General Biochemistry for Environmental Health

1. Explain the branches and relevance of biochemistry to other life sciences.
2. Understand the structure and function of cell components and the plasma membrane.
3. Describe the metabolism of major biomolecules, including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.
4. Explain the roles of vitamins and minerals in cellular metabolism.
5. Understand the detoxification processes of harmful substances in the body.

13 weeks, about 30 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Introduction to General Biochemistry

   • Unit 1: Definition of Biochemistry · 2 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..

2. Week 2Module 1: Introduction to General Biochemistry

   • Unit 2: Cell Structure, Cell components and their Functions · 2 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..

3. Week 3Module 1: Introduction to General Biochemistry

   • Unit 3: Biochemistry of the Plasma Membrane · 2 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..

4. Week 4Module 2: Water, Acids, Bases, Buffer and Macromolecules

   • Unit 1: Water, Acids, Bases and Buffer · 2 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..

5. Week 5Module 2: Water, Acids, Bases, Buffer and Macromolecules

   • Unit 2: Chemistry of Carbohydrates · 2 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..

6. Week 6Module 2: Water, Acids, Bases, Buffer and Macromolecules

   • Unit 3: Chemistry of Amino Acids and Protein · 2 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..

7. Week 7Module 2: Water, Acids, Bases, Buffer and Macromolecules

   • Unit 4: Chemistry of Lipids · 2 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..

8. Week 8Module 2: Water, Acids, Bases, Buffer and Macromolecules

   • Unit 5: Chemistry of Nucleic Acids · 2 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..

9. Week 9Module 3: Metabolism of Biomolecules

   • Unit 1: Metabolism of Carbohydrates · 2 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..

10. Week 10Module 3: Metabolism of Biomolecules

    • Unit 2: Krebs cycle and Oxidative Phosphorylation · 2 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..

11. Week 11Module 3: Metabolism of Biomolecules

    • Unit 3: Metabolism of Proteins · 2 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..

12. Week 12Module 3: Metabolism of Biomolecules

    • Unit 4: Metabolism of Lipids · 2 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..

13. Week 13Module 4: Micronutrients (Vitamins and Minerals) and Detoxification

    • Unit 1: Water Soluble Vitamins · 2 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 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 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..