemSoc is making financially
healthy decisions. This year we have a jam-packed events
calendar and I hope to meet you all at some point! You
will probably see me around in SAF so make sure you say
hi, and reach out to me or if you want a chat about
Finance, Coltrane, or Sandwiches :)

3
The Committee
Secretary: Ewen Ward

Hi guys! I’m Ewen, I’m in my final year of Biochemistry and


I’m your secretary for this year. My job is making
sure BiochemSoc stays organised and prepared to give you
guys an exciting and informative year. I’ll also be the person
behind many of our emails and social media posts you receive!
In normal times you’d typically find me on campus almost
every day, hanging around the SAF café, Kimiko or our brand-
new common room, probably not too far from Marine. This
year more than ever it so important to reach out if you need
any help or advice - I’d be so happy to have a chat or answer
any questions! It’s very likely I had the same queries when I
started however dumb they may sound. Sending lots of
Biochem love!
Social Events Officer: Zoe Stamoulis

Hi everyone! I’m Zoe and I am one of your social events officers


for this year! I’m a third-year biochemist and am super excited to
make the 2020-21 BiochemSoc events as memorable and fun as
they have been over the time I’ve been at Imperial. Aryan and I
are making it our mission this year for you all to have a
wonderful first year at uni, and I’m dedicated to make it as
eventful and unforgettable as we can! Although “social events”
may seem like a distant pre-pandemic memory for many of us,
we’re working super hard to make creative online and face-to-
face events that will make your first-year fun and worthwhile. I’m
so excited for all our plans for the term (and year) ahead, and I
look forward to engaging with you all soon! 😊

Social Events Officer: Aryan Bhasin

Hi, my name is Aryan and I’m a second year Biochemist. I’m


originally Indian but have been living in London for just over 8
years now, and I lived in a few places in Asia before that. My first
year at Imperial was the best time of my life, making me want to
be a Social Events Officer, so that Zoe and I could make your first
year just as special. I know this year has been rough, but
nonetheless we are determined to not let that affect your fresher’s
year. We’re running a bunch of online and in-person events that
are inclusive for everyone so that you can meet your
fellow BiochemSoc members. My top tips for first year are keep it
chill (first year is for fun and really doesn’t account for
much), find your people (trust me you will) and just enjoy
yourself. I look forward to meeting you guys and if you have any
questions feel free to pop up! 4
The Committee
Academic Events Officer: Catherine Wang

Hi guys! I’m a 3rd year Biochemist and will be organizing your


academic events this year. You’ll be given numerous events that run
the gamut from career support to supplementation of your life
scientist experience. Juggling everything can be overwhelming and
sometimes confusing which is why all of us are here to guide
you with our events and seminars! I still remember how daunting it
felt to take initiative and start attending events all on my own, but in
hindsight I wish I knew that everything becomes less scary once you
start getting involved. Please do let us know if you loved our
events, hated them, or even if you have some cool ideas, want some
advice, or want to chat 😊! Looking forward to getting to know you
all throughout the year!
Sponsorship Officer: Jully Kim

Hello Everyone! My name is Jully Kim and I will be your sponsorship


officer this year! My role involves getting new sponsors on board to
provide a wider range of opportunities for you all. I know that JUST
because you major in Biochemistry, it does not necessarily mean that
your interest and passion are limited to life sciences! Therefore, my goal
is to form partnerships with a range of firms to provide our members
with more opportunities where they can build their connections and get
useful advices from employees working in that industry. AND if you
need help or advice on ANYTHING (legit it can be about “what to eat
for your lunch!”), please feel free to come and talk to me! I am happy to
help you guys with any problems :) I hope you guys will enjoy all the
events we have planned for this year! Thank you!
Your Committee

We are still
recruiting for a
Publicity Officer
and Webmaster!
Run in Autumn
Elections to
join our team!

