Biochemistry for Nurses Course

Lesson 1 • Atoms, Bonds, and Molecules

Covers atomic structure, ionic and covalent bonding, and molecular polarity. Provides the chemical language essential for understanding biological macromolecules.

Lesson 2 • Energy and Thermodynamics in Biology

Introduces free energy, enthalpy, entropy, and ATP as the energy currency. Establishes why reactions proceed and how cells capture usable energy.

Lesson 3 • Water and Biological Solutions

Examines water's unique properties and its role as the solvent of life. Connects hydration, osmosis, and solute behaviour to clinical fluid management.

Lesson 1 • Carbohydrates: Structure and Roles

Covers monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides with glycosidic bond formation. Links glucose metabolism and glycogen storage to patient nutrition and diabetes care.

Lesson 2 • Nucleic Acids and Genetic Information

Describes DNA and RNA structure, base pairing, and the central dogma. Prepares nurses to understand genetic testing, mutations, and pharmacogenomics basics.

Lesson 3 • Lipids: Diversity and Membrane Function

Examines fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, and sterols. Connects lipid bilayer structure to membrane permeability and cholesterol's clinical significance.

Lesson 4 • Proteins: Amino Acids to Function

Traces protein structure from amino acid sequence through quaternary folding. Relates structural levels to enzyme activity, transport proteins, and antibody function.

Lesson 1 • Enzyme Inhibition and Regulation

Distinguishes competitive, uncompetitive, and mixed inhibition, and allosteric regulation. Links inhibition mechanisms to drug action, toxin effects, and metabolic control.

Lesson 2 • Enzyme Structure and Catalytic Mechanisms

Defines active sites, cofactors, and coenzymes, and explains transition-state stabilisation. Establishes the molecular basis for enzyme specificity relevant to diagnostic enzymology.

Lesson 3 • Diagnostic Enzymology in Clinical Practice

Examines serum enzyme markers for organ damage including cardiac, hepatic, and pancreatic enzymes. Trains nurses to interpret enzyme panels in patient assessment.

Lesson 1 • Digestion and Absorption of Carbohydrates

Describes enzymatic breakdown of dietary carbohydrates and intestinal glucose absorption. Connects digestion efficiency to postprandial glucose levels and glycaemic index.

Lesson 2 • Glycolysis and Pyruvate Metabolism

Maps the ten-step glycolytic pathway and pyruvate's fate under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Links lactate production to lactic acidosis in critically ill patients.

Lesson 3 • Glycogen Metabolism and Blood Glucose Control

Explains glycogenesis, glycogenolysis, and gluconeogenesis and their hormonal regulation. Connects glycogen storage diseases and gluconeogenesis to fasting and hypoglycaemia.

Lesson 4 • Citric Acid Cycle and Electron Transport

Covers acetyl-CoA entry, NADH and FADH2 generation, and ATP synthesis via oxidative phosphorylation. Explains mitochondrial function relevant to sepsis and hypoxia.

Lesson 1 • Fatty Acid Oxidation and Energy Production

Details beta-oxidation steps, acetyl-CoA yield, and total ATP output from fatty acids. Contrasts fat and glucose oxidation relevant to fasting and ketogenic states.

Lesson 2 • Lipid-Lowering Therapies and Biochemical Basis

Analyses statin, fibrate, and niacin mechanisms at the enzyme and receptor level. Enables nurses to anticipate drug effects, side effects, and patient monitoring needs.

Lesson 3 • Ketogenesis and Ketone Body Utilisation

Explains hepatic ketone body synthesis and peripheral utilisation during fasting or uncontrolled diabetes. Links ketoacidosis biochemistry to clinical signs and emergency management.

Lesson 4 • Lipoprotein Transport and Cholesterol Metabolism

Describes chylomicrons, VLDL, LDL, and HDL functions and cholesterol esterification. Prepares nurses to interpret lipid panels and counsel patients on cardiovascular risk.

Lesson 1 • Protein Digestion and Amino Acid Absorption

Traces proteolytic enzyme action from stomach to intestine and amino acid transporter types. Links malabsorption syndromes to protein deficiency and clinical presentations.

Lesson 2 • Amino Acid Catabolism and Transamination

Explains transamination, oxidative deamination, and carbon skeleton entry into metabolic pathways. Connects aminotransferase activity to liver function tests used in clinical practice.

Lesson 3 • Amino Acid-Derived Molecules in Clinical Care

Covers biosynthesis of neurotransmitters, heme, creatine, and nitric oxide from amino acids. Connects these pathways to neurological assessment, anaemia, and vascular function.

Lesson 4 • Nitrogen Balance and Protein Requirements

Defines positive and negative nitrogen balance and essential amino acid requirements. Applies concepts to surgical recovery, malnutrition screening, and enteral nutrition planning.

Lesson 1 • Water-Soluble Vitamins and Coenzyme Roles

Covers B-vitamin coenzyme forms and vitamin C antioxidant and collagen synthesis roles. Links deficiencies such as beriberi, pellagra, and scurvy to biochemical mechanisms.

Lesson 2 • Macrominerals and Electrolyte Biochemistry

Examines calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and electrolyte roles in enzyme activation and membrane potential. Connects imbalances to cardiac arrhythmias, bone disease, and neuromuscular dysfunction.

Lesson 3 • Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Functions and Toxicity

Analyses vitamins A, D, E, and K as gene regulators, antioxidants, and clotting factors. Addresses toxicity risks from excess supplementation and malabsorption-related deficiencies.

Lesson 1 • Physiological Buffer Systems

Revisits bicarbonate, phosphate, and protein buffers in blood and intracellular fluid. Quantifies buffering capacity and its limits in acute metabolic or respiratory disturbances.

Lesson 2 • Respiratory Regulation of Blood pH

Explains CO2 transport, carbonic anhydrase, and ventilatory response to pH changes. Connects hyperventilation and hypoventilation to respiratory alkalosis and acidosis.

Lesson 3 • Renal Regulation of Acid-Base Balance

Covers renal bicarbonate reabsorption, hydrogen ion secretion, and ammonium excretion. Links renal compensation to chronic acid-base disorders and kidney disease management.

Lesson 4 • Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation

Provides a systematic stepwise approach to ABG analysis using pH, PaCO2, HCO3, and PaO2. Trains nurses to apply interpretation to real clinical scenarios and guide interventions.