This course is an introduction to Biochemistry, the chemistry of living things. The course begins with an overview of the life processes in a cell; the processing of genetic information, synthesis of proteins, generating usable energy and synthesis of cell materials. The main part of the course focuses on the four major classes of biomolecules found in living systems: lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and proteins. The structure, properties and function of these biomolecules are discussed. Discussions of energy considerations and metabolism are included with some of the biomolecules. The unit on proteins also includes an examination of the structure and function of amino acids and their influence on the structure of proteins. A brief introduction to the characteristics of enzymes, as catalytic proteins, is provided.