This course is the second in a two-semester undergraduate survey of biochemistry. Building on foundational concepts from the first semester, this course explores the biochemical pathways and molecular logic of metabolism and biosynthesis in greater depth. Students will investigate how cells harvest, store, and utilize energy, and how macromolecules are synthesized and degraded to support life.

Topics include deeper concepts on central metabolic pathways such as the Citric Acid Cycle, fatty acid oxidation, amino acid catabolism and oxidative phosphorylation, as well as key biosynthetic processes including lipid, amino acid and nucleotide. Additional in depth focus will be placed on nucleic acid metabolism—including RNA and DNA processing— protein synthesis, and the regulation and integration of metabolic networks. This course emphasizes the interconnectedness of biochemical systems and their relevance to health, disease, and cellular function.