Biochemistry: From Molecules to Medicine
Biochemistry is the foundation of modern medicine. This course extends beyond introductory exposure, providing pre-medical and post-baccalaureate students with the opportunity to learn about molecular principles and connect them to human health and disease. Through rigorous content taught by Harvard Medical School faculty, you’ll strengthen your scientific foundation, sharpen clinical reasoning, and prepare for the demands of medical school.
Choose the course length that works for you: Multi-length courses available throughout the year
Eligibility
For students ages 18 and up
Fees
$1,895
Explore the Molecular Foundations of Medicine
Metabolism and Energy in Cells
Learn how cells convert and regulate energy — a core concept for understanding physiology, pathology, and pharmacology in medical school.
Catabolic Pathways and Clinical Relevance
Trace how the breakdown of molecules fuels life processes, and see how disruptions connect to conditions such as diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
Cell Architecture and Disease
Examine organelles and membranes not just as structures, but as key players in maintaining health and contributing to disease when their functions are disrupted.
Tissue-Specific Metabolism
Understand the biochemical specialization of different cell types, and how this knowledge informs diagnostics, treatment, and our understanding of pathology.
Cell Signaling and Regulation
Investigate how cells detect and respond to internal and external signals. Learn the key mechanisms that regulate communication within and between cells, and understand how disruptions in signaling can lead to disease.
Protein Structure and Function
Analyze how the three-dimensional structures of proteins determine their function and regulation. Learn how enzymes accelerate biochemical reactions and how variations in folding or shape can affect activity. Consider how structural diversity enables life’s complexity and, in some cases, contributes to disease.
Pre-Med Online Certificate Program Advantages
- Build a strong foundation in biochemistry that supports future studies in medicine and science.
- Strengthen your ability to connect molecular pathways to human health and disease.
- Engage with material developed by Harvard Medical School faculty to deepen your understanding of biochemical systems.
- Explore how biochemistry explains the molecular basis of disease and how treatments work to restore normal function.
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from Harvard Medical School, a valuable credential.
Three Benefits of the Program
Experience Medical School-Level Content
- You’ll have access to medical-school-level material, quizzes, and other engaging content designed by doctors, scientists, and faculty from Harvard Medical School.
- Courses lay a foundation for success in medical school, fostering the intellectual curiosity, empathy, and leadership qualities that define exceptional physicians.
Support from Mentors
- In addition to learning from Harvard Medical School faculty, you will have access to valuable mentors who will guide and support your learning experience.
- Here’s what to expect: You’ll receive guidance tailored to your course’s specific discipline, along with encouragement and direction throughout the program. Mentors are here to offer inspiration, motivation, and confidence — helping you stay on track and succeed every step of the way.
Maximum Flexibility
- Our format is entirely online, allowing you to pursue the rigorous curriculum on your schedule; anytime, anywhere.
- Experience flexible, immersive video content.
- Take multiple courses to deepen your learning experience and further prepare you for medical school.
- Academic enrichment courses include videos, quizzes, and a final exam.
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
Taught by HMS Faculty
Kevin S. Bonham, PhD
Lecturer in Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School (former)
Bonham has taught courses on immunology, virology, infectious disease, and experimental design. He started at the University of California San Diego, where he majored in biochemistry and cell biology, before coming to Harvard for his PhD in immunology.
Ole-Petter Hamnvik, MB BCh BAO, MMSc
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Dr. Hamnvik is also an endocrinologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where he specializes in treating patients with hormonal disorders, particularly diabetes and thyroid disease. Additionally, he holds the positions of assistant program director for the internal medicine residency program and program director of the endocrinology fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Your Mentorship Experience
Throughout your program experience, you’ll be guided by mentors — including physicians, researchers, and health care experts — who provide support and insight as you navigate your coursework. These mentors bring expertise in your course’s specific discipline and are dedicated to helping you stay engaged and on track as you progress. They’ll offer encouragement, direction, and motivation while helping you build the confidence needed to succeed in the program and beyond.
Grace
Holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health as well as a Pre-Medical Post-Baccalaureate and Master of Public Health. Grace is currently working towards a Master of Business Administration and is conducting medical research at the nation’s top-ranked children’s hospital. As a science educator, Grace is passionate about making complex topics approachable and engaging and looks forward to helping students understand how classroom concepts connect to real-world health care and medical research.
Jaymar
Holds a Precision Medicine Certificate as well as a doctorate in pharmacy. Jaymar is currently working towards becoming a licensed pharmacist in the state of Massachusetts and aspires to be a practicing clinical pharmacist. Jaymar is passionate about utilizing his medical science expertise to help patients achieve optimal health outcomes, and students pursue their own careers in medicine.
How To Apply:
Our application process is straightforward. Tell us why you are interested in medicine and how this program can help you on your medical journey. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required.
Note: Please submit all application materials in English.
Begin the guided application process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.
Want to Know More?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.
Admissions
Our application process is easy. You can expect a prompt decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you're accepted? Find answers to your questions here.
Scholarships
We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition.
- If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.
- If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.
