Overview

Investigate the fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern life processes and human health. Build comprehensive understanding of how biological systems function at the molecular level to support clinical decision-making in nursing practice. Connect molecular principles to patient care scenarios through exploration of metabolism, genetics, and cellular communication pathways essential for understanding pharmacology and pathophysiology. By the end of this course, you will be able to: Analyze protein structure-function relationships, enzyme mechanisms, and their roles in cellular processes and drug interactions Evaluate cellular membrane structure, transport mechanisms, and organelle functions that maintain cellular homeostasis Explain energy metabolism pathways including glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and electron transport chain Apply knowledge of cell cycle regulation, DNA replication, transcription, and translation to understand genetic disorders and therapeutic targets Skills: Scientific Reasoning, Systems Thinking

Syllabus

Biochemistry: Basics

Biochemistry is the study of biomolecules within living organisms. These compounds are found in every structure and process of every living species and appear to be key in the initiation and maintenance of life as we know it. In this course, the student will be introduced to the basic principles of biochemistry, including the most important concepts regarding carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. The levels of protein structures, gene expression, and basic metabolic functions will be covered as well. For optimal comprehension, the student will be required to be familiar with the basic notions of molecular and cellular biology.

Cellular Structure

Cellular functioning, movement, and communication rely on the cytoskeleton, a large internal network of protein filaments embedded in the cytosol and anchored to the cell membrane. In this course, the student will be introduced to the composition and function of the cytoskeleton, mechanisms of molecular transport, modes of cell communication, and second messengers. For optimal comprehension, the student will be required to be familiar with the basic concepts of college-grade biology and chemistry.

Cell Cycle and Cell Division

Cells, as the fundamental unit of living organisms, also have a life cycle. The cell cycle is a series of phases a cell undergoes to reach division into a new generation of cells and perpetuate its genetic material. Each phase encapsulates different processes required to ensure the daughter cells are well equipped to begin their own cycles after division. In this course, the student will be given a walkthrough of the phases of the cell cycle and all the processes that take place during each one, finishing with a discussion of diploid and haploid cell division. For optimal comprehension, the student will be required to be familiar with the basic concepts of college-grade biology and chemistry.

Energy, Enzymes and Metabolism

All organisms require energy to function. By utilizing energy, living organisms oppose the breakdown of their systems brought about by contact with the external environment. Energy is extracted from biomolecules by cells via catabolic pathways and cellular respiration. In this course, the student will be introduced to the cellular processes of energy synthesis in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). For optimal comprehension, the student will be required to be familiar with the basic concepts of college-grade biology, chemistry, and physics, with an emphasis on the laws of thermodynamics.