This course is designed for medical students having their first exposure to biochemistry, although it is assumed that everyone has a working knowledge of organic chemistry. Upon completion of this course the student should have an excellent grasp of the metabolic basis of disease. In order to understand the altered state, it is first necessary to study the normal pathways of metabolism, such as the biosynthesis of large molecules, the metabolism of small molecules involved in the generation and storage of energy, and the use of molecular genetics in diagnosis and treatment of disease. Once the normal pathways are understood, defective steps causing diseases will be introduced. By teaching biochemistry via a disease oriented approach the student should have a greater appreciation for the role of biochemistry in disease and the role of modern biochemistry in clinical treatments. There are three major course objectives. For each pathway and disease discussed in class, a separate list of specific objectives will be provided.

Graduate students (other than MD/PhD students) are not allowed to enroll in this course.  There is a separate course in Graduate BIochemistry which is suitable for those in graduate school.

The course director is Dr. Michael Lieberman, and the administrative assistant for the course is Holly Winwood.  Questions about the course can be directed to either of them.