5
What Books Do I
Actually Need to Buy?

You will soon discover that with every lecture series comes an extensive list of
recommended reading material. You will also discover that each of the books on the
recommended reading list costs half a week’s budget. So, do you need to buy all of the
books recommended by lecturers? No. Do you need to buy any books at all? Maybe not.
Listed below are some top tips on how to stay on top of the reading material without
breaking the bank.
There will also be a departmental
textbook sale at the start of term!

Your Biochemistry bibles:


If you are going to spend money on books then these two are the only two worth doing so
on: (All are available in the library, so you should ONLY buy them if you really want them!)

Wait until your first lecture before buying these!

How can I read the literature for free?

• Central Library – The library stocks many copies of these books, as well as many others
that you may need, available for short and long term loans.

• Online PDFs – PDFs are available online of both these books and many others you may
need. Voet is online… unless you prefer hardcopy.

6
A Day in the Life of a
Biochemistry Fresher
As we all know, studying will mainly be remote for first term, so be
sure to check out our tips for online learning. A return to normal
campus life may be a little while off but will return! When it does,
here's a run through of a typical day on campus in normal times:
Morning
6 am, 7 am, 8 am...It depends on when your lectures start and where you live. Are you
lucky enough to live 5 minutes from South Kensington Campus? Do you live in Beit,
Southside, Eastside? Then don’t worry, just wake up at 8:40 - you have plenty of time
to have a quick shower, get dressed, have breakfast and run to the first morning
lecture. If you want to go to the gym, for a run, rowing, want to sit in the lecture hall
front rows or you live in Xenia or Waterloo, you will have to wake up at 7am. But living
far is not always a disadvantage, you get to enjoy the beautiful walk through Hyde
Park or see the Thames in the morning. And see central London when the city is not
full of tourist taking pictures yet! (In your years at Imperial you will become part of
the background of many touristic pictures of London.)

During your first year at Imperial, you will have two-hour lectures, one starting at
9am and the other at 11am, each 55 minutes long. At the end of each lecture you have
the chance to approach the professor to ask any questions you have about the lecture.

Not really feeling like going to lectures today? Pray that Panopto doesn’t fail you, or
that the lecturer will actually Panopto. What is Panopto, I hear you ask? It’s a
platform where recordings of lectures are uploaded online! In the Life Sciences
Department, Panopto recordings are now compulsory for all lectures with online
teaching so everything will be available online at least for the first term! If you didn’t
understand a topic discussed in the lecture, the lecturers are always willing to answer
any questions if you visit their office or drop them an email!

7
A Day in the Life of a
Biochemistry Fresher

Early afternoon
It is 12 am and you are done with lectures! You have survived the morning, now let’s
have something to eat. SAF café or Library café is great for lunch time, especially
because they have a smoothie, salad and Mexican food selection that you can’t find
anywhere else at Imperial. The Queen’s Tower Rooms and the Junior Common Room
also have a great variety of good food. And you have lots of other restaurants and bars
around Imperial, you can bring food from home or you can go back home for lunch,
there are no rules. But if you are going to have lunch at Imperial, remember that
between 12 and 1pm all restaurants are full of people, so try to go as early or late as
possible.

Late afternoon
You managed to find a place to eat at Imperial and now you are tired and feel like
having a nap. Well it might have to wait for a bit - most weeks you will have tutorials,
practical's or problem classes in the afternoon between 2 and 5pm. Make sure you get
all your work done (i.e. solve the given questions) before tutorials and ask as many
questions as you want. Tutorials are meant to be discussions about the exercises in
the topic and depending on the lecturer they will be more practical or not (in the end
of your first year you can even win wine bottles or become a nuclease in your
tutorials). There you can get to know really nice and interesting PhD students and
researchers and get to understand some parts of the lecture better. But remember
that tutorials don’t count for your overall mark so don’t worry if you have something
wrong - better there than in the exam!

