How and why organisms function as they do is something I find fascinating. Studying biology has and will continue to allow me to understand more about the complexity of life on earth. I have always enjoyed science at school but it is biology which has grasped my interest, particularly because it is so central to explaining why and how the things around us came to be here. The way creatures have evolved from single celled organisms to the wide variety we see today is another fascinating aspect of biological science. I found Dawkins' book "The Ancestor's Tale" an intriguing way of explaining the evolution of life and showing the journey different animals have taken up until now. I regularly read the New Scientist magazine to keep up to date with developments in science. I am continually surprised at how much we are still discovering and how we can use this new knowledge to solve the world's problems. An article on peat bogs and the vital role they play in carbon storage highlighted to me the international importance of many vanishing environments, especially as our climate changes. My current studies have convinced me that biology is the course for me. The topic we covered on respiration highlighted the complex nature of many processes within the body. I also enjoyed the fieldwork we did, looking at the adaptations of different organisms in a bog and a river. The practical research allowed me to see first-hand the ideas we discussed in class. During the collection and analysis of the data I was able to apply some of the skills I developed in AS Maths. Studying Chemistry too has enabled me to appreciate the importance of chemical reactions to many biological processes. Taking Science in Society developed my understanding of the role scientific research plays in influencing decisions on a global scale. Recently I read the book "Oceans of Life" by Callum Roberts; in it he explored the impact humans have upon the seas. This fuelled my eagerness to understand more about how organisms respond to change. At AS I wrote a piece of coursework on GM crops and their relevance in the future of food production; especially in an era where many organisms are developing resistance to the chemicals used to fight them. I was inspired to look further into ways we are affecting natural ecosystems and our attitudes towards this and decided to write my EPQ on whether we will still be sourcing fish from the wild in fifty years' time. Doing this project has developed my independent research skills and time management to encompass school work, my part-time job, hobbies and the EPQ. I enjoyed the challenge of independently investigating an area of my choice. For the past year I have been involved in various positions of responsibility including assisting in Year 7 maths classes and sitting on the Student Council. Helping younger students understand how to tackle the problems set was very rewarding. Whilst it would often take some time and patience to explain I found it satisfying to see their understanding progress. In my holidays I have been volunteering at a local nature reserve where I have been able to see first-hand the importance of preserving habitat, not only for the wildlife, but also as a resource for the local community. Earlier this year I visited the Cambridge Science Festival where I heard about many new ideas. One I found memorable was the talk on Bio-mimicry. We can learn so much from the way nature has developed and apply similar designs to build our own products. Next summer I am planning to take part in an expedition to India with the British Exploring Society. I am excited to have the chance to explore and experience a new environment and culture as well as learning about the ecology of the area and taking part in field research. I am enthusiastic about learning and expanding my knowledge of biology and am looking forward to the challenge of exploring the most current developments in this field.