Foundational Biochemistry: The Chemistry of Life and Disease

Biochemistry is the fundamental science explaining life, health, and disease, but the complexity of molecular interactions can be daunting. This course provides a solid, accessible foundation in the core chemical principles that drive all biological processes, allowing you to interpret physiological events and pathology from a molecular perspective. What you'll learn: * Understand the structure and function of the four major biological macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates). * Master the principles of enzyme kinetics, regulation, and inhibition, and how they relate to modern drug action. * Analyze key metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation for energy production. * Apply concepts of cellular signaling and gene expression to interpret basic mechanisms of disease development and progression. * Practice interpreting biochemical data and metabolic flux under different physiological conditions like fasting or stress. We begin with fundamental chemical concepts and the structure of biomolecules before moving into the dynamics of enzyme action and energy metabolism. The course concludes by exploring how these core concepts are disrupted in common human diseases. This course is designed for absolute beginners, including students in health sciences, biology, and chemistry, with no prior biochemistry knowledge required. Start building your foundational understanding of life's chemistry today.