John Wiley & Sons

Biochemistry For Dummies

Grow on your schedule with big savings on Coursera Plus. Save 40% for 3 months.

John Wiley & Sons

Biochemistry For Dummies

Included with Coursera PlusLearn more

Ask Coursera

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Explain the structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules.

  • Analyze enzyme activity, metabolic pathways, and ATP's role in cellular energy production.

  • Describe DNA replication, RNA transcription, protein synthesis, and key applications of biochemistry.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Recently updated!

August 2026

Assessments

20 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

 logos of Petrobras, TATA, Danone, Capgemini, P&G and L'Oreal

There are 19 modules in this course

This module introduces learners to the fundamental differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, their structures, and how these structures contribute to biochemical functions. It also provides an overview of animal cells, their organelles, and how they operate within a biological system. Learners will gain foundational knowledge essential for understanding more complex biochemical processes.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

This module explores the fundamental properties of water, its role as a universal solvent, and the principles of pH, buffers, and acid-base equilibria. Learners will gain an understanding of how water interacts with different substances and how pH is measured and controlled in biological systems.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores the fundamental concepts of organic chemistry, focusing on functional groups, isomerism, and bond strengths. Learners will gain an understanding of how carbon-based molecules interact and react, which is essential for grasping biochemical processes. The content prepares students to analyze molecular structures and their implications in biological systems.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module explores the chemical structures, properties, and roles of amino acids in protein formation. Learners will gain an understanding of how amino acid characteristics influence protein behavior and function. The content also covers chiral centers, basic amino acids, and their pH-dependent reactivity.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

This module explores the formation and structural organization of proteins, covering primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures. It explains how amino acids link through peptide bonds and describes methods for analyzing and determining protein sequences. Learners will gain practical knowledge of biochemical techniques used in research and forensic applications.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module delves into the fundamental principles of enzyme kinetics, including enzyme structure, reaction mechanisms, and their applications in medical diagnostics and treatment. It covers key concepts such as substrate specificity, catalytic activity, and the use of kinetic models to analyze enzyme behavior. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of how enzyme activity is measured and applied in real-world scenarios.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

This module delves into the chemistry and biological significance of carbohydrates, including their structures, classifications, and functions in energy storage and structural roles. Learners will gain a deep understanding of monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides, as well as their relevance in human health and nutrition.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores the structure and function of lipids, including fatty acids, triglycerides, complex lipids, and steroids. It also examines how lipids contribute to membrane formation and cellular function, providing essential knowledge for understanding biological processes and health.

What's included

1 video5 readings1 assignment

This module explores the structure and function of nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA, and how they contribute to genetic information transfer. Learners will gain an understanding of the molecular processes involved in replication and the formation of nucleotides. The content provides foundational knowledge essential for studying genetics and molecular biology.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

This module explores the essential role of vitamins in the human body, including their structure, function, and biological activity. It covers key vitamins such as B6, A, and D, and explains how they contribute to metabolism and overall health. Learners will gain a deeper understanding of nutrient classification and the importance of dietary intake.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores the role of hormones as chemical messengers in the body, covering their types, functions, and mechanisms of action. Learners will gain an understanding of how hormones regulate bodily processes through different signaling pathways and the importance of prohormones in hormone activation.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

This module explores the fundamental processes of catabolism and anabolism, their roles in energy transfer, and the critical function of ATP in cellular metabolism. Learners will understand how energy is stored and utilized in biological systems and compare related biomolecules that contribute to cellular energy dynamics.

What's included

1 video2 readings1 assignment

This module explores the fundamental biochemical processes involved in energy production and storage within living organisms. Learners will gain an understanding of how cells generate and utilize ATP through pathways like glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. It also covers the role of ATP in cellular energy transfer and the metabolic breakdown of various biomolecules.

What's included

1 video6 readings1 assignment

This module explores the vital role of nitrogen in biological systems, covering its involvement in amino acids, nucleic acids, and metabolic processes. Learners will gain an understanding of nitrogen's biochemical pathways, including synthesis, catabolism, and its connection to metabolic disorders. The content provides insights into how nitrogen is managed and eliminated in the body.

What's included

1 video3 readings1 assignment

This module explores the fundamental processes of DNA replication, repair, and sequencing, along with the tools and techniques used in genetic research and forensic applications. Learners will gain an understanding of how DNA is copied, maintained, and analyzed for scientific and medical purposes. The module also covers real-world applications, including genetic disease identification and forensic analysis.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

This module delves into the process of RNA transcription, comparing prokaryotic and eukaryotic mechanisms, and explores how gene regulation influences protein production. Learners will understand the role of RNA polymerase, the differences in transcription between cell types, and the importance of regulatory elements in gene expression.

What's included

1 video7 readings1 assignment

This module explores the process of translation in protein synthesis, covering the roles of mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, and amino acid activation. It delves into the mechanisms of protein synthesis, including initiation, elongation, and termination, and examines the wobble hypothesis that explains tRNA-codon recognition.

What's included

1 video4 readings1 assignment

This module explores key biochemical applications and their transformative effects on healthcare and everyday life. Learners will gain an understanding of how biochemical tests and innovations impact diagnostics, genetic screening, and biotechnology. The content highlights real-world examples that demonstrate the societal and medical significance of biochemistry.

What's included

1 video1 reading1 assignment

This module provides an overview of various career opportunities in biochemistry, focusing on how different educational levels influence professional roles. It highlights the impact of advances in biotechnology and forensic science on job prospects for biochemistry graduates. Learners will gain insight into the career paths available in both academic and industry settings.

What's included

1 video1 reading2 assignments

Instructor

Wiley Skills Network
John Wiley & Sons
188 Courses16,361 learners

Offered by

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.

Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.

Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.

"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Frequently asked questions