Biochemistry — Complete High School Course

A rigorous, secular, lab- and project-based high school biochemistry course for grades 10–12

Take your student beyond introductory biology and chemistry and into the molecular science of life. Biochemistry explores how the molecules, reactions, pathways, and cellular processes of living organisms work together—from proteins and enzymes to DNA, metabolism, biotechnology, disease, hormones, and drug design.

Designed for independent learners, this course provides a structured 36-week plan with daily assignments, hands-on and virtual labs, worksheets, discussions, and projects. Parents do not need a science degree to facilitate the course; detailed instructions and grading guidance are included.

What Students Will Study

The course is organized into 10 thematic units:

• The Chemistry of Life — atoms, chemical bonds, pH, acids, bases, buffers, organic molecules, carbohydrates, and lipids
• Proteins & Protein Function — amino acids, protein structure, enzymes, enzyme kinetics, inhibition, cofactors, and coenzymes
• Nucleic Acids & Gene Expression — DNA, RNA, replication, transcription, translation, mutations, and the genetic code
• Membranes, Transport & Cell Signaling — membrane structure, diffusion, osmosis, active transport, receptors, hormones, and signaling pathways
• Bioenergetics & Metabolism — ATP, thermodynamics, glycolysis, fermentation, cellular respiration, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain
• Photosynthesis & Metabolism — light reactions, the Calvin cycle, photorespiration, C4/CAM plants, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and the urea cycle
• DNA Technology & Genomics — PCR, gel electrophoresis, recombinant DNA, cloning, DNA sequencing, CRISPR-Cas9, GMOs, gene therapy, genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics
• Biochemistry of Disease — metabolic disorders, diabetes, cancer, infectious disease, prions, antibodies, and antigens
• Neuroscience & Hormones — neurotransmitters, action potentials, receptors, steroid and peptide hormones, feedback loops, and homeostasis
• Advanced Topics & Synthesis — structural biochemistry, NMR, X-ray crystallography, drug design, current research, careers, and a final capstone

Course Structure

36 weeks | 4 days per week | approximately 45–60 minutes per day

Each week follows a predictable rhythm:

• Day 1: Lesson, reading, videos, and notes
• Day 2: Worksheets and vocabulary
• Day 3: Lab or project work
• Day 4: Discussion and review

Students complete 18 labs, 54 worksheets, 36 weekly discussion questions, and 4 major mini-projects throughout the year.

Hands-On & Virtual Labs

Labs allow students to apply biochemical concepts rather than simply memorize them. Examples include:

• Molecular model building
• Benedict's test for reducing sugars
• Biuret protein testing
• Catalase enzyme activity
• DNA extraction from strawberries
• Virtual transcription and translation
• Osmosis and membrane permeability
• Cell signaling simulations
• Yeast fermentation
• Gel electrophoresis and biotechnology activities
• A student-designed biochemical experiment and lab report

Most materials are household items or inexpensive supplies, with the curriculum estimating approximately $30–$80 in materials, depending on what you already have. Virtual lab platforms are free.

Four Major Projects

Students complete one substantial project each quarter:

1. Macromolecule Infographic — Compare carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
2. Metabolic Pathway Poster — Trace glucose through glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain.
3. Biotechnology/Genomics Project
4. Capstone Biochemistry Presentation — Research and present a biochemistry topic while synthesizing concepts learned throughout the course.

Grading & Record Keeping

The curriculum includes grading rubrics for labs, worksheets, discussions, and projects, allowing families to maintain a formal grade and course portfolio. Suggested grading totals 1,660 points across the year.

Designed for Independent Learners

Students are given detailed daily directions and can work largely independently, while parents serve primarily as a coach and discussion partner rather than needing to lecture or teach the science themselves.

Prerequisites: Biology and Chemistry

This course is intended for students in grades 10–12, typically ages 15–18. Because the course includes topics such as addiction biochemistry, reproductive hormones, HIV/AIDS mechanisms, cancer biology, disease, and drug interactions, parents are encouraged to preview the curriculum before assigning it.

What You'll Receive

Your digital curriculum includes:

• Complete 36-week course plan
• Daily lesson schedule
• 18 laboratory activities
• 54 worksheets
• 36 weekly discussion questions
• 4 major projects
• Grading rubrics
• Lab report guidance
• Selected answer keys
• Master resource list
• Links to free educational resources, videos, simulations, and reference materials

A Strong Foundation for Advanced Science

This is a college-preparatory course designed to give students a strong foundation in molecular and biochemical concepts and prepare them for further study in biology, chemistry, biotechnology, health sciences, and related fields.

📥 Digital Download

This is a digital curriculum download. No physical textbook or printed materials will be shipped.

Important: Digital Download Refund Policy

Due to the nature of digital products, all purchases are final. No refunds, exchanges, or cancellations are available once the digital curriculum has been purchased or downloaded.

Please review the course description, grade level, prerequisites, and included materials carefully before purchasing.

For personal homeschool use only. Purchase grants a single-family license for personal, non-commercial home education. Redistribution, sharing, resale, posting online, or use in a commercial educational setting is prohibited without the appropriate license.

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