Biochemistry
BIOL-40357
Learn Biochemistry Online: Unlock the Molecular Secrets of Life
Dive deep into the fascinating world of biochemistry from anywhere, on your schedule. This comprehensive online biochemistry course takes you on an extraordinary journey through life's fundamental building blocks. You'll master the intricate dance of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids – the four molecular pillars that make life possible. Discover how organisms harness energy from food, and unravel the elegant mysteries of DNA as you explore how genetic information powers every living cell. Whether you're encountering biochemistry for the first time or seeking to reignite your passion for the field, this course welcomes curious minds with a basic foundation in biology and chemistry.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze and evaluate situations and problems using critical thinking skills.
- Integrate and relate scientific concepts to personal experiences and the broader world.
- Understand the iterative nature of science, recognizing current knowledge as a base for future research and scientific innovations.
- Identify and appreciate the contributions of scientists from minoritized groups to the advancement of the field.
- Comprehend the intricacy of life's chemical processes, and synthesize the roles biomolecules play within these processes.
- Formulate judgments on how to contribute to the society by assessing and disseminating credible scientific information.
- Explain the biological significance of biomolecules, distinguish their foundational components, and apply their chemical traits to elucidate their functions.
- Analyze the structure/function relationship of biomolecules, and correlate these attributes with other biomolecular entities.
- Describe the central dogma of molecular biology, understanding its essentiality for human life and its implications in health and disease.
- Apply foundational equations to calculate and interpret energetics, buffering, and enzyme kinetics and inhibition.
- Critique and reflect on the practical application of course concepts in laboratory settings and health professions.
Course Topics
- Atoms; Life; Water
- Protein Composition and Structure
- Concepts and Kinetics of Enzymes
- Hemoglobin, Carbohydrates, and Lipids
- Membranes, Signal Transduction, and Digestion
- Metabolism, Glycolysis, and Acetate
- The Citric Acid Cycle and Oxidative Phosphorylation
- Nucleic Acid Structure and DNA Replication
- RNA synthesis, processing and regulation
- Protein synthesis
Prerequisites
There are no required prerequisites. This course assumes knowledge of basic biology and chemistry.
Format
Biochemistry is offered in an online asynchronous format. There are no set meeting times, however, students follow a weekly schedule and there will be deadlines to meet in terms of course requirements. This course cannot be completed at an accelerated rate.
Transferring for College Credit
Many courses at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies may be eligible for college credit at UC San Diego or other institutions. Credit transfer is determined by the receiving institution. We recommend consulting with the registrar's office at your intended institution before enrolling to confirm how your courses will transfer.
Please Note: While enrollment will remain open until the course begins, we strongly encourage early registration if you’re working with a specific deadline. Many sections tend to fill up before the class starts.
Course Information
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Biochemistry: A Short Course 4th
by Tymoczko, John L. & Berg, Jeremy M
ISBN / ASIN: 9781319114633
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 10/6/2025
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Benjamin Cooperman, Ph.D.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Biochemistry: A Short Course 4th
by Tymoczko, John L. & Berg, Jeremy M
ISBN / ASIN: 9781319114633
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 10/6/2025
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Agape Awad
Agape Awad received her Ph.D. and completed her Postdoctoral Fellowship work at the University of California, Los Angeles, in the field of Biochemistry, Molecular, and Structural Biology, with a research emphasis in medicine. Subsequently, Dr. Awad joined the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA as an Instructional Faculty member, where she spent several years teaching Biochemistry and conducting research in the field of respiratory metabolism and diseases.
After many years at UCLA as both a student and Faculty member, Dr. Awad transitioned into the medical device industry in Cardiovascular Medical Technology at Edwards Lifesciences, the global leader in medical innovations for structural heart disease, as well as critical care, and surgical monitoring. Dr. Awad served as a Senior Scientist in the Quality division, working in biocompatibility and FDA-compliance for cardiology medical devices. Most recently, Dr. Awad transitioned in the biotechnology space, accepting a new role in biotechnology disease-state therapy at Amgen Inc., where she now serves as a Medical Communications Manager in the Oncology Therapeutic Area.In her free time, Dr. Awad enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing sports, and teaching children's Sunday School at her home church. Her most favorite activity is going to Disneyland and going on as many rides as possible in one day.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Biochemistry: A Short Course 4th
by Tymoczko, John L. & Berg, Jeremy M
ISBN / ASIN: 9781319114633
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 10/13/2025
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Katrina Yamazaki
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Biochemistry: A Short Course 4th
by Tymoczko, John L. & Berg, Jeremy M
ISBN / ASIN: 9781319114633
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 10/13/2025
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Katrina Yamazaki
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Biochemistry: A Short Course 4th
by Tymoczko, John L. & Berg, Jeremy M
ISBN / ASIN: 9781319114633
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 10/13/2025
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Brannon McCullough
Brannon McCullough Ph.D. has been serving as a Preclinical Research Scientist at W.L. Gore & Associates for over the past five years. His professional responsibilities include developing innovative medical products and technologies. Dr. McCullough's academic background includes B.S. degrees in Chemistry and Physics from the University of Wyoming, followed by a Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University. His distinguished dissertation research focused on the mechanics of actin filament turnover. He then served as a Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Minnesota, where he researched brain cancer cell migration. Subsequently, he taught Chemistry and Biochemistry at Northern Arizona University. In his free time, Dr. McCullough enjoys being with his wife and three sons, exploring the outdoors, and traveling to new destinations.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Biochemistry: A Short Course 4th
by Tymoczko, John L. & Berg, Jeremy M
ISBN / ASIN: 9781319114633
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 10/20/2025
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Angela Blum, Ph.D.
