Biochemistry

​​​This course emphasizes principles and concepts of structure-function relationships in major biomolecules and human metabolism. This course includes lectures (and workshops which utilize small group discussions) focusing on clinical case studies to illustrate principles of clinical biochemistry and application to the practice of pharmacy.​​​ 

Course modules feature proteins and enzymes emphasizing structure-function relationships; cell biology emphasizing how cells move and divide; molecular biology emphasizing the role of nucleic acids in expression of genetic information; intermediary metabolism emphasizing metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids; hemostasis emphasizing the mechanisms leading to platelet plug and fibrin clot formation, including tests available to identify hemostasis disorders; heme synthesis and catabolism emphasizing the clinical implications; cell cycle regulation and molecular basis of cancer emphasizing the molecular and genetic basis of cancer and tumor progression; and medical biostatistics emphasizing the concepts of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value. Clinical aspects of biologic processes during the fed and fasted states are emphasized. Workshops introduce the biochemical basis of clinical laboratory tests and illustrate clinical applications of biochemical concepts.

Course modules feature human nutrition emphasizing importance of nutrition in health and preventive medicine; human genetics emphasizing inheritance of selected genetic disorders; biochemistry of the organs emphasizing the customization of biochemical pathways; various types of anemia focusing on causes, lab tests and its related topics. Workshops introduce the biochemical basis of exercising muscle, myocardial infarction, obesity, common clinical laboratory tests and/or illustrate clinical applications of biochemical concepts. Selected workshops feature a modified problem-based learning environment.

Biochemistry is concerned with the functioning of cellular constituents at the molecular level in health and how their functions are altered in disease. Biochemistry is fundamental to understanding all branches of the life sciences. Topics include cellular energy metabolism, signal transduction, cell biology, medical genetics, complete blood count, anemias, diabetes, and hemostasis tests.