Biochemical Principles of Energy Metabolism (Coursera)

This 7 week-course will give you a clear introduction to the basic fundamentals of energy metabolism. We will first establish the concept of energy metabolism and subsequently examine biochemical steps involved in energy production from glucose oxidation as well as glucose synthesis via photosynthesis. We will also learn about metabolic reactions related to fat as well as regulatory actions among different organs. Finally, dysregulated energy metabolism in pathological conditions such as diabetes and cancer will be discussed.

Everyone knows that energy is essential for sustaining life. How can you define energy in life? Have ever thought about ways of how carbohydrates like glucose from your diet can be used for extracting energy? A scientific field that focuses on energy production and flow through living cells and organisms is called bioenergetics. Energy metabolism covers various biochemical ways of energy transformation and regulation of thousands of chemical reactions. Without fine regulation of those metabolic processes, cells and organisms cannot maintain activities linked to life.

Syllabus

WEEK 1: Introduction of energy metabolism

WEEK 2: When you get hungry

WEEK 3: Glucose oxidation and energy production

WEEK 4: Photosynthesis

WEEK 5: Fat Metabolism

WEEK 6: Glucose energy homeostasis and diabetes

WEEK 7: Energy Homeostasis in your body