Principles of Biochemistry from edX

Principles of Biochemistry integrates an introduction to the structure of macromolecules and a biochemical approach to cellular function. Topics addressing protein function will include enzyme kinetics, the characterization of major metabolic pathways and their interconnection into tightly regulated networks, and the manipulation of enzymes and pathways with mutations or drugs. An exploration of simple cells (red blood cells) to more complex tissues (muscle and liver) will be used as a framework to discuss the progression in metabolic complexity. Learners will also develop problem solving and analytical skills that are more generally applicable to the life sciences.

What you'll learn

The structure and function of the chemical building blocks of life
How to navigate protein structures using PyMOL
The central role of enzymes in catalyzing the reactions of life
The primary metabolic pathways that power cells
The intricate mechanisms that regulate cellular metabolism
The integration of biochemical processes in the context of cells, tissues, and whole organisms

What's inside

Learning objectives

The structure and function of the chemical building blocks of life
How to navigate protein structures using pymol
The central role of enzymes in catalyzing the reactions of life

The primary metabolic pathways that power cells
The intricate mechanisms that regulate cellular metabolism
The integration of biochemical processes in the context of cells, tissues, and whole organisms

The structure and function of the chemical building blocks of life
How to navigate protein structures using pymol
The central role of enzymes in catalyzing the reactions of life
The primary metabolic pathways that power cells
The intricate mechanisms that regulate cellular metabolism
The integration of biochemical processes in the context of cells, tissues, and whole organisms

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the structure of biological molecules and cellular metabolism through biochemistry

Develops practical skills in navigating protein structures using PyMOL

Investigates enzymatic reactions and their significance in cellular processes

Provides a comprehensive understanding of major metabolic pathways and their regulation

Involves problem-solving and analytical thinking

Introduces the integration of biochemical processes at different biological levels

Reviews summary

Highly rated biochemistry overview

Learners say this engaging course provides a fantastic introduction to Biochemistry. The challenging workload and difficult exams are largely offset by clear explanations and a well-organized learning path.

The course is very long but it covers a huge swath of material.

"Covers a huge swath of material."

"I learned a great deal and highly recommend it for anyone serious about studying biochem."

"A very good course which make one to know how metabolism of cells takes place."

The course is challenging but rewarding.

"It's long, it covers a huge swath of material, and it's not easy for someone, like me, with a limited background in chemistry."

"But it's well worth it."

"The weekly workload can get really high."

Excellent video lectures that explain the subject in great detail.

"Professor Lander explains everything from basis in form of explaining the path of invention."

"If you've every struggled to understand the basics of biochemistry then this is the course for you."

"Lectures are just amazing, explanations are clear."

The course contains a lot of information about diseases and their treatment, which may not be relevant to all learners.

"The main minus that there're big details about certain diseases and their treatment."

"Instead of that, I was forced to spend a lot of time delving in some traditional diseases and their treatment."

"Many quizes are "too medical" and designed only for physicians."

This course is not recommended for someone with no prior knowledge of chemistry.

"If you just starting to study biochemistry you would have to work a lot in this course."

"it's not easy for someone, like me, with a limited background in chemistry."

"This course looks even more difficult and is required more prior knowledge."

Career center

Learners who complete Principles of Biochemistry will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cell Biologist

A Cell Biologist studies the structure and function of cells. They investigate how cells grow, divide, and interact with each other. This course would help you build a strong foundation in the chemical and physical principles that govern living organisms and the chemical reactions that occur in living cells. It would also help you develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret data, which are essential skills for a Cell Biologist.

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Research Scientist

A Research Scientist conducts research in a variety of fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine. They design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and publish their findings in scientific journals. This course would help you build a strong foundation in the chemical and physical principles that govern living organisms and the chemical reactions that occur in living cells. It would also help you develop the research skills that are necessary for a Research Scientist.

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Biochemist

A Biochemist is a scientist or researcher who studies the chemical and physical principles that govern living organisms. They study the structure and function of biological molecules, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. Biochemists also study the chemical reactions that occur in living cells and how these reactions are regulated. This course would help you build a solid foundation in the chemical principles that govern living organisms and the chemical reactions that occur in living cells. It would also help you develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret data, which are essential skills for a Biochemist.

