Faculty: INSTITUTE OF GRADUATE PGROGRAMS This major provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of medical biochemistry, focusing on the study of biochemical processes and their applications in medicine. Students will explore key topics such as metabolism, molecular biology, enzymology, and the biochemical basis of diseases. The major emphasizes the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to prepare students for careers in biomedical research, clinical diagnostics, healthcare, and biotechnology. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the fundamental principles of medical biochemistry and their role in advancing medical science. - Develop skills in analyzing biochemical pathways and their regulation in health and disease. - Learn techniques for studying enzymes, proteins, and metabolic processes. - Explore the biochemical basis of diseases and their implications for diagnosis and treatment. - Understand the role of biochemistry in drug development and personalized medicine. - Analyze the challenges and opportunities of working in the field of medical biochemistry. - Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address contemporary issues in biochemistry and medicine. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Medical Biochemistry** - Overview of medical biochemistry, its history, and its significance in modern medicine. 2. **Molecular Biology and Genetics** - Fundamentals of molecular biology, including DNA replication, transcription, and translation. - Techniques for studying genetic regulation and its impact on biochemical processes. 3. **Enzymology and Protein Chemistry** - Study of enzyme structure, function, and regulation. - Techniques for analyzing protein interactions and their role in cellular processes. 4. **Metabolism and Bioenergetics** - Principles of metabolism, including carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. - Techniques for understanding bioenergetics and metabolic regulation. 5. **Biochemical Basis of Diseases** - Analysis of the biochemical mechanisms underlying diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and metabolic disorders. - Techniques for identifying biochemical markers for disease diagnosis and monitoring. 6. **Clinical Biochemistry** - Fundamentals of clinical biochemistry, including the use of biochemical tests in diagnosing and managing diseases. - Techniques for interpreting biochemical data in a clinical context. 7. **Biochemistry in Drug Development** - Study of the role of biochemistry in drug discovery, development, and therapeutic applications. - Techniques for using biochemical knowledge to design and optimize drug therapies. 8. **Emerging Trends in Medical Biochemistry** - Impact of emerging trends, such as metabolomics, proteomics, and systems biology, on medical biochemistry. - Techniques for integrating new trends into research and clinical practice. **Assessment Methods:** - Research papers and projects to evaluate understanding of medical biochemistry principles. - Written assignments and presentations to assess knowledge of biochemical pathways and mechanisms. - Participation in group discussions and debates on contemporary issues in biochemistry and medicine. - Laboratory experiments and case studies to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world biochemical challenges. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry" by Victor W. Rodwell, David Bender, Kathleen M. Botham, et al. - "Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry" by David L. Nelson and Michael M. Cox. - "Textbook of Biochemistry with Clinical Correlations" by Thomas M. Devlin. **Prerequisites:** Basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physiology is recommended. This major is suitable for students in biochemistry, medical sciences, and related fields. **Major Duration:** Typically, this major runs for four academic years, with a combination of lectures, laboratory work, and research projects. **Certification:** Upon successful completion, students may receive a degree in Medical Biochemistry, depending on the program and institution. **Target Audience:** This major is designed for undergraduate and graduate students in biochemistry, medical sciences, and related fields, as well as professionals seeking to enhance their skills in medical biochemistry. This major prepares students and professionals to excel in the field of medical biochemistry, leveraging theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and an understanding of emerging trends to contribute to biomedical research, healthcare, and the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.