Angela Blum, Ph.D., is a physical organic chemist working at the intersection of chemistry and biology. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the California Institute of Technology. As a faculty member at Hamilton College, Dr. Blum taught courses in organic chemistry and biochemistry while leading a research laboratory focused on developing material-based solutions to antibiotic resistance. After several years in academia, Dr. Blum transitioned into the biotechnology industry, beginning with a role at a startup. This experience fostered an appreciation for the dynamic and fast-paced nature of the industry. Over the years, Dr. Blum has embraced the idea that multiple aspirations can be pursued throughout a lifetime and that adapting to change is both rewarding and fulfilling.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Biochemistry: A Short Course 4th
by Tymoczko, John L. & Berg, Jeremy M
ISBN / ASIN: 9781319114633
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Menghan Mei, Ph.D.
Passionate about teaching and mentorship, Dr. Mei tailors training to the needs of each student, helping them build the skills and mindset to think like a biochemist. Through this personalized approach, he has guided many students and trainees toward achieving their career goals in biochemistry.
Beyond academics, he enjoys playing sports, guitar, and traveling. A dedicated foodie, he once ran a boba truck during his college years.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Biochemistry: A Short Course 4th
by Tymoczko, John L. & Berg, Jeremy M
ISBN / ASIN: 9781319114633
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 11/10/2025
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor: Samantha Zepeda
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Biochemistry: A Short Course 4th
by Tymoczko, John L. & Berg, Jeremy M
ISBN / ASIN: 9781319114633
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 1/12/2026
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Jake LeVieux
Jake LeVieux is a biochemist with an enzymology, assay development, and multi-omics background. He earned his PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Texas at Austin, studying the structure and mechanism of bacterial enzymes that degrade toxic components of crude oil. He then began working in the biotech industry at Element Biosciences, where he co-invented and developed DNA sequencing chemistry. He currently works at Element on a spatial biology platform as a Senior Scientist. Jake enjoys surfing, running, and playing guitar in his free time.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Biochemistry: A Short Course 4th
by Tymoczko, John L. & Berg, Jeremy M
ISBN / ASIN: 9781319114633
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 1/12/2026
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Agape Awad
Agape Awad received her Ph.D. and completed her Postdoctoral Fellowship work at the University of California, Los Angeles, in the field of Biochemistry, Molecular, and Structural Biology, with a research emphasis in medicine. Subsequently, Dr. Awad joined the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCLA as an Instructional Faculty member, where she spent several years teaching Biochemistry and conducting research in the field of respiratory metabolism and diseases.
After many years at UCLA as both a student and Faculty member, Dr. Awad transitioned into the medical device industry in Cardiovascular Medical Technology at Edwards Lifesciences, the global leader in medical innovations for structural heart disease, as well as critical care, and surgical monitoring. Dr. Awad served as a Senior Scientist in the Quality division, working in biocompatibility and FDA-compliance for cardiology medical devices. Most recently, Dr. Awad transitioned in the biotechnology space, accepting a new role in biotechnology disease-state therapy at Amgen Inc., where she now serves as a Medical Communications Manager in the Oncology Therapeutic Area.In her free time, Dr. Awad enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing sports, and teaching children's Sunday School at her home church. Her most favorite activity is going to Disneyland and going on as many rides as possible in one day.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Biochemistry: A Short Course 4th
by Tymoczko, John L. & Berg, Jeremy M
ISBN / ASIN: 9781319114633
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 1/19/2026
Note:
Schedule:
Instructor:
Brett Barbaro, Ph.D.
Consultant, Scripps Research Institute
Brett Barbaro, Ph,D, is a fellow at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, where he is currently working on integrating proteomics and cryo electron microscopy approaches in atomic-resolution computer models of biological systems. He has over 15 years of laboratory experience, and has published numerous articles and several book chapters. He majored in biochemistry at Harvard University, and received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Irvine, where he studied the molecular mechanisms of Huntington’s Disease.
FAQs
Many UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies courses can be transferred to other UC’s and/or other colleges or universities. The transfer of credit is determined solely by the receiving institution. It is recommended you discuss how your individual courses will transfer with the registrar's office at the receiving institution before you enroll. A syllabus can be requested from the department.