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Geneticist

A Geneticist studies the structure and function of genes. They investigate how genes are inherited and how they affect the development and health of organisms. This course would help you build a strong foundation in the chemical and physical principles that govern living organisms and the chemical reactions that occur in living cells. It would also help you develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret data, which are essential skills for a Geneticist.

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Molecular Biologist

A Molecular Biologist studies the structure and function of biological molecules, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. They investigate how these molecules interact with each other and how they are involved in cellular processes. This course would help you build a strong foundation in the chemical and physical principles that govern living organisms and the chemical reactions that occur in living cells. It would also help you develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret data, which are essential skills for a Molecular Biologist.

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Science Teacher

A Science Teacher teaches science to students at the elementary, middle, or high school level. They develop and deliver lesson plans, grade assignments, and provide feedback to students. This course would help you build a strong foundation in the chemical and physical principles that govern living organisms and the chemical reactions that occur in living cells. It would also help you develop the communication and interpersonal skills that are necessary for a Science Teacher.

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Physician Assistant

A Physician Assistant (PA) provides medical care under the supervision of a physician. They perform physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, and prescribe medications. This course would help you build a strong foundation in the chemical and physical principles that govern living organisms and the chemical reactions that occur in living cells. It would also help you develop the problem-solving and analytical skills that are necessary for a Physician Assistant.

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Pharmacologist

A Pharmacologist studies the effects of drugs on living organisms. They investigate how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted by the body. They also study how drugs interact with receptors and other molecules in the body. This course would help you build a strong foundation in the chemical and physical principles that govern living organisms and the chemical reactions that occur in living cells. It would also help you develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret data, which are essential skills for a Pharmacologist.

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Medical Doctor

A Medical Doctor (MD) diagnoses and treats diseases and injuries. They use their knowledge of human biology and physiology to prescribe medications, perform surgeries, and provide other medical care. This course would help you build a strong foundation in the chemical and physical principles that govern living organisms and the chemical reactions that occur in living cells. It would also help you develop the problem-solving and analytical skills that are necessary for a Medical Doctor.

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Veterinarian

A Veterinarian diagnoses and treats diseases and injuries in animals. They perform physical exams, prescribe medications, and perform surgeries. This course would help you build a strong foundation in the chemical and physical principles that govern living organisms and the chemical reactions that occur in living cells. It would also help you develop the problem-solving and analytical skills that are necessary for a Veterinarian.

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Toxicologist

A Toxicologist studies the effects of toxic substances on living organisms. They investigate how toxic substances are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted by the body. They also study how toxic substances interact with receptors and other molecules in the body. This course would help you build a strong foundation in the chemical and physical principles that govern living organisms and the chemical reactions that occur in living cells. It would also help you develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret data, which are essential skills for a Toxicologist.

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Biomedical Engineer

A Biomedical Engineer applies engineering principles to the fields of medicine and healthcare. They design, develop, and evaluate medical devices, implants, and other products that are used to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. This course would help you build a strong foundation in the chemical and physical principles that govern living organisms, which are essential for designing and developing medical devices and implants. It would also help you develop the problem-solving and analytical skills that are necessary for a Biomedical Engineer.

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Forensic Scientist

A Forensic Scientist applies scientific methods to the analysis and interpretation of evidence in criminal investigations. They use their knowledge of chemistry, biology, and physics to analyze evidence such as DNA, fingerprints, and drugs. This course would help you build a foundation in the chemical and physical principles that govern living organisms and the chemical reactions that occur in living cells. It would also help you develop the analytical skills that are necessary for a Forensic Scientist.

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Computational Biologist

A Computational Biologist applies computational techniques to the fields of biology and medicine. They develop and use mathematical and computational models to analyze and interpret biological data. This course would help you build a foundation in the chemical and physical principles that govern living organisms and the chemical reactions that occur in living cells. It would also help you develop the computational skills that are necessary for a Computational Biologist.

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Registered Dietitian

A Registered Dietitian (RD) provides nutrition counseling and education to individuals and groups. They help people make healthy food choices and develop healthy eating habits. This course would help you build a foundation in the chemical and physical principles that govern living organisms and the chemical reactions that occur in living cells. It would also help you develop the communication and interpersonal skills that are necessary for a Registered Dietitian.

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Principles of Biochemistry