Evening
Finally, time to have a nap, go to clubs or society events, go to conferences, go to your
part-time job, do sports or just have a break. Give yourself some rest after such a busy
day and then study. Try to study or at least skim over your daily lectures and make
sure you understand them. It always gets easier than having to study everything at
once for exams. Don’t overwhelm yourself with tonnes of outside reading yet. Just
study the lecture, understand it and see if you can do some outside reading. The
Biochemistry Bibles (Voet & Voet and Alberts) will help you understand your lectures
and will be part of your outside reading during first year.

Rest of the day


Enjoy halls, socialize and sleep.

Please note that your timetable will vary greatly across term as some weeks
you will have multiple assessments and other pieces of coursework due such
as lab reports whilst having practical's and lectures all day. So please be check
timetable regularly and plan in advance if you want travel in the weekend.
8
Your Guide to G34
As an Imperial Biochemist, lecture theatre G34 will soon feel like your home away
from home once we are all allowed back on campus. Why? Because, almost all of
your lectures over the next two years will take place there. Below is a rough guide
of what you can expect in G34.

Can you predict where you’ll likely be sitting?


Back Sleep-inducing area:
You’re running late. I’m
talking 15 minutes or
more, but you haven’t
given up and are still very
keen to not miss a lecture.
So instead of shamelessly
treading down the stairs to
the front, your best option
is to squeeze in here. Why
is it called sleep-inducing?
You’ll have to find out!
The model area:
Lots of seating, a good
spot for comfortably
hearing the lecturer and
visualising the PowerPoint
Stairs

projection. You’re just like


the majority, and in no
time you will know the
unofficial official seating
plan of this area! And yes,
you will be slightly
annoyed if someone steals
your seat.

The keen area:


You’re excited to learn
more about the novel
research carried out at
Imperial, brought to you by
world class researchers.
This is why you can’t wait
to come up with new
questions to ask the
lecturer. You’re part of the
Front minority… but we all
depend on these people
really.
9
Our Tips For Online
Learning
We’re not going to lie, parts of this first term are going to be challenging for
all of us. We know that the transition to predominantly online Freshers
events and learning is not an ideal start to your university careers. Making
friends, learning some Biochem and enjoying campus culture will not be as
easy as it was for us when we first arrived – but we are here to help!
All of us on the committee and the older years of biochemists have been
doing online lectures, tutorials, labs and even exams since March. During
this time we’ve got to know Microsoft Teams really well and have picked up a
couple of pointers for online learning to help keep you all as happy and
healthy as possible!

KEEP A SOLID DAILY ROUTINE:


In normal times, attending lectures on campus is the best way to stay up to date with
learning, keep a sensible sleep schedule and socialise with friends. Now that lectures
are online, make sure you still watch them at their timetabled slots (or a sensible time
if you are overseas!). If you have 2 morning lectures timetabled, wake up and go
through both them of them in that morning! This will really help to establish a
daily routine and stop you becoming nocturnal!

FIND STUDY BUDDIES!


If, like most of us, you cannot trust yourself to study more than 20 minutes
without getting distracted – find a group (6 max!) of like-minded friends you can
safely work with to create a good study environment. For those in halls, kitchens or
common rooms are great places to work, or for those not in London, cafes or libraries
are alternative options. Remember – study buddies don’t have to study biochemistry!
SEPARATE YOUR ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL SPACES:
When studying and living in the same place, your academic and social life can
blend together. It can be difficult to detach from learning OR find motivation to
settle down and start work. Create a designated space in yours halls/homes where
only studying takes place. Once your done – go and relax somewhere else!

REACH OUT TO LECTURERS!


Lecturers will not be there in person to answer any burning questions you have at the
end of lectures. This does not stop you from contacting them! Reach out to them by
email or join relevant Q&A sessions. Now more than ever, lecturers will be wanting to
engage with students so don’t hold back!

