Biochemistry

Biochemistry is a foundational course designed for students pursuing the Biological Systems Engineering (BSE) track and for those interested in careers or higher education in the life sciences. The course introduces the chemical basis of life by integrating the structure, function, and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids with their roles in cellular physiology and human health. Students will develop an understanding of enzyme function, hormones, vitamins, metabolic regulation, and the molecular basis of common metabolic disorders, including diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, and inborn errors of metabolism. Laboratory sessions complement the theoretical content by providing hands-on experience in fundamental biochemical techniques, enzyme assays, protein purification, and clinical biochemistry. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to develop scientific reasoning, independent learning, and communication skills through literature-based assignments and seminars.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the molecular principles that govern life. Beginning with the chemical evolution of biomolecules and the origin of life, students explore the structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, followed by the metabolic pathways that sustain cellular homeostasis. The course emphasizes the relationship between biochemistry and human physiology, highlighting how perturbations in metabolic pathways contribute to disease. Topics include protein structure and folding, enzyme catalysis, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, hormonal regulation, acid-base homeostasis, detoxification, biomarkers, and metabolic disorders. Practical laboratory sessions expose students to standard biochemical methods, including protein purification, enzyme kinetics, glucose and lipid estimation, buffer preparation, and protein analysis using SDS-PAGE. The course integrates classical biochemistry with emerging concepts in molecular medicine to prepare students for advanced coursework and research.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Develop a fundamental understanding of the chemical principles underlying biological systems.
• Explain the structure, function, and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids in normal physiology.
• Understand the molecular mechanisms governing metabolic pathways and their regulation.
• Relate alterations in metabolism to human diseases such as diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, fatty liver disease, and inherited metabolic disorders.
• Explain the biochemical basis of enzyme catalysis, hormonal regulation, and maintenance of cellular homeostasis.
• Gain practical experience in fundamental biochemical laboratory techniques and data interpretation.
• Develop scientific communication skills through independent reading, essay writing, laboratory reports, and seminars.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the role of biochemistry in understanding cellular structure, function, and physiology.
• Describe the chemical properties, biological functions, and metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.
• Interpret the regulation of major metabolic pathways and explain their integration under physiological and pathological conditions.
• Explain the biochemical mechanisms underlying metabolic diseases and the role of enzymes, hormones, and vitamins in maintaining homeostasis.
• Apply biochemical principles to understand clinically relevant disorders, biomarkers, and therapeutic interventions.
• Perform fundamental biochemical laboratory techniques, analyze experimental data, and interpret laboratory results.
• Critically evaluate scientific literature and communicate biochemical concepts effectively through written reports and oral presentations.

Primary Textbooks

• Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 9th Edition
• David L. Nelson & Michael M. Cox
• Molecular Biology of the Gene, 8th Edition
• James D. Watson, Tania A. Baker, Stephen P. Bell, Alexander Gann, Michael Levine & Richard Losick
• Molecular Biology of the Cell, 7th Edition
• Bruce Alberts, Rebecca Heald, Karen Hopkin, Alexander Johnson, David Morgan, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts & Peter Walter

Recommended Reading

• Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, 32nd Edition
• Victor W. Rodwell, David A. Bender, Kathleen M. Botham, Peter J. Kennelly & P. Anthony Weil
• Biochemistry, 9th Edition
• Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr. & Lubert Stryer
• Selected review articles from Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, Nature Reviews Cancer, Cell, Nature, Science, and The New England Journal of Medicine.

The seminar component aims to expose students to emerging areas of molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, and human disease. Students will critically review recent literature and present current advances in the field.

• Chirality and Enantiomers in Biology and Drug Development
• Homologs, Orthologs, and Paralogs: Evolution of Gene Families
• The Ubiquitin-Proteasome System and E3 Ubiquitin Ligases
• RIDDLE Syndrome: A Disorder of DNA Damage Response
• Alexander Varshavsky and the Discovery of the N-end Rule Pathway
• p97/VCP: A Molecular Machine in Protein Quality Control
• GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Diabetes and Obesity
• Bethesda Panel and Microsatellite Instability Testing
• Next-Generation Sequencing in Precision Medicine
• CRISPR-Cas Systems and Genome Engineering
• CAR-T Cell Therapy: Engineering the Immune System
• Premature Ageing Syndromes and Genome Instability
• Mitotic DNA Synthesis (MiDAS) and Replication Stress
• Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes
• DNA Damage Response and Genome Stability
• Protein Misfolding and Neurodegenerative Disorders
• Biomarkers in Precision Medicine
• Gut Microbiome and Human Metabolism
• Epigenetics and DNA Methylation in Human Disease
• Artificial Intelligence in Drug Discovery and Molecular Medicine