Biochemistry for Health Training Course

Understanding the science of life can transform the way you work – and this Biochemistry for Health course is designed to do just that. Whether it’s understanding the chemical processes behind energy production, the structure of cells, or how DNA affects health, this course translates complex topics into easy-to-understand knowledge and practical skills.

If you work in health and social care, your work is all about supporting people who use services, often in challenging and varied circumstances. By understanding biochemistry, you can gain valuable insight into the biological processes that affect health and wellbeing, particularly for those living with long-term conditions or genetic disorders. This knowledge isn’t just theoretical – it will help you provide more informed, compassionate, and effective support.

This free course brings together the core aspects of biochemistry tailored for people working in health and social care. It provides you with practical insight, tools, and examples so you can apply what you learn directly to your work.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

When you work in health and social care, you come across a wide range of health needs, from common illnesses to complex medical conditions. Many of these challenges have a biochemical basis, from diabetes and cardiovascular conditions to inherited genetic disorders.

Here’s how this course equips you:

• Understand the science behind health conditions: Biochemical processes affect how diseases develop, how medications work, and how the body heals. With this understanding, you can improve the way you support people who use services.
• Build confidence in explaining health issues: Understanding biochemistry can help you communicate with other professionals, advocate for the people you support and explain health conditions better to them and their families.
• Increase awareness of treatments and interventions: From medications to lifestyle changes, the more you know about how interventions work, the better placed you are to encourage positive changes and informed choices.
• Gain practical laboratory awareness: Biochemistry shapes much of healthcare, from diagnostic tests to drug development. This course introduces you to core lab techniques, like chromatography and spectroscopy, so you’re equipped to understand how lab results impact health and care.

By the end of this course, you’ll feel confident using biochemistry concepts in your day-to-day work, helping you support better outcomes for people who use services.

Learning Outcomes

This course takes you through biochemistry step by step, breaking complex topics into sections that are easy to understand and apply. By the end, you’ll have a solid foundation in biochemistry that supports your work in social care.

You’ll learn:

• How the molecules in our bodies – like proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and nucleic acids – affect health and wellbeing.
• The role of enzymes in the body’s chemical reactions and why certain processes, like digestion or target effects of medication, depend heavily on enzymes.
• How cells function, including energy production, metabolism, and the role cellular membranes play in keeping cells healthy and working.
• The role of DNA and RNA in health, including how protein synthesis works and how gene expression impacts medical conditions.
• Common genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, and how they are linked to biochemistry.
• How metabolic pathways like glycolysis and the citric acid cycle are central to energy production, and what happens when these processes go wrong in conditions like diabetes.
• The biochemistry behind treatments, from how drugs are developed to how they interact with the body to improve health.

The course also gives you practical tools, including basic lab skills, data analysis techniques, and guidance on writing reports to explain your findings clearly and effectively.

Course Overview

This course covers seven main topics that combine theoretical understanding with practical application.

The Basics of Biochemistry

Learn about biochemistry’s role in health and disease. This part breaks down biological molecules like proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids to explain how they work in the body.

Cellular Biochemistry

Understand how cells – the building blocks of life – affect health. This includes energy production, metabolism, and the essential role of cell membranes in transport and protection.

Genetics and Molecular Biology

Explore the role of DNA and RNA in health. Learn how genetic expressions can influence conditions and gain an understanding of genetic disorders common in England, like Huntington’s disease.

Biochemical Pathways and Health

Explore how biochemical pathways create energy and what happens when things go wrong. From metabolic imbalances to the biochemistry of medications, this section applies directly to conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular problems.

Practical Biochemistry Skills

Learn basic lab skills, how to handle data, and ensure lab safety. This includes techniques like chromatography (separating mixtures) and spectroscopy (analysing light to identify substances).

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

Learn how to analyse results and approach biomechanical problems with precise, hypothesis-driven methods.

Communication and Reporting

Gain confidence in explaining complicated scientific processes, whether in written reports, presentations, or conversations with colleagues, other professionals, or people who use services.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is perfect for those in the social care sector who want to deepen their understanding of how biology impacts health. Whether you’re just starting your career or already have years of experience, this course helps you expand your expertise.

Who will benefit:

• Social care workers, including carers and outreach staff, who want to better understand the health challenges faced by people who use services.
• Support workers and healthcare assistants who work closely with medical teams, helping improve communication and collaboration.
• Managers, team leaders, or coordinators aiming to provide better training to their teams on health matters.
• Anyone in the social care field who wants to understand more about the science behind health and disease.

If you’re committed to providing better support to people who use services, this course can give you the scientific foundation you need.

FAQ

What do I need to join this course?
You don’t need a background in science. This course is designed to cover the basics and build up your understanding step by step.

How long will this course take?
It’s self-paced, so you can complete it at a speed that suits your schedule.

Will I get a certificate when I finish?
Yes, you’ll receive a certificate to show you’ve completed the course and gained a strong understanding of biochemistry in relation to health.

Can I apply this knowledge to my role straight away?
Yes. The course focuses on practical applications of biochemistry, designed for day-to-day use in social care settings.

What support will I get?
You’ll have access to course support if you have any questions along the way. Help is always available.

Will this course be updated with new developments?
Yes, the course is regularly reviewed to include new information and ensure everything stays up to date and relevant to England.

By completing this Biochemistry for Health course, you’ll come away with knowledge and skills that empower you to make a difference. Whether it’s understanding health conditions, supporting prevention strategies, or collaborating with medical professionals, this course gives you the tools to provide more informed and effective care. Start today and equip yourself with the science behind the support you give!