10
Mums and Dads

The year will start out with a whole range of events held remotely, to account for the
fact that students (both new and returning) will be online for their first term. To ease
your transition into University (a daunting time even without interacting remotely)
we will continue our tradition of the Mums & Dads scheme during welcome week,
happening for the first time ever on Microsoft Teams on Friday the 9th September, 9-11
am!

Freshers will be assigned to families with “siblings” (other freshers) and “parents”
(2nd and 3rd year Biochemists) based on time-zone and shared interests. Once in
families, do what you wish! The Mums and Dads event is a great chance to get some
honest advice from older students about life and Biochem at Imperial. We have also
created family challenges to submit with prizes to be won! The scheme is designed to
provide you with not only some friendly faces to support your transition into university,
but also to help introduce you to life at Imperial as a proud member of BiochemSoc.

Look out for Mums and Dads sign ups being sent out
later this week!

SEE YOU SOON!


We are really excited to meet all of you and welcome you into the Biochemistry
Community. Just know we are determined to make sure COVID-19 has a minimal impact on
your first year and make sure you settle into Imperial just as well as we did, if
not better! Hopefully, towards the end of the first term we will be able to start holding in-
person events so you can meet the rest of your cohort and mingle like the good old days (i.e. a
few months ago). Conditions permitting, the rest of your first year will be held
as normal with a lot of in-person events designed to be fun for everyone!

11
Upcoming Events

We have lots of social, career and academic events planned throughout the year
(subject to COVID-19 restrictions!) including:

• Mums and Dads | Meet Your Parents


• South Kensington Virtual Tour
• Alumni Networking
• Online Cooking Show
• Online Speed Meet & Greet
• Meet our Sponsors
• Careers Fair with ChemSoc
• Exploring Biochemistry Series
• Girls in Charge Workshops
• CV Workshops
• Careers in Banking, Consultancy, Law, and Finance
• Ice Skating at the National History Museum
• Christmas Dinner
• And more… Please check your emails regularly and
follow our Facebook & Instagram
pages to keep up to date with events!

ICBiochem biochemsoc@ic.ac.uk icbiochemsoc


12
Our sponsors

About Us

Jane Street is a quantitative trading firm and global liquidity provider. Our trading is based
on mathematical modeling and strategies and we use innovative technology, a scientific
approach, and a deep understanding of markets to stay successful. With over 1000 employees
in our New York, London, Amsterdam, and Hong Kong offices, that’s a lot of ideas. Our next
great idea could come from you; what will you come up with?

Trading

We trade based on our own proprietary models. Quantitative analysis and insights into
related markets enable us to make competitive markets in even the most complicated
products. On an average day, we trade over $13 billion in equities worldwide. During peak
trading hours, trading desks are central to the excitement of our offices. Once the buzz has
subsided, they’re a place for mentorship and open discussion.

Internships

We offer internships in four different groups: trading, technology, research and business
development. All our offices follow a slightly different internship schedule, though our
typical summer internship lasts 10–12 weeks. You work alongside full timers, and we get to
know you and see how you think about and solve the kinds of problems we deal with every
day. All interns also spend time in a foreign office with travel and accommodation arranged
by Jane Street.

Our Culture

At Jane Street, people like to work together— and play together. We have regular after-work
events: chess and ping-pong tournaments, card games, trivia nights, dinners, sports and
cultural outings, and even the occasional karaoke night. We have excellent benefits including
zero-premium health insurance, retirement benefits, fully stocked kitchens, daily catered
breakfast and lunch, and a private on-site gym.

13
Our sponsors

At OC&C we have more than 30 years of unpicking the most complex business challenges
with simple, uncommon sense.

We’re an international consulting firm, but we’ve never seen size as an end in itself. Our
expertise is focused on a few core specialisms, allowing us to deliver results that get noticed.

