Amino acids and proteins are the fundamental building blocks of all living organisms, driving nearly every biological process within the cell. In Fundamentals of Amino Acids & Proteins: Structure, Function & Analysis, you will gain a complete understanding of how these molecules work — from their chemical properties to their role in maintaining life’s complex systems. Designed for students, researchers, and life-science enthusiasts, this course combines essential biochemical theory with real-world laboratory relevance.

You’ll start by exploring the foundational concepts of amino acid chemistry, including their basic and ionisation properties, classifications, and modifications such as beta and post-translationally modified amino acids. You’ll also examine how amino acids contribute to information storage and molecular communication within biological systems. As you move forward, you’ll delve into protein structure — from secondary and super-secondary formations explained through Ramachandran plots, to the intricate folding processes governed by Levinthal’s paradox and Anfinsen’s experiment.

The course then shifts focus to experimental techniques that bring protein science to life. You’ll learn about protein sequencing via Edman degradation, purification strategies based on solubility, molecular weight, and isoelectric points, and how to assess protein yield and activity. Finally, you’ll explore modern structural biology tools such as circular dichroism, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and X-ray crystallography — essential techniques for determining protein conformation and function.

By the end of this course, you will have a strong conceptual and technical grasp of how amino acids form, fold, and function as proteins. You’ll understand the biochemical interactions that drive health, disease, and biotechnology innovation — preparing you for advanced studies or professional work in biochemistry, molecular biology, or biomedical research.