SOP Sample for MS in Molecular Biology in Ireland - Fresh Graduate

PERSONAL STATEMENT

[APPLICANT NAME] Application for MS in Molecular Biology

"There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work than follow your passion – in a way that serves the world and you". This quote by Sir Richard Branson inspired me at an early age and has since driven me to pursue my passion in life. Determination and meticulous hardworking are characteristics that best describe my attitude towards learning as well as various other aspects of life. From a very young age I have been appreciated and prized for my speaking skills and my ability to work harmoniously within a group, even lead them under necessary situations.

I completed my schooling in the year 2017, where I learnt to equipoise between academics and extracurricular activities. I was an active participant in panel games. I also participated in the National and International level Olympiads conducted by [ORGANIZATION NAME] for four consecutive academic years. I secured 96% in my 10th grade along with centum scorer trophies and passed out 12th grade with 77%. While in school, I took up a three years course on Life Skills and Leadership programme and this has greatly contributed to the development of my leadership qualities.

My choice to take up Biotechnology as my bachelor's degree was owing to my fascination towards the subject of biology and in specific, the fields of molecular biology and genetics since high school. As I continued my studies in [UNIVERSITY NAME] my rising interest towards research became evident and I have hence taken part in various projects that have greatly assisted me to explore the diverse disciplines of the subject. I have even taken part in the workshops conducted on advances in protein biology research. In the year 2021, I graduated with 77.52%. This desire has led to the development of my current reasoning and questioning abilities.

My first project involved the extraction of peptides from medicinal plant sources and their structural characterization through various techniques such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy. I came to understand that one of the first and foremost steps in research projects is the standardization of the protocol which required strenuous efforts and perseverance. The study also involved cell line experiments to evaluate the anti-cancer properties of the extracted peptides on human colon cancer cell lines. The diligence and dedication I exhibited in this project encouraged my guide to entrust me with other assignments that included microbial studies.

As a stepping stone to fulfill my passion I also presented a paper at an International conference on Immunology. Additionally, I presented a poster at the Plant Genomics and Genetics Conference held by the genetics department at [UNIVERSITY NAME] and attended various lectures pertaining to plant genomic studies. This helped me comprehend the various research opportunities that are available. I further spent ample amount of time reading research papers, thus improving my writing skills and expanding my knowledge regarding the latest on-going research in Molecular Biology. I soon realized that writing a research paper is highly demanding in terms of linguistic skills and I thrived to familiarize myself with technical terminologies associated with my field and later published a paper work involving In vitro assessment of cytotoxic activity of bioactive peptides against human colon cancer cells on [JOURNAL NAME].

In addition to academics, I attended an internship programme at the [ORGANIZATION NAME] where I became familiar with the different techniques involved in the department of Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Autoimmunity and Serology used to diagnose patients. To add on I have also acquired brief knowledge in handling various molecular techniques in the diagnosis of infectious disease both via manual training and automated systems. This gave me an insight into the applications of molecular techniques in the field of medicine. I also assisted in a project at the [ORGANIZATION NAME] which involved the preparation of probiotics in lab scale. I have completed virtual courses on Drug discovery, Industrial Biotechnology, The Science of Stem Cells and Disease Screening in Public Health. This helped me to expand my knowledge beyond the subjects streamlined to my department.

I considered it important to enlarge my exposure to the numerous applications of biotechnology so as to be able make an educated decision regarding the appropriate field to continue my future studies. A dilemma that strikes most students who take up biotechnology is to choose either a research career or an industry position. While I am excited about the industrial applications of biotechnology, I am very passionate about research and I want to choose an academic career with a focus on solving important real-world problems. The miracle that is the human body has always rendered me fascinated and my desire to understand the working mechanism behind it has invigorated me from a very young age. Hence it was clear to me that my progress in the field of biotechnology will be founded on Molecular Biology.

Furthermore, I aspired to gain hands on experience in molecular techniques hence to enhance my technical skills, I am currently working as a Clinical Research Associate in Molecular Biology department since my graduation. I am a part of a research programme conducted by [ORGANIZATION NAME]. It significantly includes Covid RT-PCR testing, performed with their enormous advanced sophisticated technology by the approval of [ORGANIZATION NAME]. It involved some demanding, challenging and uphill inputs from my end. This project as well, consisted of intricate and detailed understanding of the content which was my first encounter with a real life stipulating situation. I am happy that I was able to come up with solutions at times to accomplish the outcome which has helped me to elevate my confidence and working ability.

After my bachelor's degree I would like to continue my post graduate studies at the [UNIVERSITY NAME]. I believe that I possess the intellectual skills and capabilities that are required to cope with the demanding graduate programme offered by the esteemed institution on Molecular Life Sciences. I aspire to learn and work under the highly educated scholars in the university. I thus sincerely hope that I would be given the opportunity to pursue my postgraduate degree at your renowned university. With the ever-growing health hazards, mankind's best hope to survive is biotechnological applications and the knowledge of biological working systems is imperative to these studies. Hence following the words of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, I dream that one day my work will significantly contribute to the betterment of life on earth.