We work side by side with our clients and find innovative and practical solutions to achieve
lasting improvements in strategic performance and to maximise long-term growth. OC&C’s
client roster includes some of the world’s most respected companies as well as disruptive
insurgents throughout the consumer goods, retail, leisure, media, communications and
technology, industrial products and services, and private equity sectors. You’ll find us in
Europe, Americas and Asia.

14
Our sponsors

About Us

At CRISPR Biotech Engineering (CBE), we are an early-stage genome editing company that
is 100% committed to using innovative CRISPR-Cas9 technology to improve human lives,
develop transformative gene-based therapies and equip students, scientists and researchers
with the knowledge to help them understand how this revolutionary technology can
transform human life as we know it.

ONUMMIX ™ is a trademark under registration of CRISPR Biotech Engineering. We are


focused on exploring the role of biomarkers in immunogenomics. Our interests in
immunogenomics research include the evaluation of multiple biomarkers, to design a
composite biomarker approach and the creation of computational methods for predicting
antigen presentation and TCR binding.

Opportunities for you

For all of those with curious minds or who wish to go beyond the scope of your own
University courses, we are proud to offer user friendly, high-quality CPD accredited and
flexible online courses on cutting edge topics. By investing your time into a well-curated and
designed course, we assure our applicants a creative learning experience that prepares them
for emerging trends in the medical and health care industry. Widen your intellectual
perspectives and keep up to date with the latest scientific advances by enrolling in one of our
following courses:

1. Genome Engineering: CRISPR provides an in-depth understanding of CRISPR-Cas9


gene editing technology, its applications and research opportunities. Covered topics
include CRISPR therapeutic tools to combating genetic disease, drug discovery using
CRISPR, limitations and future aspects etc.

2. The Cancer Biology foundational course yields insight into the interplay of biological
factors leading to the development of cancers in the human body. These upcoming ideas
present immense potential for the future of the detection and treatment of cancers. By
taking this course, you can stay ahead of your peers in your careers and be a step closer to
undertaking professional roles in advanced cancer treatments.

3. The Immunogenomics advanced course yields insight into the genomics of the
immune system in developing treatment modalities for cancers more particularly at a
molecular level and its role in the development and progression of cancers.

As a Biochemistry society member, be sure to benefit from exclusive deals and


promotional codes, so look for those! 15
Our sponsors

Biju is next level bubble tea. Every tea is individually freshly brewed after ordering.
Instead of powdered creamer, fresh organic milk is used. Vegan friendly options such as
Organic Soya, Organic Almond and Oatly Oat milks are also available!

A Biju Bubble Tea is always made with fresh organic milk, and tea brewed only after a
customer places an order. Once you try Biju we think you’ll agree that it’s quite simply
the best Bubble Tea you’ll ever taste.

We’re excited to announce that, continuing on from last year, we will be partnering with
the Girls in Charge Initiative again! The project is a non-profit organisation that aims to
help female students build their confidence and business skills through game-styled
workshops.

BiochemSoc will be hosting a series of FREE workshops in collaboration with Girls in


Charge, focusing on a variety of topics that will help you improve your employability and
give you the skills you need to succeed in a corporate environment or become an
entrepreneur. Details of the workshops are available on our Facebook Page!

Follow the link on the "Get Involved" page to apply to become a Student Leader and host
workshops for your peers! You do not need any prior experience and will receive training.
We are on the look-out for people who are enthusiastic, happy to do bits of research, and
challenge the status quo.

and more sponsors to come...


16
Nightlife (18+)
Nightlife, another pre-pandemic memory. When it is safe to return, make the most of
vast array of nightlife, bars and restaurants on offer. There's plenty to keep you satisfied.
Here are some suggestions to get you started on your journey to becoming a
professional Londoner!

