Biochemistry is the study of life at the molecular level. All living organisms are composed of cells, which in turn are built from four major classes of macromolecules; proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids along with a wide variety of smaller molecules. Within the cell, these components participate in a complex network of interactions that drive essential processes such as metabolism, growth, replication, and division. These life-sustaining processes are powered by the flow of energy and guided by the genetic information encoded in nucleic acids.

Principles of Biochemistry guides students through this molecular landscape in four carefully structured units. The opening unit builds the essential biological, chemical, and physical framework needed to understand life at the molecular scale. The second unit focuses on structural biochemistry, with an emphasis on protein and nucleic acid structure, as well as the key processes of gene expression, including transcription and translation.  The third unit examines how proteins function, highlighting key concepts such as enzymatic catalysis, ligand binding, allostery, and membrane transport. The final unit integrates these ideas in a exploration of bioenergetics and metabolism, emphasizing how cells acquire, transform, and use energy.