The Oxford Biochemistry Reading List

So you’re thinking about studying biochemistry at Oxford. If you’re looking for a place to start exploring the subject beyond the classroom, this is the reading list for you.

Unlike other degrees, Biochemistry is not a subject most students encounter at school. As a result, many applicants find themselves wondering what exactly Biochemistry is and how it differs from similar-sounding degrees such as biotechnology and biomedical science.

Traditionally defined as the study of chemical processes within living organisms, Biochemistry spans a range of topics from genetics and molecular biology to structural biology and biophysics. What sets it apart from related disciplines is its focus on understanding life at a subcellular and molecular level.

If you're keen to find out more about studying Biochemistry at Oxford check out our Biochemistry course page.

Core Oxford Biochemistry reading

To begin with, here are some staple books that you’ll see cropping up on biochemistry reading lists over and over again. Don’t let their popularity put you off, they’re classic for a reason and provide a great introduction to the world of biochemistry.

“We are survival machines – robot vehicles blindly programmed to preserve the selfish molecules known as genes”

Richard Dawkins, The Selfish Gene

1. Nick Lane - Power, sex and suicide- the Mitochondria and the Meaning of Life

   Despite its dramatic title, “Power, Sex and Suicide” explores the biology of the mitochondria and how these cellular powerhouses have made multicellularity possible. This book is a great starting place to explore lots of other exciting areas of biochemistry, including endosymbiotic theory and the role of mitochondrial DNA in ancestry testing.

   
   

2. Richard Dawkins - The Selfish Gene

   First published in 1976, “The Selfish Gene” remains one of the most influential books on evolutionary biology. Dawkins introduces a gene-centred view of evolution. Written in clear, non-technical language, it is an excellent introduction for prospective biochemistry students looking to understand the broader significance of genes, proteins, and molecular processes.

   
   

3. Bryan Sykes - The Seven Daughters of Eve

   If you’re looking to explore some real-world applications of biochemistry, this is the book for you. The Seven Daughters of Eve explores how Mitochondrial DNA is passed down the maternal line unbroken for generations and how sequencing mitochondrial DNA can be used to trace the ancestry of all humans back to one of seven prehistoric women.

   
   

4. Rebecca Skloot - The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

   Winner of the Welcome Trust Book Prize in 2010, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” explores the story behind HeLa cells, the first ever immortalized human cell line, and the woman from whom they first originated. The book combines questions of ethics, consent, and racial inequality with scientific discovery.

   
   

5. Nessa Carey - The Epigenetic Revolution

   "The Epigenetic Revolution" covers how factors in addition to DNA sequence influence gene expression. The discovery of epigenetics revealed an additional layer of genetic regulation that can be influenced by environmental factors.

Further reading

Now that you’ve introduced yourself to the basics of biochemistry, it’s a great chance to start further exploring the areas you’re interested in. Here are a couple of suggestions for exciting and more specific books to get you started, but there’s so much out there to choose from.

"Most human tumors comprise a billion or more cells before we become aware of them"

Robert A. Weinberg, One Renegade Cell

1. Lynn Margulis - Symbiotic Planet: A New Look at Evolution.

   A book exploring how symbiotic relationships between organisms contribute to evolution. This book explores the Endosymbiotic Theory, which proposes that mitochondria and chloroplasts were once separate organisms that were engulfed by ancient Archaea. This theory is a favourite among future Biochemistry students and appears in countless Oxford applications. This book also covers the highly controversial Gaia Hypothesis.

2. James Keeler and Peter Wothers - Why chemical reactions happen

   A little bit more chemistry-focused than some of the other books on this reading list, this book provides a greater introduction for bridging the gap between chemistry at school and the chemistry covered in the first year of an Oxford Biochemistry degree.

3. Robert A. Weinberg - One Renegade Cell

   A great explanation of how cancer develops and the experiments that led to the discovery of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes. Robert A. Weinberg is a highly regarded scientist in the cancer field and his textbook appears in many Oxford reading lists.

Magazines and Podcasts

There are more than just books out there. Try reading some of these magazines or listening to some of these podcasts for a bite-sized dose of biochemistry.

Magazines and Columns

New Scientist: a leading science magazine, it’s always important to keep up to date with ongoing research.

Scientific American: Another Scientific magazine, slightly more in-depth than the New Scientist.

In The Pipeline: commentary by Derek Lowes on drug discovery and the pharma industry.

Podcasts

The infinite monkey cage: Physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince host this popular scientific podcast, where they interview scientists with expertise in a field to help uncover answers to scientific questions.

The Life Scientific: Scientists are interviewed by Jim Al-Khalili about their careers and research.

Radio 4 Inside Science: The BBC’s main radio science program, covering recent scientific topics.

Get into the Lab

Hands-on practice in the lab is the best way to understand a field of scientific research like Biochemistry. If you can, why not reach out to research groups at your local university, to arrange some work experience or a chance to chat with members of the lab.

If you're looking for further support with your Oxford Biochemistry application and interview preparation, book a consultation today. Avalon Education can connect you with Oxford Biochemistry graduates, who will help to support you throughout the application process.