Basic biochemistry 1: Biomolecules (OPEN UNI)

What are biomolecules and how do they interact in cells? This online course provides an overview of the four primary classes of biological macromolecules (biomolecules) – proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids –, concentarting on their structure, function, and interactions.

8.9.2026 - 10.11.2026

4 cr

Registration open

Online

The course is implemented entirely as an online course. The course consists of three modules, which are completed in order. The modules are:

Basics of biomolecules. This section covers the basics of the structures and functions of all groups of biomolecules.
Biomolecules in-depth section. This section deepens the knowledge of the structures and functions of each group of biomolecules.
A functioning cell. This section will introduce, how a functional cell is formed by the precise interaction of four major groups of biomolecules – proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates – and how these molecules interact structurally and functionally.

Contains

Check the institution’s website for the required studies.

No active implementations at present.

Additional information and registration

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Additional information:

Fields

Natural sciences

Scope

4 cr

Code

AY740157P

After completing the course, the student will be able to:

describe the composition, structure and function of the main biomolecular groups – proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids.
describe the forces that regulate the structure and function of biomolecules.
use computer-based methods for understanding the structures and functions of biomolecules.
apply the learned knowledge in the right context and evaluate this knowledge critically.

Timing
fall semester

Target group
Open University students

Additional information
If the student aspires to and is accepted as a degree student in the biochemistry degree program at the University of Oulu, the completion of the course as such is accepted as part of the course Biomolecules for biochemists (8 credits). In this case, however, the studies are supplemented with laboratory and other exercises for another 4 credits.

Organiser

University of Oulu

Contact details

avoin.yliopisto@oulu.fi

Belongs to themes:

Health and well-being

Education and learning

Information and features