Understanding the chemistry behind biological systems is essential for any student entering a health profession. In this course, we will introduce the fundamental principles of general and organic chemistry with a focus on their relevance to the structure and function of biological molecules. We will begin with acids, bases, pH, and buffer systems, where we will see that these concepts underlie everything from blood chemistry to enzyme function. We will then transition to foundational organic chemistry, covering hydrocarbons, functional groups, and the structure of key biomolecules like carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
This self-paced course is comprised of instructional video content, step-by-step follow-along “watch me solve” problem videos, and assessments to reinforce your learning (assessments available to Verified Track learners only).
The course is organized into 11 lessons that you should complete in order, as each subsequent lesson builds on the previous one.
- Lesson 1: Acids and Bases
- Lesson 2: Strong vs. Weak Acids and Bases
- Lesson 3: pH and pKa
- Lesson 4: Buffers and Equilibrium
- Lesson 5: Introduction to Organic Chemistry
- Lesson 6: Alkanes
- Lesson 7: Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds
- Lesson 8: Functional Groups Overview
- Lesson 9: Carbohydrates and Lipids
- Lesson 10: Proteins and Amino Acids
- Lesson 11: Nucleic Acids
