Recently I entered, and won, a scientific essay competition, run by the science society of Murray Edwards College, Cambridge University. There was a choice of four questions to write about, and I chose the title “Are microorganisms a net benefit or a net harm to the world?” as I had already done some  further reading on bacteria and antibiotic resistance, and found it to be a interesting area of study. Although from my previous knowledge I thought microorganisms to be of a net benefit, I hadn’t realised to what extent they are vital in maintaining life.  

My interest in the subject was initiated whilst reading “The Body” by Bill Bryson, which was the book I asked for at the beginning of the year, when the KPS generously bought each Year 12 a book of their choice.  After revisiting the book, I gathered more information by doing a MOOC, reading scientific magazines and using a number of online articles, which built upon my A-Level knowledge.  Despite the negative effect microorganisms can have on health, causing communicable and some non-communicable diseases, only a very small proportion of microorganisms make us ill and modern medicine has reduced their impact even further. Microorganisms also play a significant role in regulating human health (with our gut microbiome contributing to digestion, mental health and disease prevention); the nutrient cycle; and being used in innovation (such as new medicines, sewage treatment and self-repairing concrete), which means that the benefits far outweigh the costs, although the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance means this may change in the future. 

I found writing my essay really enjoyable, as I could explore a topic I enjoyed in depth, learning much more about not just microorganisms, but how they contribute to general science and health. It was also a very useful experience, as I hadn’t previously done a large amount of research and then had to condense it into a logical argument, thus it improved my essay writing skills. Finally, I decided to enter an essay competition, because I wanted to look into areas I was considering studying at university, and this experience has helped me realise I enjoy Biology focused on health, but as part of a holistic scientific approach, including Chemistry, Mathematics and Pharmaceuticals.   

Daisy, Year 12