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EHS207Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

General Biochemistry For Environmental Health

This course introduces the fundamental principles of biochemistry and their relevance to environmental health. It explores the biochemistry of living cells, biological oxidation, and the electron transport chain. Students will learn about buffers, acidity, alkalinity, pH, and pKa values in cellular metabolism. The course also covers the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, providing a foundation for understanding biochemical reactions in living systems and their implications for human health.

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40h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
BiochemistryMetabolismBiomoleculesEnvironmental HealthCellular Processes

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Biochemistry of Living Cells

2

Metabolism of Carbohydrates

3

Metabolism of Proteins

4

Metabolism of Lipids

5

Nucleic Acids Chemistry

6

Vitamins and Minerals

7

Detoxification Processes

Total Topics7 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Chemistry

Basic Biology

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Environmental Health Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Biochemist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Nutritionist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Toxicologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Health Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

HealthcarePharmaceuticalsFood IndustryEnvironmental MonitoringResearch and Development

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to General Biochemistry

2h

Unit 1: Definition of Biochemistry

2 study hours
  • •Define biochemistry and its relevance to life sciences.
  • •Understand the role of biochemistry in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and agriculture.
  • •Identify and describe the different branches of biochemistry, including toxicology, enzymology, and molecular biology.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to General Biochemistry

2h

Unit 2: Cell Structure, Cell components and their Functions

2 study hours
  • •Describe the structure of an animal cell and its components.
  • •Explain the functions of various cell organelles, including the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and mitochondria.
  • •Understand the importance of compartmentalization within the cell.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction to General Biochemistry

2h

Unit 3: Biochemistry of the Plasma Membrane

2 study hours
  • •Describe the components of the plasma membrane, including phospholipids, cholesterol, and proteins.
  • •Explain the functions of the plasma membrane, such as protection and transportation.
  • •Understand the mechanisms of transport across the plasma membrane, including passive and active transport.
Week
4

Module 2: Water, Acids, Bases, Buffer and Macromolecules

2h

Unit 1: Water, Acids, Bases and Buffer

2 study hours
  • •Understand the properties of water, including its polarity and hydrogen bonding.
  • •Explain the biological importance of water in digestion, temperature regulation, and cushioning.
  • •Define acids, bases, and buffers, and their roles in maintaining pH balance.
Week
5

Module 2: Water, Acids, Bases, Buffer and Macromolecules

2h

Unit 2: Chemistry of Carbohydrates

2 study hours
  • •Classify carbohydrates into monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides.
  • •Understand the isomers of glucose and their significance.
  • •Explain the functions of carbohydrates in providing energy, storing food, and detoxification.
Week
6

Module 2: Water, Acids, Bases, Buffer and Macromolecules

2h

Unit 3: Chemistry of Amino Acids and Protein

2 study hours
  • •Describe the chemical nature of amino acids and their ionization states.
  • •Classify amino acids based on nutritional requirements and charge.
  • •Understand the formation of peptide bonds and the classification of proteins.
Week
7

Module 2: Water, Acids, Bases, Buffer and Macromolecules

2h

Unit 4: Chemistry of Lipids

2 study hours
  • •Describe the structure and classification of lipids, including fatty acids, triacylglycerols, and steroids.
  • •Explain the functions of lipids in energy storage, cell membrane structure, and hormone synthesis.
  • •Understand the symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency.
Week
8

Module 2: Water, Acids, Bases, Buffer and Macromolecules

2h

Unit 5: Chemistry of Nucleic Acids

2 study hours
  • •Describe the chemical components of nucleic acids, including nucleotides and nitrogenous bases.
  • •Understand the structure of DNA and RNA, and their roles in genetic information storage and transfer.
  • •Explain the differences between DNA and RNA.
Week
9

Module 3: Metabolism of Biomolecules

2h

Unit 1: Metabolism of Carbohydrates

2 study hours
  • •Describe the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the mouth and intestine.
  • •Explain the process of glycolysis and its significance in energy production.
  • •Understand the clinical conditions associated with impaired glycolysis.
Week
10

Module 3: Metabolism of Biomolecules

2h

Unit 2: Krebs cycle and Oxidative Phosphorylation

2 study hours
  • •Describe the steps of the Krebs cycle and its role in oxidizing acetyl CoA.
  • •Explain the amphibolic and anaplerotic nature of the Krebs cycle.
  • •Understand the process of oxidative phosphorylation and its inhibitors.
Week
11

Module 3: Metabolism of Biomolecules

2h

Unit 3: Metabolism of Proteins

2 study hours
  • •Describe the digestion and absorption of proteins in the stomach and small intestine.
  • •Explain the catabolism of amino acids and the reactions of the urea cycle.
  • •Understand the role of transamination and deamination in amino acid metabolism.
Week
12

Module 3: Metabolism of Biomolecules

2h

Unit 4: Metabolism of Lipids

2 study hours
  • •Describe the digestion and absorption of lipids in the stomach and intestine.
  • •Explain the process of β-oxidation of fatty acids and its role in energy production.
  • •Understand the role of bile salts and pancreatic lipase in lipid digestion.
Week
13

Module 4: Micronutrients (Vitamins and Minerals) and Detoxification

6h

Unit 1: Water Soluble Vitamins

2 study hours
  • •Understand the classification, functions, sources, and deficiency symptoms of water-soluble vitamins.
  • •Understand the classification, functions, sources, and deficiency symptoms of fat-soluble vitamins.
  • •Describe the roles of vitamins in metabolic processes and overall health.

Unit 2: Trace Elements

2 study hours
  • •Understand the roles of trace minerals in maintaining health.
  • •Describe the functions, food sources, required daily allowance, deficiency, and toxicity symptoms of trace minerals.
  • •Explain the importance of minerals like zinc, iron, copper, fluoride, selenium, and iodine.

Unit 3: Detoxification

2 study hours
  • •Define detoxification and its importance in eliminating foreign chemicals from the body.
  • •Explain the mechanisms and reactions involved in detoxification, including Phase I and Phase II reactions.
  • •Understand the role of the liver, kidney, and intestines in detoxification processes.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed concept maps linking metabolic pathways (glycolysis, Krebs cycle, urea cycle).

2

Practice drawing and labeling the structures of key biomolecules (glucose, amino acids, fatty acids).

3

Focus on understanding the regulatory enzymes and control points in each metabolic pathway.

4

Review the deficiency symptoms and functions of each vitamin and mineral.

5

Study the mechanisms of detoxification reactions and the enzymes involved.

6

Use flashcards to memorize the structures and functions of important biomolecules.

7

Work through practice problems involving pH calculations and buffer systems.

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