This course provides an introduction to the biochemistry of the central dogma as it relates to health science. Structure function relationships of macro and macromolecules will be explored as they relate principles of metabolism, enzymology, system response to environmental stimuli, and health and disease.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

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

1. Describe the process of gene regulation (central dogma) to include promoter activity leading to the synthesis and transport of proteins such as enzyme, receptors, etc.
2. Relate basic structure and function of biomolecules to metabolism and survival.
3. Demonstrate basic understanding of system response to environmental stimuli as it relates to health and disease.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week.

Week 1: Unit 1 – Introduction: Scientific thinking as it relates to the biochemistry of evolution in health.

Week 2: Unit 2 – The Central Dogma: Genetic vs. Epigenetic

Week 3: Unit 3 – DNA Promoter Regulation and Transcription

Week 4: Unit 4 – RNA Processing and Translation

Week 5: Unit 5 – Protein Folding, Stability and Transport

Week 6: Unit 6 – Protein Functions and Kinetics

Week 7: Unit 7 – Metabolism and Energy Production

Week 8: Unit 8 – Metabolism of Amino and fatty acids

Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1: Introduction: Scientific thinking as it relates to the biochemistry of evolution in health.

• Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 2: The Central Dogma: Genetic vs. Epigenetic

• Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Peer-assess Unit 1 Written Assignment
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 3: DNA promoter Regulation and Transcription

• Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Peer assessment Unit 2 Written Assignment
• Take the Self-Quiz
• Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 4: RNA Processing and Translation

• Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 5: Protein Folding, Stability and Transport

• Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 6: Protein Functions and Kinetics

• Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Peer assessment Unit 5 Written Assignment
• Take the Self-Quiz
• Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 7: Metabolism and Energy Production

• Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 8: Metabolism of Amino and fatty acids

• Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
• Make entries to the Learning Journal
• Peer assessment Unit 7 Written Assignment
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 9: Course Review and Final Exam

• Review the course and take the Review Quiz; it will not be included in the final grade
• Prepare for, take, and submit the Final Exam
• The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time); exact dates, times, and other details will be provided accordingly by your instructor