• LONDON
London is a capital city; there are a lot of people about, many very friendly, but not
all. Avoid getting in an altercation during Fresher’s week, and ensure you’re not
walking home alone – if you feel at all threatened dial 999 and ask for the police. The
Metropolitan police have a strong presence in central London, so help will never be
far off. Don’t be put off, just keep an eye on one another and your surroundings.
• KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR DRINK
Standard clubbing advice, but ensure you don’t leave your drink unattended.
Unfortunately spiking of drinks does occur (however rarely), but as long as you know
where your beverage has been, that shouldn’t pose a problem.
• BRING ID!
Clubs will not permit you entry without a valid ID. You can use a passport,
government issued national identity card, or driving licence (provisional is fine). For
obvious reasons we do not recommend taking your passport out clubbing.
• WATCH OUT FOR DRINKS PRICES
London is notorious for pricey nights out. When tipsy, it’s easy to get carried away and
blow your food money for weeks on drinks. Try not to get too carried away. Pot
noodles lose their appeal fast if you have to eat them for a week straight.

• PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Fortunately for you, the night tube runs on Friday and Saturday nights on
the Piccadilly, Central, Victoria, Jubilee and Northern lines. Check the
TFL website for a full operational map. Other than that, you can take a
Bus, Cab, Uber or walk home. Depending on where you are, walking may
not be a bad option for groups. Buses run throughout the night and are
probably your best bet! You can access live bus times on your smartphone
via the TFL website. Ubers and Cabs are expensive, but can work out
reasonably if shared between large groups. I don’t recommend you using
a Boris Bike (the rentable bicycles in London) to get home late at night.

17
Favourite South Ken
Breaks
For a great lunchtime break, you need go no further than South Kensington (SK) tube
station.

If you are feeling brave, there is plenty to see in Kensington, Covent Gardens, Sloane Square and
surrounding areas, but we have fond memories of our favourite spots right next to campus. Here are
a few that Biochemists are known to frequent:

To show you around our favourite South Ken gems, we are hosting an Instagram live virtual
tour on 7/10/20 at 1pm BST. Click here for the link to the tour
map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1p--FgqY0dJ3ziCI_JdFSpMAFvufEk9Cc&usp=sharing

The union is famous


for its cheap pints and Other places to eat in SK include:
yummy curly fries!!!

18
In2biochem

In2biochem started out as a passion project.

Two recent Imperial College graduates, Anamaria and Bianca, looked back into
their past and realised how little they knew about biochemistry before beginning
their university application.

And it seems like we’re not alone. Typically, students tend to hear a great deal
about the traditional STEM routes such as medicine, physics, maths,
engineering... you name it! But little to no attention has been given to the niche
options (of which there are many out there)!

This problem appears to be a common one for most undergraduate applicants,


particularly amongst state schools and students coming from underprivileged
backgrounds. Essentially, if you don’t have a sound awareness or understanding
on what a biochemistry degree entails, how exactly would you be able to craft a
strong application profile?

With that in mind, in2biochem was born.

in2biochem is a social enterprise serving to promote biochemistry to prospective


university students, regardless of their previous educational backgrounds. We aim
to introduce the basics of biochemistry, share interesting topics and latest trends,
and encourage you to develop an appreciation of its interdisciplinarity. In essence,
we want to provide you with all the resources that make biochemistry fun!

We’re continuously searching for enthusiastic students to join our mission and be
part of our team! Please visit www.in2biochem.com to learn more and feel free to
reach out to us at in2biochem@gmail.com

Anamaria & Bianca 19


Get involved!

Got an idea?
If you have something exciting that you feel like we could do, please
reach out to us via email or to any of the committee members. If you
are shy and want it anonymous, drop any ideas here! We are always
searching for more events we could offer!

We are also collaborating with Girls in Charge organisation, and we are


looking for student leaders to step up and lead several exciting
workshops. This could really boost your CV, as well as put you in a
great place should you wish to be the on next BiochemSoc committee!

To sign up to be a student leader, click below:

SIGN UP TO BE A STUDENT LEADER HERE

Email us at:
biochemsoc@ic.ac.uk

Or reach us at Facebook:
Imperial College
Biochemistry Society
20

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